Employment Pass
🇲🇾 Malaysia visas · Work
What it is
The main work permit for foreign skilled workers in Malaysia. Issued in three categories based on salary level. The employer submits the application through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Cat. I: up to 5 years. Cat. II: up to 2 years. Cat. III: up to 12 months. Renewable.
- Application fee
- Employment Pass categories: Cat I (highest salary band, up to 5 years), Cat II (up to 2 years), Cat III (up to 12 months, limited renewals). Minimum-salary thresholds are being revised with effect from 1 June 2026 (Ministry of Home Affairs). Issued via the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).
- Processing time
- 8 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Conditional
- How to apply
- Online
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Key requirements
- Job offer from a Malaysia-registered company
- Category I: monthly salary above MYR 10,000
- Category II: monthly salary MYR 5,000 to 9,999
- Category III: monthly salary MYR 3,000 to 4,999 (contract-based)
- Relevant degree or professional qualifications
- Employer must register with the ESD
Working on this visa
May work only for the company named in the Employment Pass; changing company requires a resubmitted application. Valid in Peninsular Malaysia only.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 31 July 2026.