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Employment Pass
Malaysia

Three pass types covering every expatriate work scenario — West Malaysia Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, and Labuan Employment Pass. We handle ESD, MDEC and Labuan applications end-to-end.

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Pass Types
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ESD & MDEC Applications
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Labuan EP Specialist
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Dependent Pass Support
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Up to 60-Month Contract
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Renewable Pass Options

What is the Employment Pass (EP)?

The Employment Pass (EP) lets foreign professionals work legally in Malaysia, across three categories for different salary bands and contract lengths.

Before applying, the company must register with the Expatriate Service Division (ESD), or MDEC for tech and digital firms. MYPVIP manages both registration and application end-to-end.

Important: EP holders may only work for the company named on their pass — a new application is required when changing employers. Since 1 June 2026, all three categories may apply for Dependent Passes and a foreign domestic helper; Category II and III also require an approved succession plan.
Modern glass office skyscraper reflecting sunlight

Which pass is right for you?

Select a pass type to explore its specific requirements, benefits and restrictions.

The Employment Pass is a work permit for expatriates joining Malaysian companies. Three categories exist, differentiated by minimum salary. ESD handles standard industries; MDEC handles IT and digital companies.

CriteriaCategory I (EP I)Category II (EP II)Category III (EP III)
Minimum monthly salaryRM 20,000 and aboveRM 10,000 – RM 19,999RM 5,000 – RM 9,999 (RM 7,000+ for manufacturing)
Maximum pass durationUp to 10 yearsUp to 10 yearsUp to 5 years
Succession plan requiredNot requiredRequiredRequired
Dependent PassesApplicableApplicableApplicable
Foreign maid hiringApplicableApplicableApplicable
Figures reflect the revised Employment Pass salary policy effective 1 June 2026 (Ministry of Home Affairs / ESD). Please contact us for ESD, MDEC and EP applications — we manage company registration, document preparation and submission for all three categories, including succession plan documentation for Category II and III.

A Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is a temporary work authorisation for foreign professionals transferring skills, services or knowledge — or undergoing practical training with a Malaysian-registered company.

ESD Registration Required

The sponsoring company must register with the Expatriate Service Division (ESD) and fulfil all requirements before applying for the PVP on behalf of the foreign professional.

12-Month Non-Renewable

The PVP is valid for up to 12 months and is non-renewable. The pass holder must not receive any salary in Malaysia during this period.

Company-Specific Pass

PVP holders may only provide services to the company named on the pass. A new application is required if the holder changes companies. No dependants are permitted under PVP.

The Labuan Employment Pass is a two-year renewable work visa for foreign expatriates and entrepreneurs in top management, professional or technical expert roles within Labuan-based entities. Pass holders and dependants may reside anywhere in Malaysia — including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor.

Attractive points for Labuan EP holders

Flexible residence
Live in Labuan or anywhere in West Malaysia
Family inclusion
Spouse and children under 18 can apply for Dependent Pass; children may study in West Malaysia
Banking access
Principal holders and dependants may open personal bank accounts
Dividend tax exemption
Shareholder dividends are fully tax-exempted
2-year renewable
Pass renews every 2 years
Foreign maid hiring permitted

Attractive points for Labuan entity setup

Ease of formation
Simpler requirements than West Malaysia companies
No trade licence required
For general trading companies
No minimum paid-up capital
Unless obtaining a special licence from Labuan FSA
Significant tax advantages
0–3% corporate tax rate; sales tax, VAT, customs duty and stamp duty exemptions
Privacy & confidentiality
Shareholder, director and beneficiary information not published publicly
Free Port Regime
Access to Labuan's free-trade zone benefits

What makes Malaysia attractive for expatriates

Business in Malaysia
01
Finance
Competitive cost of living
World-class lifestyle at 40–60% below comparable Asian cities, with premium condos, dining and healthcare at accessible prices.
Low tax environment
02
Tax
Favourable tax environment
Competitive corporate and personal tax rates, with Labuan entities benefiting from 0–3% corporate tax and multiple exemptions.
Digital economy hub
03
Tech
Growing digital economy
MDEC-backed digital hub with strong support for tech talent and companies through dedicated fast-track EP processing.
Family friendly Malaysia
04
Family
Family-friendly relocation
Dependent Passes for all EP holders (Categories I–III), with access to 100+ international schools and world-class private healthcare.

Common Employment Pass questions

ESD (Expatriate Service Division) handles EP applications for most industries. MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) handles applications for tech and digital companies under Malaysia's digital economy framework. The company must register with the appropriate body before submitting an EP application.
No. An Employment Pass is tied to the specific company named on the pass. If the holder changes companies, the existing EP must be cancelled and a new EP application submitted for the new employer.
Following the revised salary policy effective 1 June 2026, EP I, II and III holders may all apply for Dependent Passes for their spouse and children, as well as hire a foreign domestic helper. Previously, EP III holders were not eligible — this was extended as part of the policy update.
Effective 1 June 2026, Category II and III EP applications must include a succession plan showing how a local employee will be trained to eventually take over the role, including a training timeline and named successor. Category I is exempt from this requirement.
The Labuan EP is specifically for expatriates in top management, professional or technical expert positions within a Labuan-registered entity. The role must be directly connected to the Labuan company's operations.
Yes. Labuan Employment Pass holders and their dependants are permitted to reside anywhere in Malaysia — including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor — not just in Labuan itself.

Ready to work in Malaysia?

We handle ESD, MDEC and Labuan Employment Pass applications. Contact us to discuss the right pass for your situation.

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