A comprehensive guide to Malaysia’s work visas, which includes the Employment Pass, Temporary Employment Pass, and Professional Visit Pass.
Malaysia is a great location for expats to live and work. Foreigners will find it much easier if their company sends them to Malaysia for work and handles the visa application process for them. This is because sourcing a job in Malaysia on your own can be a very challenging process. Malaysia has its own set of regulations and laws when it comes to the employment of foreign nationals.
To legally live and work in Malaysia, a foreigner must possess a Malaysian work visa. This can either be in the form of an endorsement on your passport, or a recognised travel document. The document must state that you have applied for permission, and that permission has been granted for you to come to Malaysia.
Applications for a Malaysian visa can be made in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad. Ideally, this should be done in advance before you plan to come to the country. Malaysia has stringent laws when it comes to illegal workers, so it is highly advisable that you secure your work visa before you start working.
Types of Visas in Malaysia
Visa Type | Purpose |
Employment Pass (EP) | For employees who have a specific skill set (usually technical or managerial). The minimum period for this pass is 2-years. EP Malaysia is available in Category I, II and III. |
Temporary Employment Pass | For employees with a monthly salary of less than RM5,000. Also, applicable for employees with an employment period of less than 2-years. |
Professional Visit Pass (PVP) | For employees with a monthly salary of less than RM5,000. Also applicable for employees with an employment period of less than 2-years. |
Malaysia has three types of working visas to choose from. The type of visa you select when you apply for Malaysia work visas would depend on your job and skills involved. The types of visas issued in Malaysia for working professionals are:
*Note: These work visas are not considered long-term visas and will require renewal before the expiration date.
Requirements for Malaysia Work Visa Application
Before lodging your application, you should ensure that your passport has a minimum validity of 18-months remaining. Unless you are based in the IT sector, the minimum age requirement to apply for a work permit in Malaysia is 27-years old and above. For the IT sector, the minimum age requirement sits at 23-years.
Depending on the type of work permit you’re applying for, permits can be issued for periods which range from 6 months to 5-years. A foreigner’s employment contract and work permits must be in order before the foreigner can commence working. It is advisable that employers get their employment contracts drafted by professional service providers like Paul Hype Page, who come with the needed experience to make sure everything is done perfectly.
For certain classes of foreign employees, the Malaysian company employer will be required to pay monthly levies. Employers who need more information about the visa process, requirements and forms may visit the Malaysian Immigration Department’s website for more information.
Employment Pass vs Professional Visit Pass (PVP)
Employment Pass visas allow a foreigner to take up employment with a Malaysian organisation. This visa will be subjected to the length of the employment contract. The foreigner must hold either managerial or technical positions to be eligible for this visa. Employers will lodge the Employment Pass application for the foreigner. EP’s are valid for up to 60 months, and approval is issued by the Expatriate Committee (EC). Other approval agencies include the Ministry of Home Affairs. Holders of this visa can bring their family members with them under the Dependant Pass visa.
The PVP is a work pass visa which allows expats to take up professional work in Malaysia. The visa is valid for a maximum or 12-months. To qualify for this visa, the foreigner must be residing outside Malaysia at the time of application. Eligible positions for this type of visa include professor, lecturer, speaker, researcher, consultant, technical advisor, maintenance installation and fixing expert (machines and equipment). PVP holders are not entitled to bring their family members with them or apply for the Dependant Pass visa.
Professional Visit Pass (PVP) Prerequisites
All PVP applications must be made outside Malaysia, unless the foreigner is applying for an extension. All applications must be submitted by either an employer, sponsor or school in Malaysia. If applications are lodged by the school, it should be made at least one month before the learning or teaching commences. Applications must be sent to the Federal Government Administrative Centre (Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan). Certain categories of the PVP shall be subject to consideration, and these categories include:
- Other experts/volunteers
- Filming and performance by foreign artists
- Islamic missionary
- Practitioners/Other religious workers
- International students who are undergoing religious courses with the Malaysia bible seminary
- Government to government program or on government purpose
The validity of the PVP will be subjected to the requirements and conditions of Malaysia’s immigration rules and policies for a period which does not exceed 12-months. Any applications for a PVP which are made for the purpose of undergoing training at a factory or hotel is only applicable for a period not exceeding 6 months.
Employment Pass vs Temporary Employment Pass (TEP)
To be an eligible Employment Pass holder, a foreigner must be a degree (or above), diploma or technical certificate holder. They must also have the relevant work experience required for each qualification level. Employment Pass Category I holders must have a fixed monthly salary of RM10,000 and an employment contract valid for 5-years. Category II holders must have a fixed monthly salary of at least RM5,000 and an employment contract valid for 2-years. Category III holders must have a fixed monthly salary between RM3,000 – RM5,000 and an employment contract not exceeding 12-months.
A TEP will enable semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers to work in Malaysia. Occupational roles include agriculture, manufacturing, mining, service sectors and construction. TEP’s are valid for up to 3-years. However, they are subjected to yearly extensions. This would depend on the availability of the specified occupation. TEP’s can only be issued after quota approval has been given by the Local Centre of Approval. Family members are not eligible to apply for Dependant Pass visa.
*Find out more about the Employment Pass and its detailed requirements in our All You Need to Know About Employment Pass in Malaysia Guide Part I and Part II
Temporary Employment Pass (TEP) Prerequisites
All quota approval applications must be lodge with the Local Centre of Approval, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Levies must also be paid to the same department. Employers must apply for the Visa with Reference (VDR) and the Visitor’s Pass (TEP). Foreign workers must be outside Malaysia at the time of application. They will only be allowed to enter Malaysia once the application has been approved.
Foreigners will be allowed to enter Malaysia via these permitted entry points:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Foreign workers must have a Visa from Malaysian Representative Offices overseas.
- Other entry points from Thailand and Indonesia. Foreigners from here must obtain a Visa from the Malaysian Representative Office in that country.
Foreigners will also be required to undergo medical examinations at FOMEMA registered clinics / health centres to obtain a clean bill of health. The Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment) sticker can be obtained from the State Immigration Office, or at the Malaysian Immigration Headquarters, Putrajaya.
Malaysia’s Immigration Requirements
As of June 2016, there are new work visa Malaysia requirements that all foreigners must be aware of. These changes must be taken into account when lodging your work permit application. The changes were introduced by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, and they include:
- Employment Pass and PVP holders must show a copy of the approval letter upon arrival. You will not be able to enter the country while your work visa is still being reviewed.
- Foreigners must exit Malaysia to renew their work visas. In-country renewals are no longer applicable.
- For Employment Pass Category I and II holders, the minimum monthly salary of RM5,000 can no longer include allowances. Allowances are no longer included to meet the minimum salary requirement.
Need Work Visa Assistance in Malaysia? Contact Paul Hype Page Today!
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Hi there, thanks for all the info on this page. So even though its MCO again and I’m already in Malaysia on visitor pass, we still have to exit the country to begin procedure for employment pass??
Hi Michael,
Your question has been answered under our forum.
https://www.paulhypepage.my/php-forums/malaysia/procedure-for-employment-pass/
Feel free to interact with us in the forum if you need further clarification. We will be happy to assist.
Best Regards,
Paul
Hi, can I know if one Indonesian already work in Malaysia for many years, he still require work visa to remain working in Malaysia, right? And the visa is applied by his employer. How about that foreigner is married to local people (Malaysian), will there be any changes on his work visa?
Yes, all foreigners will require work visa to remain working in Malaysia. If a foreigner is married to a Malaysian, the eligible foreigner will be issued a Social Visit Pass for a period of 5 years. They are allowed to work in Malaysia with the Social Visit Pass.
Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
Thanks
Hi,
My girl friend is from Thailand but she is not over 27 years old. Can she still come if i give her a managerial position under my own sdn bhd. ?
Hi,
Yes, your girlfriend can hold a managerial position under your own Sdn Bhd company. You can apply an employment pass for her so she can work under your company.
Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
Thanks
Hi Paul Hype Page,
Thank you for the post – it was extremely helpful. I have one question – as an individual who qualifies for Category I Employment Pass, if I’m interested in finding work in Malaysia, I would first need to secure a role at a company and the company would need to submit the application for the EP visa on my behalf. Is that correct?
Thank you.
Hi Pedro,
Please be informed you need to have a job secured first and only after that you can submit your employment pass application
Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
Thank you for your question.
Warm regards
Paul
Hello, good afternoon
I would like to ask you, at the moment i have social visa and i am staying in Malaysia.
So if i want to apply for working visa in Malaysia my company will apply for me which type of visa?
Since i am fresh graduated engineer with bachelor degree and salary less than 3k
Hi Musaed,
You should apply EP Category III.
Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
Thank you for your question.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi,
I own a manicure shop and i would like to apply working visa for my girlfriend under my company. She is from Thailand. Is it possible to apply working visa for her? Any requirements?
Hi,
Kindly note the following requirements for an Employment Pass application:
Individual requirements:
– Have a job offer in Malaysia OR incorporate your own company in Malaysia.
– Work in a managerial, executive or specialised job.
– Have acceptable qualifications, usually a good university degree, professional qualifications or specialist skills.
The below are the different categories of an Employment Pass. Kindly note that we only provide services for a category 1 EP.
Category I (EPI) – for applicants who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least RM10,000 and a valid employment contract for a minimum of 5 years.
Category II (EPII) – for applicants who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least RM5,000 up to RM9,999 and a valid employment contract of 2 years.
Category III (EPIII) – for applicants who earn a fixed monthly salary of between RM3,000 to 4,999 and a valid employment contract period not exceeding 12 months.
Company requirements:
– The company must have the relevant business licenses
– The company should be operational for a recommended period of 3 to 6 months
– The company must have the minimum paid up capital in the bank account
Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
Thank you for your question.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi, I have an American co-worker who was supposed to come to Malaysia before COVID-19 hit and MCO was enforced. We’re hoping that he can come sometime in August, but we are unsure if we can apply for him to have the Employment Pass in Category III. He was initially offered a Digital Marketing executive position within our company, but because of COVID-19, we had to suspend the offer until we knew we could apply for an EP visa.
Would he still be eligible for the EP Category III visa?
Hi Andie
Yes, you are able to apply for his visa. We are unable to advise you on the specifics of his approval chances without further information. Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
Thank you for your question.
Warm regards
Paul
Hello Admin, just wanted to ask, as I am an expat here in Malaysia working under an employment pass visa. What if for example my Employment Pass was not renewed by my employer, so can I apply for social visit pass after the Employment Pass visa expire as I plan to stay either a month just to find or look for work, is that valid reasoning for social pass visa? Does that reasoning of finding a new job or work in Malaysia a valid reason for a month stay more in Malaysia (after my visa expire) that can Immigration can approve? Or is that social visit pass falls on the premise of what you called on the above query on “special pass extension”? Please help me as i really wanted to stay more in Malaysia after my visa expire so that i could still look for job opening. Appreciate for your kind reply and advise on this personal matter. Thank you and more power to your team!
Hello Kenneth
Yes you would be best suited for a special pass extension. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via Paul Hype Page.
Thank you for your comment.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi i am currently under EP category 3, and i got a job offer of fixed monthly remuneration package (RM4000 Basic salary + RM2000 language allowance). Am i eligible for category 2 visa?
Hi Kim
No, you will only be eligible for EP category 3. If you have any further inquiries, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.
Thank you for your comment.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi I just want to ask something. Because my friend was currently stopped to work because of this covid-19, their company close but he was applying work to anyone who could employ him. His visa was going to expire next month. How can he renew that?
Hi Lily
If he has not found a job, he can apply for a special pass extension that will give him additional time to get his affairs in order before leaving the country.
To facilitate further discussion, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.
Thank you for your comment.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi Paul Am surulimasthan.. Am work as tooling engineer MNC company. Now my EP 2-this year is 9th year renewal. If I would like to continue with 10+ years work at same company with same EP2 Visa what are documents Need to apply further next year visa renewal process. Please help to inform will advice to my HR team..
Regards
Suruli masthan
Hi Suruli Masthan
The documents required will depend on your application, and it is up to the ESD to call for supporting documentation. Your employer should have the necessary documents on hand from your previous renewals, and if they are called to furnish additional documents, you can provide that as required.
To facilitate further discussion, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.
Thank you for your comment.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi, Now I am working in Malaysia with Manufacturing working Visa. I apply on other Company they want to hire me for Engineer with Expat category. My contract and working visa expired on this coming March 2020. No need cooling period for a foreigner?
Hello Lordan,
If you would like to continue working in Malaysia, you will need a valid work visa. Therefore, our advice to you is that you have your work visa renewed as soon as possible. because it will soon expire.
Any work visa can be renewed at any time as long as all possible renewals have not been used.
For further information on any of Malaysia’s work visas, please contact us at any time.
Thank you for your question.
Paul