Malaysian visa resources
How to Apply for a Malaysia Visa or Pass
An overview of the official channels used to enter Malaysia and to apply for visas and passes, from visa-free entry to work, study and long-stay routes.
Important
How you apply for entry to Malaysia depends on your nationality and your purpose. Many nationalities enter visa-free for social visits and simply complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival, receiving a Social Visit Pass on entry. Visa-required nationals apply for an eVISA online through the official portal at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my before travelling.
For longer stays there are dedicated channels: work passes such as the Employment Pass are applied for by the employer through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) at esd.imi.gov.my; student passes are handled through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS); the DE Rantau digital-nomad pass is handled by MDEC; and long-stay MM2H applications go through licensed agents. Always start from an official government channel and avoid unofficial look-alike websites.
Where to apply by route
- Visitor (visa-free): complete the MDAC; pass granted at the border
- Visitor (visa-required): eVISA portal malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my
- Work: employer applies via ESD (esd.imi.gov.my)
- Study: via EMGS (visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my)
- Digital nomad: DE Rantau portal (MDEC)
- MM2H long-stay: authorised MM2H licensed agent
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.