Malaysia Work Visa Process 2026 | Requirements & Guidelines

Malaysia, a vibrant Southeast Asian nation with Kuala Lumpur as its capital, offers numerous opportunities for foreign nationals. To work in Malaysia, foreign nationals must secure a job offer from a Malaysian company. Once a job offer is received, the employer will apply for the work permit. Malaysia provides both highly skilled and low-skilled work permits, accommodating various professionals. This guide covers the types of Malaysian work passes, application processes, and eligibility requirements.

Types of Malaysian Work Permits (Work Passes)

Here are the primary work passes available for foreign nationals in Malaysia:

1) Employment Pass (EP)

The Employment Pass is for highly skilled positions within Malaysian companies and is typically valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the work contract. It requires employer sponsorship and is suitable for professional roles.

2) Temporary Employment Pass (TEP)

The Temporary Employment Pass applies to specific sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and services, and has two main categories:

• Foreign Workers Temporary Employment Pass: Known as the Temporary Visit Pass, this permit allows foreign workers aged 18-45 from specific countries to work in Malaysia’s approved sectors. Countries eligible for this pass include:
  • Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Philippines, India
• Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Temporary Employment Pass: Issued exclusively to female domestic helpers aged 21 to 45 from specific countries. Eligible countries include:
  • Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Laos

For details on the Foreign Worker Employment Pass, visit the Immigration Department’s page, or learn more about the FDH Pass here.

3) Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

This pass caters to individuals on temporary assignments, usually lasting up to 12 months. It applies to artists, filmmakers, religious workers, government representatives, students, and volunteers. Additional information is available on the Professional Visit Pass page.

Malaysia Work Visa Requirements

For the Employment Pass (EP): Applicants should possess the necessary qualifications relevant to their job position in Malaysia.

For the Temporary Employment Pass (TEP): Applicants must meet age and nationality requirements, have a job offer within an approved sector, and be from one of the eligible countries listed.

How to Apply for a Malaysia Work Visa

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a work visa in Malaysia:

1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Malaysian employer.
2. Employer Applies for Work Permit: The employer applies for the work permit through Malaysia’s Immigration Department.
3. Visa Application: After receiving work permit approval, you may need to apply for a Malaysia Visa with Reference, depending on your nationality.
4. Travel to Malaysia: Nationals from visa-exempt countries can travel to Malaysia with only the work permit.

Malaysia Visa with Reference

The Malaysia Visa with Reference requires prior approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department before submission to an embassy or consulate. Employers typically assist with this application process.

Helpful Links for Further Information

For more information, including visa requirements by country, visit the Malaysian Immigration Department’s website.