Foreign nationals working in Malaysia require a valid Employment Pass issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Our consultants guide both employers and expatriates through the full application process — from eligibility screening to pass collection.
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Category
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Who It's For
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Min. Basic Salary
|
Validity
|
Dependents
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cat I
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C-suite, directors, senior executives
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RM20,000+
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Up to 5 yrs
|
Yes
|
|
Cat II
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Mid-level managers & specialists
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RM10,000 - RM19,999
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Up to 5 yrs
|
Yes
|
|
Cat III
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Junior executives & Technical staff
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RM5,000 - RM9,999
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Up to 5 yrs
|
Yes*
|
* Dependant eligibility for Category III is subject to Immigration Department approval.
Companies hiring foreign directors, executives, or skilled professionals; foreign entrepreneurs establishing and staffing a Malaysian entity; and expatriates relocating to Malaysia with their families.
Yes. Any Sdn Bhd can apply for an Employment Pass, provided it meets the paid-up capital and other eligibility requirements and does not operate in a restricted sector. Foreign-owned companies in the wholesale, retail and trade sectors must hold a valid WRT license before applying.
As a general guide, a new application typically takes 8 to 10 months from start to finish, covering account registration, local advertising requirements, submission, and approval. Timelines vary depending on your company’s readiness, the category applied for, and the authorities’ processing times.
Unfortunately, no. The paid-up share capital is a minimum set by the Immigration Department and every company applying for an Employment Pass has to meet it. The exact amount depends on how your company is owned, so if you are not sure which figure applies to you, reach out and we will help you check.