Malaysia Work Permit & Employment Pass

Work in Malaysia

Malaysia Work Permit for Foreign Professionals

The Malaysia Work Permit — formally known as the Employment Pass (EP) — is a long-term immigration document that allows skilled foreign professionals to legally work and reside in Malaysia for their employer. Unlike the eVisa, the Work Permit is not applied for by the individual; it is the responsibility of the hiring Malaysian company to apply through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Malaysia offers a structured employment pass system across three categories based on salary, job function, and employment contract duration. Dependants of Employment Pass holders may also be eligible for Dependent Passes, allowing spouses and children to accompany the primary pass holder.

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1 to 5 Years
Based on EP category
Salary-Based
Minimum salary applies
Renewable
While employed
Pass Categories

Malaysia Employment Pass Categories

Malaysia's Employment Pass is issued in three categories based on monthly salary and employment contract duration.

Category I — Employment Pass

For skilled professionals earning MYR 10,000 or more per month. Valid for up to 5 years. Suitable for senior managers, directors, and highly specialised professionals.

Category II — Employment Pass

For professionals earning between MYR 5,000 and MYR 9,999 per month on a contract of 2 years or less. Valid for the contract period and renewable.

Temporary Employment Visit Pass

Also known as TEVP (formerly Category III). For semi-skilled workers earning MYR 2,500 to MYR 4,999. Contract-based with limited renewal options.

Required Documents

Work Permit Application Documents

Both the employer and the employee must provide supporting documents for the Employment Pass application through ESD Malaysia.

Employer Documents
Company registration certificate (SSM)
Audited financial statements or annual report
Organisational chart showing reporting structure
Job description and justification for hiring expatriate
Business licence and relevant industry licences
Employer's ESD account registration
Employee Documents
Valid passport with minimum 18 months validity
Updated curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Academic degree certificates and transcripts
Professional licences or certifications (if applicable)
Signed employment contract or offer letter
Passport-size photographs on white background
Application Process

How the Malaysia Employment Pass is Obtained

01
Employer Registers on ESD

The Malaysian employer registers a company account on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal and submits all company-level documents.

02
Submit EP Application

Employer submits the Employment Pass application online through ESD with employee documents, job details, and justification for the hire.

03
Approval in Principle (AIP)

If approved, an Approval in Principle is issued. The employee then applies for the relevant visa at the nearest Malaysian Embassy to enter Malaysia.

04
Collect Employment Pass

On arrival in Malaysia, the employee completes the final steps at the ESD office or Immigration Department to collect the physical Employment Pass sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Malaysia Work Permit — FAQs

No. The Employment Pass (Work Permit) in Malaysia must be applied for by a registered Malaysian employer on your behalf through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). You cannot apply for a Work Permit independently without a confirmed job offer from a Malaysian company.

Category I EP requires a monthly salary of MYR 10,000 or above. Category II requires between MYR 5,000 and MYR 9,999. The Temporary Employment Visit Pass (TEVP) covers MYR 2,500 to MYR 4,999. Salary levels are reviewed periodically by Malaysian Immigration.

Yes. Dependants of Category I and Category II Employment Pass holders are eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass (DP). This allows spouses and unmarried children under 18 to reside in Malaysia with the primary pass holder for the duration of the EP.

Changing employers while on an Employment Pass requires cancellation of the existing pass and a new application submitted by the new employer. The process must be completed before you begin work with the new company. There is no transfer of EP between employers.

Processing times vary depending on the employer's industry, completeness of documents, and the ESD workload. Typically, approvals take between 4 to 8 weeks after submission of a complete application. Urgent processing may be available in some cases.

Yes. All foreign nationals entering Malaysia, including those on Employment Passes, must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before their arrival. This is a separate mandatory requirement from your pass or visa.

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