Malaysia
Employment Pass
The Malaysia Employment Pass allows foreign professionals to work for an employer in Malaysia. Since 1 June 2026 higher salary thresholds apply: at least MYR 5,000 a month, and MYR 10,000 and MYR 20,000 for the upper categories.
Last updated: 10/2026
Your salary decides the category
The Employment Pass depends on an employer in Malaysia: it is applied for through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department, and your monthly salary decides the category. Under the salary policy that applies to new applications and renewals since 1 June 2026, the thresholds have risen and employment is limited in time.
There are three categories: EP I (from MYR 20,000, up to 10 years), EP II (MYR 10,000–19,999, up to 10 years with a succession plan) and EP III (MYR 5,000–9,999, up to 5 years with a succession plan). We check with you and your employer which category applies and prepare the application.
What the Employment Pass lets you do
Process
Consultation & Category Check
Determination of EP category based on salary.
Application Preparation
Compilation of all documents.
Submission to ESD
Online submission to Expatriate Services Division.
Approval & Issuance
Processing and Employment Pass issuance.
The authority sets the timeline; we tell you the current state in the call.
Employee, founder or just a company?
The Employment Pass fits when an employer in Malaysia hires you. If you want to move to Malaysia as a tech founder, look at MTEP; if you do not want to move, you need no visa, only the company, for example in Hong Kong or Singapore. Your personal tax still follows your residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EP category do I need?
Can my family come along?
What taxes will I pay in Malaysia?
What is the path to Permanent Residency?
Check your case in a first call
Free initial consultation, 60 minutes, no obligation.
Pathfinder StartWhatsAppEP Categories
MY Employment Pass Categories
| Criterion | EP Category I | EP Category II | EP Category III | PVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Salary (mo.) | ≥ MYR 20,000 | MYR 10,000 - 19,999 | MYR 5,000 - 9,999 | N/A |
| Maximum employment duration | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years (succession plan) | Up to 5 years (succession plan) | Max. 12 months |
| Dependents Pass | Salary-based | Salary-based | Salary-based | No |
| Change of Employer | Yes, new application | Yes, new application | No | N/A |
| Renewable | Yes, up to the maximum | Yes, up to the maximum | Yes, up to the maximum | No |
| Target Group | Key positions | Skilled professionals | Specific sectors | Short-term tasks |
Minimum Salary (mo.)
Maximum employment duration
Dependents Pass
Change of Employer
Renewable
Target Group
Salary thresholds and maximum duration: Expatriate Services Division (esd.imi.gov.my), valid for new applications and renewals from 1 June 2026, read on 22 Oct 2026. We check the other details before every application; subject to change.
A first assessment in 2 minutes: which location fits your goals
Select your goals, free and without obligation.
Your data is treated confidentially and never shared with third parties.
Speak with Our Team
Tell us what it is about: company formation, accounting and tax, or a visa. You will hear from us within one business day.
Send a Message
All fields marked * are required.