Malaysia Visas & Work Permits Services
When expanding your business into Malaysia, hiring the right talent is an important step toward successful market entry. However, businesses must ensure that international employees have the appropriate work authorization before they can legally work in the country.
Understanding Malaysia’s visa and work permit requirements helps employers avoid compliance issues and ensure a smooth onboarding process for foreign employees.
Malaysia population
36,188,370
Official language
Malay
Capital city
Kuala Lumpur
Official currency
Ringgit (RM) (MYR)
Types of Work Visas in Malaysia
Malaysia offers several categories of work permits, commonly referred to as work passes, depending on an individual’s role, employment arrangement, and duration of stay.
Employment Pass
The Employment Pass is the most commonly used work visa for foreign professionals employed by Malaysia-based companies.
This pass is typically required for skilled professionals, managers, executives, and employees working in specialized positions.
Employers must obtain approval from the relevant authorities, such as the Expatriate Committee or other regulatory bodies, before applying for an Employment Pass.
The validity period generally ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on employment conditions, and may be renewable.
Temporary Employment Pass
Malaysia offers Temporary Employment Passes for foreign workers employed in specific sectors.
There are two main categories:
- Foreign Worker Temporary Employment Pass
- Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Temporary Employment Pass
These permits are generally issued for up to 2 years, subject to applicable requirements and approvals.
Professional Visit Pass
The Professional Visit Pass is designed for foreign professionals who need to provide services or complete assignments in Malaysia for a limited period.
This pass is commonly used by employees of overseas companies who temporarily work in Malaysia for up to 12 months.
Social Visit Pass
The Social Visit Pass, also known as PLS@XPATS, allows eligible professionals to undertake short-term work activities in Malaysia.
Introduced in October 2022, this pass generally allows professionals to work in Malaysia for up to 30 days.
Requirements to Obtain Malaysia Work Visas
Work visa requirements in Malaysia vary depending on the type of work pass and the employee’s role.
For foreign employees hired by a Malaysia-incorporated company, an Employment Pass is commonly required.
Applicant Requirements
- Relevant educational qualifications
- Professional certificates or diplomas
- Relevant industry experience
- Minimum salary requirements based on employment category
Required Documents
- Updated resume or CV
- Copy of passport with at least 18 months validity remaining
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Signed and stamped employment contract
- Educational certificates translated into English
- Detailed job description
- Completed visa application forms
- Additional supporting documents requested by authorities
Malaysia Work Visa Application Process
Malaysia work visa applications are processed through the Immigration Department of Malaysia, with procedures varying depending on the type of work pass being applied for.
The general application process includes:
Employer approval and sponsorship
Employers may need to obtain approval from relevant government agencies before hiring foreign employees.
Document submission
Required documents must be submitted to the appropriate authorities for review and processing.
Application approval
Once approved, the employee will receive the relevant work permit or employment pass allowing them to legally work in Malaysia.
Visa Fees and Processing Charges
Visa fees and processing charges vary depending on factors such as:
- Type of work permit
- Job category
- Employment duration
- Location
- Government processing requirements
Other Important Considerations
Foreign employees holding certain Employment Pass categories may be eligible to apply for dependent passes for immediate family members, including:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children under 18 years old
Dependent passes are typically issued for the same duration or a shorter period than the employee’s approved Employment Pass.
Businesses should carefully review Malaysia’s immigration requirements before hiring foreign talent to ensure compliance throughout the employment lifecycle.
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