Work visas
Malaysian Employment Pass
The main work pass for skilled expatriates employed by a Malaysian company on a fixed-term contract.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The Employment Pass is divided into salary/category tiers (Categories I, II and III) with different minimum-salary thresholds; the specific figures were not confirmed from a single fetched official page, so verify the current category thresholds on the ESD portal.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Malaysia government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Employment Pass (EP)
- Route type
- Employer-sponsored work pass
- Duration
- Up to 60 months, depending on the employment contract and at the discretion of the authorities
- Dependant eligibility
- Salary of more than RM5,000 required for the holder to sponsor dependants
- Coverage
- Peninsular Malaysia
Who it is for
- Skilled or technically qualified expatriates with a job offer from a Malaysian employer
- Professionals hired for specialised roles under a contract of employment
- Companies registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD)
Requirements
- A confirmed employment contract with a Malaysian company
- Employer registered and sponsoring through the ESD portal
- Relevant qualifications and experience for the role
- Salary meeting the applicable category threshold (salary above RM5,000 enables sponsoring dependants)
What you can do
- Work for the sponsoring employer named on the pass
- Sponsor a Dependant Pass for a spouse and children (subject to the salary threshold)
- Changing employers requires a new application
How to apply
- Employer registers with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD)
- Employer submits the Employment Pass application online at esd.imi.gov.my
- On approval, the expatriate obtains the entry visa/endorsement before starting work
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.