Dependent Pass
Visa for family members of Employment Pass holders (Categories I and II). Available for legal spouse and children under 21. Valid for same duration as principal pass holder. Dependents cannot work unless they obtain separate Employment Pass or approval for specific activities. Social Visit Pass available for parents and parents-in-law. Processing through ESD portal tied to principal's application. MM2H holders can include broader family including children up to 34 and parents.
Key Requirements:
- •Principal holder on Employment Pass Category I or II
- •Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- •Birth certificate (for children)
- +2 more requirements
DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa
Malaysia's official digital nomad visa launched by MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) for remote professionals, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs. Valid for 12 months initially with 12-month renewal option (24 months total). Two income tiers: Tech professionals need minimum $24,000/year, while non-tech professionals need $60,000/year. Includes spouse and children as dependents. Multiple entry allowed. Cannot take local employment but can work remotely for foreign employers. Processing typically 2-3 weeks. Application fee approximately $225 main applicant, $112 per dependent.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport (18+ months validity, 6 empty pages)
- •Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts
- •Minimum income: $24,000/year (tech) or $60,000/year (non-tech)
- +3 more requirements
Employment Pass
Malaysia's primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and technical specialists. Three categories based on salary: Category I (RM10,000+/month, up to 5 years, dependents allowed), Category II (RM5,000-9,999/month, up to 2 years, dependents allowed), Category III (RM3,000-4,999/month, up to 1 year, no dependents). Major 2026 changes: mandatory electronic ePASS system, Certificate of Good Conduct required, new 1:3 internship policy (1 intern per 3 expats). Significant salary increases expected June 2026. Employer must have ESD (Expatriate Services Division) profile and sponsor the application.
Key Requirements:
- •Job offer from Malaysian-registered company
- •Minimum salary: RM5,000-10,000+/month depending on category
- •Relevant qualifications (degree, professional credentials)
- +3 more requirements
MM2H (My Second Home)
Malaysia's flagship long-term residency program for retirees, investors, and high-net-worth individuals. Restructured in 2021 with three tiers: Silver (5 years, $150,000 deposit, RM600,000 property), Gold (15 years, $500,000 deposit, RM1,000,000 property), and Platinum (20 years, $1,000,000 deposit, RM2,000,000 property). Special Economic Zone (SEZ) option in Johor offers reduced requirements ($65,000 deposit, $32,000 if over 50). Includes spouse, children under 34, and parents. No minimum stay for 50+, 90 days/year for under 50. Can purchase property, open bank accounts, and bring in vehicles duty-free. Foreign income is tax-exempt until Dec 2026.
Key Requirements:
- •Fixed deposit: $150,000 (Silver), $500,000 (Gold), $1,000,000 (Platinum)
- •Property investment: RM600,000-RM2,000,000 depending on tier
- •Monthly offshore income proof: $40,000+ (varies by tier)
- +3 more requirements
Permanent Residence
Malaysian Permanent Residence (PR) is available to long-term residents, spouses of Malaysian citizens, and those with significant economic contributions. Categories include: Entry Permit (spouse of Malaysian citizen after 5+ years), Talented/Expert category (professionals with 5+ years on Employment Pass), and Investor category. Requires fluency in Bahasa Malaysia. Processing is lengthy (2-5+ years) and approval rates are low. PR holders can work freely, own property, and access public healthcare. Not available through MM2H program.
Key Requirements:
- •Minimum 5 years residence on valid pass
- •Clean criminal record
- •Bahasa Malaysia language proficiency
- +3 more requirements
Student Pass
Visa for international students enrolled full-time at Malaysian educational institutions. Valid for program duration. Students aged 18-45 eligible for language courses, no age limit for higher education. Requires acceptance from EMGS-registered institution, Visa Approval Letter (VAL), and entry through KLIA/KLIA2. Medical examination required within 7 days of arrival. Part-time work allowed up to 20 hours/week during semester breaks only, limited to restaurants, petrol stations, mini-markets, and hotels. English proficiency required (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 500 minimum). Processing 30-60 days.
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance letter from EMGS-registered institution
- •Valid passport (18+ months validity)
- •Academic transcripts and certificates
- +4 more requirements
Questions
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