When conducting business in Malaysia, employing foreigners (including Japanese nationals), or accompanying a family member on an overseas assignment, selecting the appropriate visa is a critical step in starting life in Malaysia. This article first provides a comparison of the main visas, followed by a detailed explanation of the Employment Pass (EP).
Overview of Major Employment and Residence Visas
| Visa Type | Target Group | Main Features | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | Professionals / Managers | For foreign skilled talent. Divided into Categories I–III, issued based on salary and contract period. | ① Cat I: ≥ RM10,000/month, contract up to 5 years ② Cat II: RM5,000–9,999/month, contract up to 2 years ③ Cat III: RM3,000–4,999/month, contract up to 1 year (renewable up to 2 times) |
| Temporary Employment Pass (TEP) | General Workers | For low-skilled workers in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and services. | Employer must obtain government quota approval. Generally, dependents and family are not allowed. |
| Professional Visit Pass (PVP) | Short-Term Professionals | For individuals employed overseas who need to work in Malaysia short-term (up to 12 months). | Requires a Malaysian host (company, university, NGO) as sponsor. |
| Resident Pass – Talent (RP-T) | Highly Skilled Talent | Issued by Malaysia TalentCorp (under MDEC). Allows long-term residence and employment (10 years) with freedom to change employers. | Typically for individuals with advanced skills/experience, earning ≥ RM15,000/month. |
| Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) | Long-Term Residents | For retirees or long-term residents. Employment not permitted (except with special approval). | Requires meeting asset and income criteria (e.g., fixed deposits, monthly income). |
Employment Pass (EP) in Detail
1. Category Requirements
- Category I (Cat I)
- Salary: RM10,000 or more per month
- Contract: Up to 5 years
- Dependents allowed (Dependant Pass, Long Term Social Visit Pass)
- Category II (Cat II)
- Salary: RM5,000–9,999 per month
- Contract: Up to 2 years
- Dependents allowed
- Category III (Cat III)
- Salary: RM3,000–4,999 per month
- Contract: Up to 1 year (renewable up to 2 times)
- Dependents not allowed
2. Application Process
- Employer as Applicant – Applications must be submitted by the employer.
- Employer Registration – Employer must first register with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).
- Position Approval – The job position must be approved for foreign employment.
- EP Application – Submission of passport, employment contract, degree certificates, etc.
- Processing Time – Typically 3–12 weeks.
- Issuance – Upon approval, the applicant may travel and obtain the pass.
3. Dependents (Dependant Pass / Long Term Social Visit Pass)
- Only holders of Cat I and Cat II EPs may bring dependents: spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents.
- If dependents wish to work in Malaysia, they must apply separately for an Employment Pass or Work Permit.
4. Renewal and Key Points
- Validity depends on the category (1–5 years).
- Renewal is possible from 3 months before expiry.
- Salary payment records, tax compliance, and related documents are reviewed during renewal.