Foreign professionals who intend to work in Malaysia are generally required to obtain an Employment Pass (EP). This work visa is issued to expatriates who have secured a role with a registered Malaysian company in a managerial, executive, or highly skilled position.
The Employment Pass is regulated under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955 and remains one of the main work permits for expatriates entering the Malaysian workforce. As immigration policies and EP criteria evolve, it is crucial for both employers and applicants to stay aligned with the latest requirements.
Working with an experienced immigration and corporate service provider significantly improves your chances of approval by ensuring your company structure, role, salary, and documentation all meet current EP standards.
Why is Malaysia the Perfect Destination for Your Business?
Malaysia’s strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia, combined with a resilient economy, makes it one of the most attractive destinations for business incorporation. In 2023 alone, the country recorded USD 69.5 billion in approved investments and USD 39.7 billion in actual foreign direct investment, showcasing strong global investor confidence. With a highly educated workforce and targeted government incentives in high-growth sectors such as semiconductors, data centers, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology, Malaysia provides a fertile ground for
Related Read: Work Permit Requirements for Investors Incorporating a Company in Malaysia
How Can I Be Eligible for a Malaysia Employment Pass (EP)?
To qualify for a Malaysia Employment Pass, foreign professionals must meet several criteria related to their role, salary, experience, and industry. While there is no single published “minimum qualification”, in practice, stronger profiles have higher approval rates.
Working with a local expert or corporate service provider ensures your documentation is aligned with current immigration standards, helping to increase your chances of EP approval.
Malaysia Employment Pass (EP) Categories
There are three categories of the Malaysia Employment Pass, each designed to accommodate professionals at different levels within an organization.
Malaysia Employment Pass Category 1
- Roles: CEOs, Directors, Project Managers, Technical Leads
- Salary: Minimum RM10,000/month
- Contract: Up to 5 years
- Renewable: Yes
- Eligible to hire a Foreign Domestic Helper: Yes
Malaysia Employment Pass Category 2
- Roles: Marketing Managers, Architects, Investment Managers, Lecturers
- Salary: RM5,000 to RM9,999/month
- Contract: Up to 2 years
- Renewable: Yes
- Eligible to hire a Foreign Domestic Helper: Yes
Malaysia Employment Pass Category 3
- Roles: Designers, Food Technologists, Craftsmen, Technicians
- Salary: RM3,000 to RM4,999/month
- Contract: Up to 2 years
- Renewable: Limited to 2 renewals
- Eligible to hire a Foreign Domestic Helper: No
How to Apply for a Malaysia Employment Pass (EP): Step-by-Step Guide
For foreign professionals looking to work in Malaysia, the Employment Pass (EP) is the key visa that allows long-term residence and employment in the country. The application process involves multiple stages, including government approvals, documentation, and immigration compliance. This guide breaks down the full process to help you navigate Malaysia’s EP application smoothly.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility for a Malaysia Employment Pass
To apply for a Malaysia EP, you must be sponsored by a registered Malaysian company. Foreign entrepreneurs may self-sponsor by incorporating their own Sdn Bhd, provided the company meets immigration requirements such as paid-up capital, genuine business activity, and local compliance.
Eligibility depends on:
- A skilled / managerial / technical role
- Salary that fits Category 1, 2, or 3
- Relevant qualifications or experience
- Industry-specific approvals
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer or Incorporate a Malaysian Company
Your EP application must be linked to a Malaysian employer. You must either:
- Receive an employment contract from a Malaysian company, or
- Incorporate your own Sdn Bhd and apply as a director/owner EP applicant
- This step formalizes the employer–employee relationship required for EP submission.
Step 3: Prepare Required Pre-Application Documents
Both employers and applicants should prepare documents early to avoid delays. Applicant documents typically include:
- Passport copy
- Resume / CV
- Academic certificates
- Reference letters (if needed)
- Signed employment contract
Proper documentation significantly improves approval likelihood.
Step 4: Employer Applies for Expatriate Post
Before submitting the EP application, the employer must obtain Expatriate Post (post approval) from the relevant approving body, such as:
- MDEC – IT & digital economy
- MIDA – manufacturing & services
- BiotechCorp – biotechnology
- Bank Negara Malaysia – finance & banking
- Securities Commission – capital markets
- Expatriate Committee (EC) – general sectors not covered above
This step assesses:
- The necessity of hiring a foreigner
- Whether the role requires specialised skills not readily available locally
Companies must justify why the foreign candidate is essential.
Step 5: Gather All Supporting Company Documents
The following documents are required from the sponsoring company:
Step 6: Submit the Application and Await Processing
Once all documents are ready, the employer submits the EP application via the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal or other designated authority.
- Processing time: 4–8 weeks
- Important: Applicants must remain outside Malaysia until approval is issued.
- The authorities may request clarifications; timely replies prevent delays.
Step 7: Apply for a Visa with Reference (VDR)
If you are outside Malaysia, apply for a Visa with Reference (VDR) at the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate. Submit your:
- Passport
- EP approval letter
- Supporting documentation requested by the consulate
This visa allows you to legally enter Malaysia to complete the EP process.
Step 8: Finalize EP Endorsement in Malaysia
After arrival, your employer must help with the EP endorsement, which formalizes your legal employment status.
Steps include:
NOTE: You will still have to submit your passport to the officer at MYXpats. This means that the person whom you grant the rights to assist with this process should be someone you trust. The appointment date should be more than 5 working days after you have made payment.
Starting 1 March 2023, all EP holders of any category can now complete their endorsement at ESD Satellite Centre (ESC). Which is located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 (KLIA1). Applicants need to provide the Confirmation Letter for endorsement.
If unsuccessful, you can complete your endorsement in person at service centers outside KLIA1.
And once you’ve received the sticker on your passport, the employment pass endorsement will be completed. After all these steps, you can enter and exit Malaysia anytime until your visa expires.
Advantages of a Malaysia Employment Pass
Work Visa Holders & Dependent Pass
Good news — Employment Pass (EP) Category 1 and Category 2 holders are allowed to bring their family members to live with them in Malaysia.
Who Can Join You in Malaysia?
The following family members are eligible for either a Dependent Pass (DP) or a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP):
- Spouse
- Children under 21 years old
- Legally adopted children
- Dependent parents (LTSVP only, subject to approval)
Dependent Pass and LTSVP are typically valid up to 5 years, following the EP holder’s contract term.
Important Limitation
A Dependant Pass or LTSVP allows your family to reside in Malaysia — but it does NOT allow them to work.
If a dependant wishes to take up employment, they must apply for:
- A Malaysia Employment Pass, or
- A Professional Visit Pass (depending on the role)
Category 3 EP Holders
EP Category 3 holders cannot apply for:
- Dependant Passes
- Long-Term Social Visit Passes
(Category 3 visas are considered short-term and lower-tier.)
NOTE: A Dependent Pass and Long-Term Social Visit Pass only allows your family members to reside with you in Malaysia. It does NOT allow your family members to work in Malaysia. If they wish to do so, they too must apply for a Malaysia Employment Pass.
What are the other types of work Visas in Malaysia?
There are 4 other types of work visas in Malaysia. You can choose your work visa in Malaysia based on your skills and duration of work.
If you’re unsure which Malaysia work visa best suits your situation, our visa consultants can assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process. Contact us today for a personalized assessment.
Our 2 Decades of Proven Expertise Will Guide Your Business
With over two decades of experience spanning Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, we have successfully facilitated the incorporation of more than 2,000 companies across diverse jurisdictions. In Malaysia, our expertise is reflected in our high success rate for securing work permits and navigating complex regulatory requirements, demonstrating our commitment to client success. As trusted advisors, we specialize in leveraging strategic networks and market insights to empower businesses, ensuring seamless incorporation processes and a solid foundation for growth in competitive markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving to Malaysia can be daunting if you’re not familiar with the visa processes – here are the top questions regarding work visa and Employment Pass applications that will clear your doubts!
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