MalaysiaWork

Malaysia work visa: the Employment Pass under the June 2026 rules

Employment Pass (Pas Penggajian), Categories I, II and III

In short

The Employment Pass is Malaysia's main work permit for foreign professionals. Only the Malaysian employer can apply, online through the Immigration Department's Expatriate Services Division (ESD), after the position is approved. Under the policy in force since 1 June 2026, the minimum basic monthly salary is RM5,000 for Category III, RM10,000 for Category II and RM20,000 for Category I.

Apply on Expatriate Services Division (ESD) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Each pass up to 60 months, following the employment contract; total tenure up to 10 years (Categories I and II) or 5 years (Category III).
Validity
Valid in Peninsular Malaysia; Sabah and Sarawak are handled separately.
Fee
MYR 2,160ESD application fee (RM2,000 plus 8% SST) since 1 September 2024, paid by the employer. Endorsement adds RM200 per year of approval, RM125 processing and the visa fee.
Funds required
MYR 5,000 per monthMinimum basic monthly salary for Category III (RM10,000 for Category II, RM20,000 for Category I); allowances, bonuses and pay outside Malaysia do not count.
Processing time
Five working days under the MYXpats client charter once documents are complete.
Work
Only for the employer named on the pass; a new employer must file a new application.
Family
Dependant Pass for spouse and children under 18; long-term social visit pass for parents, parents-in-law and children aged 18 to 25.
Path to permanent residence
Three consecutive years on an EP with a basic salary of RM15,000 can lead to the Residence Pass-Talent; permanent residence is discretionary.
Where to apply
The employer applies online through ESD; the employee is normally abroad and enters on the approval and VDR.

Salary categories since 1 June 2026

The revised expatriate salary policy applies to all new and renewal applications submitted on or after 1 June 2026. Category I requires a basic monthly salary of at least RM20,000 and allows up to 10 years of employment. Category II covers RM10,000 to RM19,999, also up to 10 years, but with a succession plan for upskilling local staff. Category III covers RM5,000 to RM9,999 for up to five years, again with a succession plan.

Only basic salary taxable in Malaysia counts. The maximum duration is tied to the same employer, position and category. Complete applications filed before 1 June 2026 were assessed under the earlier rules.

Fees

Since 1 September 2024 the ESD application fee is RM2,000 (RM2,160 with 8 percent SST), borne by the employer. At endorsement the Immigration Department charges RM200 per year of approval (RM300 for MIDA key posts), a RM125 processing fee and the visa fee for the nationality. Rejected applications without an appeal may qualify for a 75 percent refund of the processing fee if requested within six months.

How the application works

Expatriates cannot apply for their own pass. The company first registers with ESD, gets the post approved by the Expatriate Committee or the relevant agency, and then submits the Employment Pass application with the checklist documents from the ESD Online Guidebook. Dependants can be submitted at the same time or added later.

After approval the employee obtains a visa with reference if required, enters Malaysia and the company files the endorsement online. The ePASS is issued about one working day after payment, either at the Expatriate Satellite Centre at KLIA or through ESD Online, and Employment Pass holders also receive an i-Kad.

  1. The employer registers its company with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD Online).
  2. The employer obtains approval for the expatriate post from the Expatriate Committee or the relevant agency.
  3. The employer submits the Employment Pass application and pays the ESD fee online.
  4. After approval, the employee obtains a VDR if the approval letter requires it and travels to Malaysia.
  5. The employer files the endorsement and pays the immigration fees.
  6. The employee collects the ePASS at KLIA or downloads it via ESD Online, and later receives the i-Kad.

Forms

Family members

Under the 2026 policy all three categories may bring dependants. Spouses and children under 18 receive a Dependant Pass; parents, parents-in-law and children aged 18 to 25 may receive a long-term social visit pass. A dependant who wants to work needs an Employment Pass of their own.

Refusals and appeals

If the Expatriate Committee rejects an application, the company can appeal through the ESD system within 14 days of the rejection. The Expatriate Committee - Appeal normally decides within 30 working days. If that appeal also fails, the matter can be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Affairs Division.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Recent passport photo meeting ESD specifications

Travel

  • Copy of all passport pages; passport validity covering the requested pass period

Work

  • Employment contract stating position, duration and basic monthly salary
  • Post approval from the Expatriate Committee or the relevant agency

Study

  • Academic certificates and CV showing qualifications and experience

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Work

  • Succession plan for Category II and III posts

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a Malaysian Employment Pass myself?

No. Only a Malaysian company registered with ESD can submit the application for you.

What is the minimum salary for a Malaysia work visa in 2026?

RM5,000 basic monthly salary for Category III, RM10,000 for Category II and RM20,000 for Category I, for applications from 1 June 2026.

Can I change employers on an Employment Pass?

Not on the same pass. The pass is tied to the named company, so the new employer must file a new application.

Can my spouse work in Malaysia?

A Dependant Pass does not give work rights; the spouse needs their own Employment Pass.

Is a tourist entry convertible into an Employment Pass?

No. The pass is processed through ESD and endorsed after entry on the approval and, where required, a visa with reference.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Malaysia

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Set by the immigration officer at entry; the usual period depends on nationality.
  • Transit visa Processing time: Set by the Malaysian mission where you apply; apply at least three working days before the flight.

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Social visit pass: as stamped at entry. MEV: 30 days per entry.
  • Entrepreneur and start-up visa Maximum stay: New: 1 year plus 1 renewal. Established: up to 5 years plus one 5-year renewal.
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Six months, with a possible six-month extension.

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Pass duration follows the course, renewed as needed.

Work

  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months per issuance; training at a factory or hotel up to six months.
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Approved for 10 years; the ePASS is first issued for five years or the passport validity, then renewed to complete 10 years.
  • Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: 3 to 12 months, renewable for 12 more months; 24 months in total.

Family

  • Family reunification visa Validity: Follows the principal's Employment Pass, or the dependant's passport if shorter; LT-SVP approvals are for up to 12 months at a time.
  • Spouse and partner visa Validity: LTSVP for at least six months and up to five years, subject to approval.

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

Malaysia visa guide