Malaysia Employment Pass
For skilled foreign workers, managers, executives, and professionals in approved sectors
Malaysia Employment Pass ESD Guidebook V6
Download the official comprehensive guide with detailed requirements, procedures, and regulations for Employment Pass applications in Malaysia.
Download ESD Guidebook PDFPDF Format • 2.5 MB • Latest Version
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Three Categories of Employment Pass
Employment Passes are categorized based on your position and salary level
Category 1
Key posts and executive positions
Minimum Salary
RM 10,000/month
Contract Duration
Up to 60 months (5 years)
Renewable
Yes, indefinitely
Domestic Helper
Allowed to hire
Eligible Positions:
CEO, Managing Director, Technical Director, Project Manager, General Manager, Senior Executives
Category 2
Managerial and professional roles
Salary Range
RM 5,000 - RM 9,999
Contract Duration
Up to 24 months (2 years)
Renewable
Yes, indefinitely
Domestic Helper
Allowed to hire
Eligible Positions:
Marketing Manager, Investment Manager, Lecturer, Director, Architect, Senior Engineers
Category 3
Knowledge & skilled workers
Salary Range
RM 3,000 - RM 4,999
Contract Duration
Up to 12 months
Renewable
Max 2 renewals only
Domestic Helper
Not allowed
Important:
Companies must obtain exemption approval from Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) before applying for Category III
Eligible Positions:
Fashion Designer, Manufacturing Designer, Craftsmen, Food Technologist, Technical Specialists
Who is Eligible for Employment Pass?
To qualify for a Malaysia Employment Pass, you must meet specific criteria based on your employment category
Expatriate / Knowledge Worker Requirements
Degree and Above
At least 3 years of experience in the relevant field
Diploma
At least 5 years of experience in the relevant field
Technical Certificate or Equivalent
At least 7 years of experience in the relevant field
Job Offer from Malaysian Company
Confirmed employment offer from registered Malaysian company
Clean Background
No criminal record or immigration violations
Shareholder Requirements
Minimum 30% Equity
Shareholder must have minimum 30% equity in the company
SSM-Registered Director
Must be registered as Director with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
Key Position Holder
Must hold a key position in the company operations
Share Allotment Changes
Any changes in share allotment must be officially reported to ESD Inspectorate Unit
Employer Requirements
Company Registration
Registered with SSM, ROS, or specific acts (Law/Accounting firms)
ESD Online Registration
Must register with Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online system
Paid-Up Capital Requirements
100% Local: RM250K | Joint Venture: RM350K | 100% Foreign: RM500K
Foreign Worker Quota
Available quota based on company size and Malaysian employee ratio
Financial Viability
Latest audited financial reports and operational evidence
Agency Support Letter (if applicable)
MIDA, BNM, SC, or relevant regulatory body approval for specific sectors
Important Note on Eligibility
These are the minimum criteria requirements to apply for Employment Pass. However, the approval of the application is subject to the discretion of the Expatriate Committee.
Priority is given to positions that cannot be filled by Malaysian citizens and bring specialized skills or expertise to Malaysia.
Employment Pass Application Process
The application is submitted by your Malaysian employer through the ESD system
Employer Registration with ESD
Your Malaysian employer must first register with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) if not already registered. This creates the company account for submitting applications.
Submit Employment Pass Application
Employer submits your EP application through the ESD portal (esd.imi.gov.my) with all required documents including your qualifications, employment contract, and supporting documents.
Immigration Review & Approval
Immigration Department reviews the application. Processing time varies (typically 2-8 weeks) depending on complexity and completeness of documents.
Receive Approval Letter
Once approved, employer receives approval letter with reference number. This letter is valid for 3 months and allows you to apply for entry visa.
Apply for Entry Visa (if required)
If your nationality requires a visa to enter Malaysia, apply at Malaysian Embassy/Consulate using the EP approval letter as reference.
Enter Malaysia & Complete Medical
Enter Malaysia within approval validity. Complete mandatory medical examination at FOMEMA-approved clinic within 30 days of arrival.
Collect Employment Pass
After medical clearance, employer collects your physical Employment Pass from Immigration. You can now work legally in Malaysia!
Processing Timeline
Standard Processing
2-8 weeks for complete applications
Priority Sectors
Faster processing for critical industries
Delays Possible
Incomplete docs or additional queries extend time
Required Documents
Your employer will need to submit these documents when applying for your Employment Pass
Passport Copy
Full copy of passport bio-data page with at least 18 months validity
Educational Certificates
Degree certificates, transcripts, and professional certifications
Employment Contract
Signed employment contract stating position, salary, and duration
CV/Resume
Detailed CV showing work experience, skills, and achievements
Previous Employment Proof
Reference letters, pay slips, or employment certificates
Company Documents
Company registration, financial statements, organizational chart
Job Description
Detailed job scope, responsibilities, and requirements
Passport Photo
Recent passport-sized photograph with white background
Additional Documents
Marriage certificate (for dependents), other supporting docs as required
Validity & Renewal
Pass Validity
- •Category 1: Up to 60 months (5 years)
- •Category 2: Up to 24 months (2 years)
- •Category 3: Maximum 12 months per contract
Renewal Process
Employment Pass can be renewed before expiry. Application must be submitted through ESD Online with updated documents and supporting evidence of continued employment necessity.
Category 1 & 2: Can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue working for the company and meet requirements
Category 3: Limited to maximum 2 renewals (total 36 months)
Pass Endorsement Timeline
- Inside Malaysia: Within 30 days after approval
- Outside Malaysia: Within 30 days after arrival to Malaysia
Pass Cancellation
EP must be cancelled within 30 days if employment ends. Failure to do so may result in fines and future visa restrictions.
Rights & Restrictions
What You Can Do
- Work for your sponsoring employer in approved position
- Apply for Dependent Pass for spouse and children
- Open bank account and rent property
- Apply for driving license
- Travel in and out of Malaysia freely
What You Cannot Do
- Work for any other employer without approval
- Engage in business or self-employment
- Work in position different from approved
- Apply for permanent residence directly (need 10+ years)
Bring Your Family with Dependent Pass
Employment Pass holders can apply for Dependent Pass for their immediate family members
Eligible Dependents
- Spouse (legally married)
- Unmarried children under 21 years
- Unmarried children 21+ with disabilities
Dependent Pass Benefits
- Live in Malaysia with EP holder
- Study in Malaysian schools
- Can apply for work permit if they find employment
Note: Dependent Pass application should be submitted together with or after the Employment Pass approval. The Dependent Pass validity is tied to the main Employment Pass holder's pass validity.