Work Permits for Malaysia

If you want to work in Malaysia as an expat, you will need a work permit. Obtaining a work permit for Malaysia is often a lengthy and complicated process, but luckily for most expats, the bulk of the process will be undertaken by your employing company.

As of 2024, Malaysia has updated the fee structure and made online applications mandatory for most types of work permits, including the Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass. The fee for an Employment Pass is now significantly higher, but applicants from public universities and government institutions are exempt from these fees.

Applying for a work permit in Malaysia

The validity of your work permit can vary widely, depending on the duration of your work contract and the type of work permit. You can submit your application for a work permit online via the Expatriate Services Division (ESD)’s website. The online system, known as the ESD portal, is now mandatory for all work permit applications.

The processing time for obtaining a work permit generally ranges from seven to twelve weeks. This includes time for quota approval, approval of the expat post, and final processing by the Immigration Department. As part of the visa application process, a reference number will be issued so that you can track the progress of your application online.

Make sure to have the following documents ready for your work permit application:

• valid passport,
• completed application form,
• employment contract,
• job description,
• academic certificates,
• a confirmation letter regarding salary and tax from your employer, and
• recent passport-sized photographs.

Certain documents, such as detailed job descriptions or sector approvals, can be challenging to obtain, so it’s best to prepare early.

Useful links

• Expatriate Services Division (ESD) Portal
• Immigration Department of Malaysia

Conditions for work permits in Malaysia

There are restrictions on the number of foreign workers a Malaysian company can employ. A company that wants to hire expats will need to prove to the government that you and your position are of essential importance and that the job cannot be filled by a local worker.

This involves providing evidence that the job vacancy was advertised locally for at least 30 days and a Hiring Outcome Report that details why local candidates were not suitable. Employers must document recruitment efforts, including job advertisements, interview records, and reasons for rejecting local candidates.

Approval of employment is granted by the Immigration Department in conjunction with different regulatory agencies, depending on the industry and nature of the work you will be undertaking.

Some industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and technology, often face labour shortages and are more open to hiring foreign workers. Sectors like hospitality, which fall under services, are also identified as critical due to labour shortages in those sectors. Once the approval has been granted, your company can begin the work permit application process on your behalf.

Types of work permits for Malaysia

Below are the types of work permits most commonly used by expats working in Malaysia.

Employment Pass

An Employment Pass applies to those expats wanting to work in Malaysia who have specific skills, generally in technical or managerial positions. Industries such as technology, finance, and engineering are common sectors that issue Employment Passes due to the high demand for skilled professionals.

Your employment must be approved by the relevant regulatory agency before the Employment Pass can be issued. Depending on specifics such as the nature of the job, the salary earned, and the length of your employment contract, Employment Passes can be granted for up to 12, 24, or 60 months.

Renewing an Employment Pass is generally straightforward if all conditions are met, but changes in job roles, non-compliance with salary thresholds, or missing documentation can lead to rejection. Category III passes are limited in renewals and can only be renewed twice.

Professional Visitor Pass

The Professional Visitor Pass is issued if you are employed by an overseas company but are working with a company in Malaysia on a temporary basis. It is typically for short-term assignments such as training programmes, internships, or technical consultations and is valid for a maximum of 12 months.

Extending a Professional Visitor Pass beyond this period can be challenging and often requires substantial justification related to ongoing projects or additional training needs. Successful extensions usually involve detailed documentation, including project reports and employer letters.

Useful links

• Professional Visitor Pass – Immigration Department of Malaysia

Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, so you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.