Apex Gateway

Malaysia Employment Pass (EP)

We offer services for the application of Employment Pass (EP) and dependent pass for foreign nationals and their families. We can assist you in applying for an Employment Pass within 2 to 3 months without the need for you to travel to Malaysia in advance.
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Employment Pass

Employment Pass I (EPI)

Minimum Monthly Fixed Income

RM10,000

  • Minimum valid employment contract of 5 years
  • Dependant pass for spouse / children / parents
  • Foreign maid
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Employment Pass II (EPII)

Minimum Monthly Fixed Income

RM5,000 - RM9,999

  • Two-year valid employment contract
  • Dependant pass for spouse / children / parents
  • Foreign maid
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Employment Pass III (EPIII)

Minimum Monthly Fixed Income

RM3,000 - RM4,999

  • Employment contract not exceeding 1 year
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Types of Work Visas

Various types of work visas are available depending on salary, duration of work, and educational qualifications.

Employment Pass (EP)

Typically issued to employees with specific skills, such as those in technical or managerial positions; valid for at least 5 years of employment.

Training Employment Pass (TEP)

This visa is issued to foreign talents for positions lasting less than 2 years and/or for salaries below RM5,000.

Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

A temporary pass that allows foreign workers with acceptable professional qualifications or skills to enter Malaysia temporarily (up to 12 months). Applicants for this visa are generally still employed in their home countries but are required to visit Malaysia for work purposes.

Applicants must meet specific criteria to apply for a Malaysian work visa, including:

  • Applicants must be at least 23 years old (22 years or older for the IT sector).
  • Applicants must possess a valid passport with at least 18 months remaining.

We facilitate and simplify the application process in accordance with the procedures stipulated on the official website of Malaysia's Expatriate Services Division (ESD).

Benefits of Advanced Work Visas

Eligible to work in Malaysia.

Can bring spouse, children, and parents.

Independent business operation rights.

Eligible for public, private, and international schools.

Self-funded medical care/purchase of Malaysian insurance and medical cards.

Permitted to purchase property according to state regulations in Malaysia.

Mortgage

(depending on individual circumstances)
EP1<80% | EP2<50%

Allowed to open bank accounts in Malaysia.

Requirements for Advanced Work Visas

Age requirement 22 to 48 years

Application processing time 45 working days

No specific asset requirements

No proof of income required

No specific deposit requirements

No criminal record certificate required

Eligible for a validity period of 2 years (EP1), 1 or 2 years (EP2).

Required Documents for Advanced Work Visa Application

Main Applicant

  • Personal passport-sized photo

    (blue background, digital version)

  • Full copy of personal passport

    (including cover)

  • Copy of personal ID card

    (front and back)

  • Latest personal resume

  • Copies of educational certificates

  • Personal bank account book

    (translated into English)

Family Members

  • Passport-sized photo for each family member

    (blue background, digital version)

  • Full copy of passport for each family member

    (including cover)

  • Copy of ID card for each family member

    (front and back)

  • Original marriage certificate (if spouse is accompanying)

    translated into English)

  • Birth certificate (if children are accompanying)

    (translated into English)

  • Bank account book for each family member

    (translated into English)

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program, advocated by the Malaysian government, aims to attract foreign investment, promote local tourism, and stimulate economic development. Eligible foreign nationals can obtain a multiple-entry social visit visa to reside in Malaysia for an extended period.

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APEC Business Travel Card

APEC Business Travel Card

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) facilitates business travel within the economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Currently, there are 21 participating economies in the program: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.

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FAQ

Can I apply for an Employment Pass (EP) under my own private limited company (Sdn Bhd)?

All Sdn Bhd companies can apply for an EP, except those in restricted industries. Please note that companies in the wholesale, retail, and trade (WRT) industries with foreign equity ownership of 51% or more must obtain a WRT license to apply for an EP. According to the Guide on the Involvement of Foreigners in Malaysia’s Distribution Trade Services, the following industries are restricted from applying for employment permits:

  • Supermarkets/mini markets (with sales area below 3,000 square feet)
  • Supply stores/general suppliers
  • Convenience stores (24-hour operations)
  • Newspaper and grocery stores
  • Medical halls (focused on traditional alternative medicines plus general dry goods)
  • Petrol stations with convenience stores
  • Petrol stations without convenience stores
  • Permanent market stores
  • Permanent storefronts
  • National strategic interests
  • Textiles, non-exclusive restaurants, taverns, jewelry stores
  • Others
If I do not wish to inject a high paid-up capital, is there another way to apply for an EP with the same company?
No, the paid-up capital requirement is the minimum standard set by the Immigration Department for companies wishing to apply for an EP.
What are my chances of obtaining an Employment Pass?

This largely depends on the applicant’s qualifications. We do have guidelines on the minimum requirements for applying for foreign positions, as follows:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher with at least 3 years of relevant work experience;
  • Diploma with at least 5 years of relevant work experience;
  • Technical certificate or equivalent with at least 7 years of relevant work experience;
  • Applicants must be engaged in positions requiring specific skills in management, administration, or technical fields;
  • Applicants must meet the prescribed salary requirements; and
  • Applicants must not engage in work in sectors considered restricted by the Malaysian government.

If a foreign national acts only as a shareholder, the following conditions must be met:

  • The shareholder must own at least 30% of the company; and
  • Must be a director registered with SSM and/or hold a key position in the company.
As a director of a Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd), can I apply for a business owner visa to work in Malaysia?
No, there is no business owner visa in Malaysia. The only option for directors or employees wishing to work in Malaysia is to apply for an Employment Pass.
How long can I typically get approval for from my first Employment Pass application?
Generally, the Immigration Department grants new applications a 1-year Employment Pass. The applying company may renew the pass 3 months before its expiry. The renewal process is straightforward and the approval of the pass renewal depends on the decision of the Immigration Department.
What is the process for applying for an Employment Pass?
Basically, there are two stages:
First Stage: Application for company registration with the ESD account (approximately 2 – 3 months).
Second Stage: Application for the Employment Pass (approximately 2 – 3 months).
Is there any guarantee of a successful application?
No, approval decisions are always at the discretion of the Immigration Department.

However, we have a successful track record in Employment Pass applications.
Which family members can you bring to Malaysia on a Dependant Pass?
If you are an eligible Employment Pass (EP) holder, you can apply for a Dependant Pass for the following family members:
  • Your legal spouse (husband/wife)
  • Children under 21 years old (biological, adopted, or stepchildren)
  • Dependent children of any age with physical or mental disabilities who rely on you
How can a manufacturing company apply for foreign workers' positions?
Applications for foreign workers’ positions in new companies (without incentives) and existing companies in the manufacturing and related services sectors (including those not involved in expansion or diversification) should be submitted to MIDA. This includes companies that require a manufacturing license and those exempt from it.

For more information on immigration procedures, please visit A link to Google. >www.imi.gov.my.
Professional Visit Pass (PVP)
The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is granted to foreign talents with recognized professional qualifications or skills. It allows them to enter the country to provide services temporarily or receive practical training on behalf of a foreign company in a Malaysian company.

The PVP is valid for 12 months and can be renewed for an additional 12 months. PVP holders are not allowed to bring dependents, and they must be officially employed and paid by the foreign company.
Is there an age limit for applying for a Malaysian work permit?
Yes, you must be at least 23 years old to apply. While there is no upper age limit, individuals over 65 may receive lower age-related points, affecting the scoring. We recommend contacting Apex Gateway for an evaluation and exploring feasible options.
I have injected the required paid-up capital; can I withdraw funds from my company’s business bank account?
Yes, as long as you can prove the funds have been deposited into the account. However, please note that withdrawing the capital could mean the recipient becomes liable to the company as a debtor, such as a shareholder/director’s outstanding debt to the company.
How long does it take for a foreigner to get a Malaysian work visa?
Depending on various factors, the process from submitting a Malaysian EP application to receiving the invitation letter can take around two months. You can opt for expedited processing, which incurs additional fees, as well as due diligence and government surcharges upon successful approval.
Can my spouse and/or dependents accompany me to Malaysia?
Yes, Malaysian EP holders in Categories 1 and 2 can bring their spouse and other dependents with them to Malaysia.
Can my spouse and/or dependents work in Malaysia?
Yes, there are no restrictions on your spouse or dependents working in Malaysia.
Do I need to apply for a Malaysian driving license?
If you already have a valid driving license from your home country, it can be converted into a valid Malaysian driving license. We can assist you with the application.
Can I open a bank account in Malaysia?
Yes, after obtaining the Professional Work Permit (DP10), the agency or company should issue a letter to apply for a bank account. Ensure you have your original passport showing the valid DP10 work permit ready to present to the bank officer during the account opening process.
Can I apply for a credit card at a Malaysian bank?
Yes, holders of a professional visa can apply for credit cards at all Malaysian banks. The requirements for obtaining a credit card are similar to other applications, such as your credit history, monthly income, etc. For more information, please consult the bank officer at the respective bank.
How will Apex Gateway assist me in successfully applying for a Malaysian work permit?
Each profession is evaluated by a third-party agency designated by the Malaysian Immigration Department, depending on the uniqueness of the occupation. Even after submitting your documents, the agency may deduct years of work experience based on the relevance of your education and experience, ultimately affecting the work permit application score. Apex Gateway’s professional team will work with you to prepare every detail meticulously.
Can I apply for a Malaysian EP if I don’t have a degree?
Yes, you can still arrange for an evaluation, and Apex Gateway will recommend alternative application paths.
Does Apex Immigration offer follow-up services after successfully applying for a Malaysian EP?
Yes, Apex Gateway offers follow-up services based on the contract terms, up to successful application. In addition, Apex Immigration can assist with services such as overseas moving, tax consultation, overseas education, housing arrangements, arrival pick-up, and personal settlement guidance. Feel free to inquire in advance to arrange these services.
Do foreign workers with a Malaysian work visa need to pay taxes?
Yes, foreign workers holding a work visa in Malaysia are subject to the same tax laws as Malaysian citizens. Workers must pay personal income tax on their Malaysian income and comply with all applicable tax regulations. Employers are responsible for withholding the appropriate taxes from workers’ wages and reporting to the tax authorities.EP holders must submit personal income tax returns to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia just like Malaysian citizens.For more information on tax procedures, please visit https://www.hasil.gov.my/en/individual/individual-life-cycle/how-to-declare-income/tax-rate/.
Can I or my dependents register a company in Malaysia?
Yes, holders of a Malaysian work visa are allowed to register a company and hold 100% ownership.
Do overseas earnings of a Malaysian company need to be taxed in Malaysia?
No, Malaysia has signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTA) with many countries, so overseas earnings are not subject to income tax in Malaysia.
Can the minor children of a Malaysian EP holder apply for a study permit (PTS)?
Yes, but a separate application for PTS is required.
Can I renew my Malaysian EP without filing a tax return?
No, you must strictly follow the income tax filing requirements specified when you applied for the Malaysian EP, and complete your annual tax returns. Failure to do so will prevent EP renewal.
Can a Malaysian EP holder obtain a loan to purchase a house in Malaysia?
Yes, but you must comply with each state’s minimum threshold requirements for foreigners purchasing property.
Can a Malaysian EP holder from East Malaysia work in West Malaysia?
No, an EP issued for East Malaysia only permits social visits to West Malaysia.
My passport has no blank pages left; can I apply for a Malaysian work visa?
No, your passport must have at least two blank pages.
Is Chinese one of the official languages of Malaysia?
No, Malaysia’s official language is Malay. However, with 22% of the population being ethnic Chinese, there are no barriers to speaking Chinese in Malaysia.
What should I do if I have lost my bachelor’s degree or highest education certificate?
If you lose any required documents, you must provide a declaration letter explaining your situation. We offer services to help draft such letters.
Do I need to be physically present in Malaysia during the application process?
No, you do not need to be physically present in Malaysia throughout the application process.
I need to submit supporting documents to the Malaysian Immigration Department for my EP application. What should I do if these documents are not in English?
Any non-English documents must be translated into English and notarized to certify that the translation matches the original document. Educational and marriage certificates must be notarized as scanned copies and verified as true to the original. Notarized documents are valid for five years.

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