The Employment Pass (EP) is a work permit that enables an expatriate to work with an organization in Malaysia. Before applying for the employee’s EP, the company must register an account in either the Expatriate Service Division (ESD) or Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and fulfil all the requirements.
• ESD (Non-IT Companies): Standard EP applications for most industries.
• MDEC (IT/Digital Companies): For tech and digital companies under Malaysia’s Digital Economy.
The pass is subject to the employment contract (up to 60 months). The Expatriate Service Division (ESD) or Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) must approve foreign talent to fill a position before the issuance of an expatriate Employment Pass (EP) can be made by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Expatriates may only work for the company named in the Employment Pass. If they change companies, they need to cancel the existing visa and submit a new EP application. Employment Pass holders with a salary above RM5,000 are eligible to apply for Dependent Passes and hire foreign maids.
| CATEGORY 1 (EP I) | CATEGORY 1 (EP I) | CATEGORY 1 (EP I) | |
| Minimum Monthly Salary | RM 10,000 | RM 5,000 | RM 3,000 to RM 4999 |
| Maximum Contract Period | 5 year | 2 year | 1 year |
| Dependent Passes | Applicable | Applicable | Not applicable |
| Foreign Maid Hiring | Applicable | Applicable | Not applicable |
| Renewal | Renewable | Renewable | Maximum 2 times of renewal |
A professional visit pass (PVP) is a temporary work visa for foreign professionals to transfer skills, services, and knowledge or undergo practical training with a Malaysian-registered company.
The company must register an account in the Expatriate Service Division (ESD) and fulfil all the requirements before applying for a PVP visa for foreign professionals.
This pass is a non-renewable 12-month visa, and the pass holder must not receive any salary in Malaysia. They may only work for the company named in the professional visit pass. If they change companies, they need to resubmit their application. PVP holders are not allowed to bring dependents.
Labuan Employment Pass is a two-year renewable work visa for foreign expatriates and entrepreneurs working for Labuan-based companies. The pass holder and their dependents are allowed to stay in Federal Malaysia (for example: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor).
This Employment Pass is specifically for expatriates who take the position of top management, professional or technical expert, in the Labuan entity.
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