Services

Employment Pass

Malaysia Work Visa Programme

Malaysia Employment Pass

Apply for a Malaysia Employment Pass with professional guidance. Skilled expatriates can work legally in Malaysia with long-term work permits, dependent pass options, and relocation support.

Requirements

Employment Pass Key Requirements

The Malaysia Employment Pass is issued to qualified expatriates who are employed by a Malaysian company and approved through the relevant authority such as ESD or MDEC.

Malaysia Employment Pass Work Permit Application

Legal Work Permit

The Employment Pass allows an expatriate to work legally with the Malaysian company named in the approved pass.

Malaysia Employment Pass ESD MDEC Company Registration

ESD / MDEC Approval

Before applying, the company must register with ESD for most industries or MDEC for IT and digital-related companies.

Salary Requirement

Employment Pass categories are based on monthly salary range, contract period, and eligibility for dependants or renewal.

Contract Period

The pass validity depends on the employment contract and category, with contract periods of up to 60 months.

Malaysia Employment Pass Dependent Pass Eligibility

Dependent Pass Option

Employment Pass holders with eligible salary levels may apply for Dependent Passes for qualified family members.

Application Support

Professional support helps employers and expatriates prepare documents, review requirements, and manage submission follow-up.

Procedure

Employment Pass Application Procedure

Company Registration

The Malaysian company registers with ESD or MDEC and fulfils the relevant authority requirements before applying.

Position Approval

The company obtains approval for the expatriate position before the Employment Pass application is submitted.

Document Preparation

Prepare employment contract, passport copy, company documents, qualification proof, and supporting records.

EP Submission

Submit the Employment Pass application to the relevant Malaysian authority with complete information.

Approval Review

The application is reviewed by the relevant authority and Immigration Department according to the selected category.

Pass Endorsement

After approval, complete endorsement so the expatriate may legally work for the named Malaysian company.

Comparison

Employment Pass Category Comparison

Category	EP Category I	EP Category II	EP Category III	Professional Visit Pass
Minimum Salary	RM 10,000	RM 5,000	RM 3,000 - RM 4,999	No Malaysia salary allowed
Maximum Contract Period	Up to 5 Years	Up to 2 Years	Up to 1 Year	Up to 12 Months
Dependent Pass	Applicable	Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Renewal	Renewable	Renewable	Maximum 2 Renewals	Non-Renewable
Suitable For	Senior management and high-income expatriates	Skilled professionals and managers	Technical or skilled workers	Short-term training or skill transfer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Malaysia Employment Pass? ▼

The Employment Pass is a work permit that allows an expatriate to work with an approved organization in Malaysia.

Can an Employment Pass holder work for any company? ▼

No. The expatriate may only work for the Malaysian company named in the Employment Pass.

What happens if the expatriate changes employer? ▼

The existing visa must be cancelled and a new Employment Pass application must be submitted for the new employer.

What are the Employment Pass categories? ▼

The common categories are EP Category I, EP Category II, and EP Category III, based on salary, contract period, and benefits.

Which category allows dependants? ▼

Category I and Category II Employment Pass holders are generally eligible to apply for Dependent Passes.

Can EP Category III be renewed? ▼

EP Category III may be renewed for a limited number of times, subject to approval and current regulations.

Does the company need ESD registration? ▼

Yes. Most non-IT companies must register through the Expatriate Services Division before applying for an Employment Pass.

When should companies use MDEC? ▼

IT and digital companies may apply through Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, depending on their company status and requirements.

Must the expatriate position be approved first? ▼

Yes. The relevant authority must approve the foreign talent position before the Employment Pass can be issued.

Can Employment Pass holders bring family members? ▼

Employment Pass holders who meet the salary requirement may apply for Dependent Passes for eligible family members.

Can EP holders hire foreign maids? ▼

Eligible Employment Pass holders with qualifying salary levels may be allowed to hire foreign maids, subject to approval.

Do dependants receive work rights? ▼

Dependent Pass holders do not automatically receive work rights and must comply with the applicable Malaysian work authorization rules.

What is a Professional Visit Pass? ▼

A Professional Visit Pass is a temporary work visa for foreign professionals who transfer skills, services, knowledge, or undergo practical training in Malaysia.

Can PVP holders receive salary in Malaysia? ▼

No. PVP holders must not receive salary in Malaysia and may only work with the company named in the pass.

Can PVP holders bring dependants? ▼

No. Professional Visit Pass holders are not allowed to bring dependants under the PVP arrangement.

Start Your Employment Pass Application

Get professional support for Malaysia Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, Labuan Employment Pass, company registration, document preparation, and application follow-up.