Employment Pass vs. Professional Visit Pass (PVP): Which One is Right for You?

Malaysia continues to attract foreign professionals with its business-friendly climate and expanding job market. Understanding which work visa suits your professional purpose is crucial for compliance and long-term planning. Two popular options are the Employment Pass (EP) and the Professional Visit Pass (PVP). This guide compares both to help expatriates and employers make informed decisions.

The Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) are two of the most common work visas in Malaysia. The Employment Pass is designed for expatriates with specialized skills, knowledge, or managerial expertise who have been offered long-term employment by a Malaysian-registered company. The Professional Visit Pass, on the other hand, is intended for foreign professionals who are employed by an overseas company but need to work temporarily in Malaysia for a Malaysian entity. These two visas serve different purposes and have different requirements, and understanding their distinctions is essential for both foreign professionals and their employers.

This comprehensive guide will explore the key differences, eligibility criteria, benefits, and application processes of the Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass, ensuring you have all the information needed to determine which one best fits your employment situation in Malaysia. We will also discuss common mistakes applicants make, how to avoid them, and additional details that will help make your visa application process smoother and more efficient.

What is the Employment Pass (EP)?

The Employment Pass is designed for foreign professionals who have secured a job in Malaysia requiring high-level skills. It is issued to individuals filling managerial, executive, or technical roles. Only Malaysian-registered companies can sponsor and apply for this pass. The EP is suitable for long-term employment arrangements.

To be eligible, applicants must have a job offer from a registered Malaysian company. The role must require specialized skills that are not readily available in the local workforce. A valid employment contract and relevant academic or professional qualifications are also required. Salaries must meet the minimum threshold set by Malaysian authorities.

Eligibility Requirements for the Employment Pass

To qualify for an EP, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

• A confirmed job offer from a Malaysian-registered company
• A managerial, executive, or technical role requiring specialized skills
• Meeting the minimum salary requirement set by Malaysia’s immigration authorities
• Academic or professional qualifications relevant to the job role
• An employment contract that aligns with the EP category applied for

Employers are responsible for submitting the EP application, and they must prove that hiring a foreign professional is necessary due to the lack of qualified local talent.

Employment Pass Categories

The Employment Pass is divided into three categories based on salary and job role:

Category I

• Monthly salary of RM10,000 and above
• Valid for up to five years
• Allows dependants and foreign domestic helpers
• Typically for C-level executives, directors, and senior managers

Category II

• Monthly salary between RM5,000 and RM9,999
• Valid for up to two years
• Allows dependants
• Typically for mid-level managers, senior engineers, and specialists

Category III

• Monthly salary between RM3,000 and RM4,999
• Valid for up to 12 months, renewable up to two times
• Dependants are not allowed
• Typically for junior professionals and technical experts

These categories ensure foreign professionals are matched to appropriate levels of responsibility. Category I is typically for C-suite executives and directors. Category II suits mid-level professionals such as engineers and specialists. Category III targets junior professionals and technicians.

EP holders can live and work legally in Malaysia for the duration of their pass. They can renew the pass if their employment contract is extended. Dependants may apply for a Dependant Pass, provided the EP holder qualifies. The EP may also provide a pathway to permanent residency over time.

Benefits of the Employment Pass

• Ability to live and work legally in Malaysia for an extended period
• Possibility to bring family members under Dependant Passes
• Eligibility for long-term career growth in Malaysia
• Pathway to permanent residency in certain cases
• Ability to renew EP without leaving Malaysia if employment continues

What is the Professional Visit Pass (PVP)?

The PVP is a short-term visa for foreign professionals temporarily providing services in Malaysia. Applicants must be employed by an overseas company but required to work in Malaysia. The PVP is ideal for consultants, trainers, researchers, and engineers on limited assignments. It is typically valid for up to 12 months and is not renewable.

The PVP is not tied to long-term employment or relocation. Instead, it supports foreign experts working on time-bound projects. A Malaysian entity must act as the local sponsor for the visa. Application must be submitted before the applicant arrives in Malaysia.

Eligible professions for PVP include lecturers, guest speakers, engineers, volunteers, religious workers, and artists. Applicants must provide a formal invitation or contract from the Malaysian sponsor. They must also prove that local professionals cannot fulfill the project scope. Processing time is generally shorter than for EPs.

Eligibility Requirements for the Professional Visit Pass

To qualify for a PVP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be employed by an overseas company but required to work temporarily in Malaysia
• Provide specialized knowledge, expertise, or training to a Malaysian entity
• Have a Malaysian company, institution, or government agency act as a sponsor
• Have an official invitation or contract from the Malaysian entity requiring the service

Types of Professionals Eligible for a PVP

• Professors and Lecturers
• Guest Speakers and Researchers
• Consultants and Technical Advisors
• Engineers and Equipment Maintenance Experts
• Volunteers and Religious Practitioners
• Foreign Artists for Filming and Performances

Benefits of the Professional Visit Pass

• Allows foreign professionals to legally work in Malaysia for short-term assignments
• No need to change employment status with an overseas company
• Faster processing time compared to an Employment Pass
• Suitable for professionals who do not require long-term relocation

Employment Pass vs. Professional Visit Pass: Key Differences

The Employment Pass enables long-term career development and possible permanent residency. The PVP serves temporary needs for foreign workers who are not switching employers. Each has its own eligibility criteria, documentation, and restrictions. Choosing the wrong pass may lead to rejection or non-compliance.

Updated Regulatory Highlights 2025

In 2025, Malaysia transitioned to fully digital issuance of Employment Passes. ePASSes now replace physical visa stickers and can be stored on mobile devices. This makes it easier for employers and expatriates to access and verify pass details. It also improves processing efficiency for renewals and status checks.

Additionally, employers offering salaries below RM15,000 must advertise the role locally for 30 days. This effort promotes fair opportunities for Malaysian citizens. This rule applies to new EP applications and certain PVP roles. The job advertisement must be posted on MYFutureJobs.

The PVP document requirements have also been simplified. Since August 2024, only six core documents are required instead of the previous thirteen. This change reduces paperwork and accelerates approvals. Applicants still need to submit passport copies, sponsor letters, and project outlines.

Cooling-off periods continue to apply for switching from PVP to EP Category III. Professionals must exit Malaysia and wait three months before reapplying. This policy prevents back-to-back short-term engagements. Employers should plan timelines accordingly.

Which Visa is Right for You?

If you are relocating to Malaysia for a full-time job with a Malaysian employer, the Employment Pass is the best option. This visa allows you to build your career in Malaysia, apply for dependants to join you, and remain in the country for an extended period.

If you are providing short-term expertise in Malaysia but remain employed by an overseas company, the Professional Visit Pass is the appropriate choice. This visa is best for professionals working on specific projects, conducting training, or fulfilling a temporary professional need.

Understanding the differences between these two work visas is essential for both professionals and employers. Choosing the correct visa ensures compliance with Malaysia’s immigration laws, reduces delays, and facilitates a smoother transition into the Malaysian workforce. If you need further assistance with your visa application, consulting an immigration specialist can help navigate the complexities of the process and improve your chances of approval.

Conclusion

Both the Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) allow foreign professionals to work in Malaysia, but they cater to different employment situations. The EP is ideal for long-term employment, whereas the PVP is designed for temporary assignments where the professional remains employed by an overseas company. Choosing the right visa is essential to avoid complications and ensure compliance with Malaysia’s immigration laws. Employers and expatriates should assess job roles, contract duration, and professional objectives before deciding which visa best suits their needs.

For assistance with Employment Pass or Professional Visit Pass applications, consulting an immigration specialist can help streamline the process and ensure compliance with Malaysia’s work visa regulations.