WORK

Growing Industries in Malaysia

Malaysia offers a range of career opportunities for expatriates and foreign professionals across various industries. The country is ranked at no. 34 in the World Competitiveness Ranking in 2024, suggesting a progressive economy and societal well-being.

Some of the key sectors include:

Reference:

Employment Pass

To obtain an Employment Pass (EP) in Malaysia, there are a few steps involved. Below are the processes to help you navigate your employment journey:

1. Determine the Type of Employment Pass Needed

For expatriates, Malaysia offers two categories of Employment Passes depending on job role, salary, and contract duration:

• Category I: For high-level managerial positions

Monthly salary: Minimum of MYR 10,000

Contract: Up to 5 years

• Category II: For mid-level positions

Monthly salary: Between MYR 5,000 and MYR 9,999 

Contract: Up to 2 years

Dependents: EP holders in Categories 1 and 2 can apply for Dependent Passes for their immediate family members.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• Employer Requirements:

Your future employer must be registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) under the Malaysian Immigration Department. The program allows for the sponsorship of expatriates.

• Educational & Professional Qualifications:

Ensure that you have minimum and relevant qualifications and experience in your respective fields before you apply for the position.

3. Receive a Job Offer

• The employer must extend a formal job offer to you, detailing the role, salary, and contract duration.

4. Employment Pass Application

• Your employer or authorized representative will apply for the Employment Pass on your behalf. 

The required documents include:

• Passport (valid for at least 12 months)
• Employment Contract
• Academic Qualifications and Certificates (Translated by Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books (ITBM) or Embassy if the certificates are not in English / Bahasa)
• Resume / CV
• Passport-Sized Photos

5. Approval Process

• The application is reviewed by the ESD (MYXpats Centre), and the processing generally takes around 5 working days. 

6. Issuance of Visa Approval Letter (VAL)

• Once approved, you will receive a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). This will allow you to enter Malaysia and collect your Employment Pass.
• If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Malaysia, the employer will apply for a Visa with Reference (VDR) on your behalf. 
• You can then apply for a Single Entry Visa at the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country, or online through the eVISA.

7. Entry into Malaysia

• With the VDR, you can enter Malaysia via KLIA 

At Terminal 1 & 2, you may opt to have your pass endorsed at Expatriate Satellite Center (ESC), which operates 24/7

You may opt for delivery of the employment pass to the company’s registered address

• The employment pass includes the duration of the permit, which varies by category.

Special Program

Malaysia encourages talented individuals to work in Malaysia under specific programs with different benefits and advantages, depending on what they can offer. Here are some of the programs that you can explore:

1. DE Rantau Nomad Pass

DE Rantau Nomad Pass is a type of Professional Visit Pass newly designed to allow qualified foreign digital nomads to travel and work in Malaysia.

Validity: 3 to 12 months

Option to renew for an additional 12 months

Total of 24 months of stay

2. Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP)

The Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme is a government initiative aimed at attracting talented tech entrepreneurs (including founders and co-founders) from across the globe. It provides support and resources to assist them in establishing and growing their startups in Malaysia.

This program offers a conducive environment for both new and established tech entrepreneurs to thrive within Malaysia's dynamic digital ecosystem.

Type of passes

• New Entrepreneur

Professional Visit Pass (PVP-MTE)

Validity: 1 year (renewable for another 1 year)

*Once you have successfully completed 2 years New Entrepreneur category, you may apply for Established Entrepreneur

• Established Entrepreneur

Residence Pass (RP-MTE) 

Validity: up to 5 years (renewable for another 5 years)

3. Resident-Pass Talent

If you have worked in Malaysia for more than 3 years, you can check the Resident-Pass Talent program for greater flexibility compared to standard employment passes.

Requirement:

• Work in Malaysia > 3 years
• Paid income tax for 2 years
• Minimum monthly salary of MYR15,000

Validity: Up to 10 years renewable visa

4. PLS@Expat

This program allows foreign individuals with specific skills to perform emergency and critical tasks in Malaysia under Social Visit Pass and without the need for an Employment Pass.

Examples of critical tasks:

• Oil and gas incidents/accidents
• Malfunction in IT industries
• Power plant incidents/accidents

Validity: Maximum 30 days

Employment Rights for Expats