Malaysia is situated near Singapore but boasts significantly lower living costs. By securing a job in Malaysia with a monthly salary of RM5,000 (approximately HKD 10,000), one can apply for an Employment Pass (EP). This pass not only allows the holder to work but also permits the application of Dependant Pass (DP)/Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) for spouses, children, and even parents. Additionally, individuals can hire foreign domestic helpers. With sufficient work experience accumulated on the EP, one can further apply for a Residence Pass (RP-T) valid for ten years or even pursue MyPR (Permanent Residence Card) through an Entry Permit. This article will provide insights into Malaysia's work visas, including application requirements, procedures, necessary documents, and associated costs.

How to Apply for a Malaysia Work Visa?
Upon securing employment in Malaysia, the application procedures for a work visa are generally overseen by the employer. Employers must register on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) website to facilitate the application for Employment Pass (EP), Professional Visit Pass (PVP), or Dependant Pass (DP) for the employee and their family. Companies eligible for registration with ESD must be properly registered and possess a minimum capital of RM250,000. Once the activation process is completed, employers can register job positions for foreign workers, uploading relevant employee information and required documents. Upon ESD approval for the employment of a foreign worker in the specified position, an Approval Letter is issued. Subsequently, the employee can enter Malaysia holding this endorsement and must visit the local MYXPats Center within the specified timeframe (EP: 30 days, PVP: 14 days) to submit required documents and fees, ultimately obtaining the EP Sticker (work visa sticker).

Requirements for Malaysia Work Visa Applications
The following are the general required documents/information for visa applications:

Identification letter, passport

Educational credentials/professional qualification certificates, personal resume

Employment contract, detailed job description

(For DP) Proof of relationship

(For LTSVP) Proof of relationship, personal bond form

(For SVP) FOMEMA medical examination certificate, domestic helper contract, personal bond form

(For PVP) Guarantor's application letter, letter of acceptance, security bond & bank guarantee

Types of Malaysia Work Visas
Employment Pass (EP)
EP applications are applicable only for jobs on the Peninsular Malaysia. In addition to salary requirements, applicants need a minimum of 3 years (for a university degree), 5 years (for a diploma), or 7 years (for a technical certificate) of work experience. The visa's validity period is determined by the employment contract and is tied to the employer, requiring reapplication when changing jobs. For Category III EP, if renewed twice or job changes occur, the individual must leave Malaysia for 3 months before reapplying.

Key Information for This Visa Category:

EP Category I – Expatriate

Monthly salary requirement: RM10,000

Employment contract duration: Within 5 years, renewable

Can apply for family accompanying/visiting visas and hire local workers

EP Category II – Expatriate

Monthly salary requirement: RM5,000

Employment contract duration: Within 2 years, renewable

Can apply for family accompanying/visiting visas and hire local workers

EP Category III – Knowledge/Skilled Worker

Monthly salary requirement: RM3,000 – RM4,900 (Employers must apply for a minimum wage exemption from MOHA)

Employment contract duration: Within 1 year, renewable up to 2 times

Cannot apply for family accompanying visasDependant Pass (DP)Applicable for legal spouses, children under 18, and disabled children of any age. They can reside in Malaysia but are not allowed to work. The visa's validity period is the same as the main applicant.

Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP)Applicable for cohabiting partners (only applicable once and cannot change partners), children aged 18–25, parents, and the parents of spouses/partners. They can reside in Malaysia but are not allowed to work. The visa's validity period is the same as the main applicant.

Social Visit Pass (SVP)Based on the EP holder's salary, one can hire a foreign domestic helper for every RM5,000 earned. The domestic helper must be aged between 21 and 45 and pass the FOMEMA physical examination. The visa is valid for a maximum of 1 year.