As Southeast Asia grows in economic influence, Malaysia stands out as an increasingly attractive destination for international talent. The country offers a unique combination of competitive wages, a high standard of living, and proximity to regional hubs like Singapore and Thailand. But before foreign nationals can take advantage of these opportunities, they must secure legal work authorization.
The importance of work authorization
Work authorization isn’t optional; companies that hire foreign nationals without going through the proper channels face steep fines and other legal ramifications. Individuals be deported, detained, and barred from future entry. With the government tightening oversight of foreign labor in recent years, doing things by the book is essential.
Overview of work permits and visas in Malaysia
The most common work authorization is the Employment Pass (EP), but options such as the Temporary Employment Pass and the Professional Visit Pass offer flexibility for short-term and contract-based work.
Permits are issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department but often require additional approval from the Expatriate Committee (EC) or other regulatory agencies.
Eligibility criteria for foreign workers
To be eligible for a Malaysian work visa, applicants must meet criteria set by immigration authorities and sector-specific regulators. Generally, candidates should:
- Hold a valid job offer from a Malaysian company
- Possess qualifications or professional experience relevant to the position
- Meet minimum salary thresholds
- Work in roles where local talent is limited
The government maintains a list of restricted sectors for foreign labor, so applicants should ensure their role is not in a prohibited category.
Necessary documentation
Required documents typically include:
- A valid passport with at least 18 months before it expires
- Employment contract signed by both parties
- Company profile and proof of registration in Malaysia
- Academic certificates or proof of professional experience
- A passport-sized photo and completed application forms
Many applications also require prior approval from the Expatriate Committee, especially for professional roles. Employers must initiate this step and justify why the foreign hire is necessary.
Employment Pass (EP) vs. Temporary Employment Pass
The Employment Pass is the most commonly issued work visa. It is divided into three categories:
- Category I: For highly skilled roles with a minimum monthly salary of RM10,000 and a contract of up to five years
- Category II: For mid-level professionals with a salary between RM5,000 and RM9,999, valid for up to two years
- Category III: For lower-wage roles of RM3,000–RM4,999, typically on short-term contracts up to one year, and renewable up to two times
The Temporary Employment Pass is designed for semi-skilled or unskilled roles in sectors like manufacturing, construction, or agriculture. This pass is valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed.
Professional Visit Pass and others
The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is ideal for foreign nationals visiting Malaysia temporarily to provide services or undergo training. It applies to individuals who remain employed by an overseas company and are not officially hired by a Malaysian entity.
There are also niche permits for sectors like academia, healthcare, and IT, which involve additional approvals and different processing channels.
Submitting a work visa application
The employer begins the process by applying for approval from the Expatriate Committee, if required. Next, the company submits the application through either the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) or the MYXpats Centre platform. Once the application is submitted, the Immigration Department reviews it and, upon approval, issues a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) to the applicant. The foreign national then enters Malaysia using the VAL and converts it into an official work pass. Finally, a biometric ID called an i-Kad is issued, confirming their legal work status in Malaysia.
Interaction with the Immigration Department
The Malaysian Immigration Department plays a central role in issuing all work-related permits. Most processes are now digitized, and applications typically go through either the ESD (for larger companies) or the MYXpats Centre (for EP and PVP applications).
Delays often stem from missing documentation or employer-side missteps, so partnering with experienced HR or legal teams can expedite the process.
Role of the Expatriate Committee
The Expatriate Committee evaluates whether a foreign hire is justified, focusing on skills scarcity and national workforce priorities. Applications must clearly demonstrate why a Malaysian citizen cannot fill the role. Some sectors require additional agency endorsements, like the Ministry of Higher Education or the Central Bank.
Salary and employment contract criteria
Each category of visa comes with its own salary threshold, which helps ensure foreign workers contribute to Malaysia’s knowledge economy. Employment contracts must specify job roles, salary, and duration of stay, and must align with Malaysia’s labor laws.
Violations—such as offering salaries below the threshold or providing inconsistent job descriptions—can lead to application rejection.
Tourist visa conversion
Malaysia does not permit conversion from a tourist visa to a work visa within the country. Foreign nationals must leave Malaysia, secure the appropriate work authorization from their home country or another location, and re-enter once their visa is approved.
Timeframe for obtaining a work visa
On average, the full process—from securing a job offer to receiving a valid work pass—takes four to eight weeks. Delays are common if Expatriate Committee approval is required or if documentation is incomplete.
Benefits of securing legal work authorization
Obtaining legal work authorization in Malaysia protects both the employer and the employee. It ensures compliance with national regulations, prevents penalties, and grants access to benefits like health coverage, banking services, and long-term residency pathways.
It also offers peace of mind. With the proper documentation, foreign professionals can focus on building careers and contributing to Malaysia’s growing economy.
How Velocity Global can help
Navigating Malaysia’s complex work authorization process can be overwhelming, especially for businesses expanding globally or professionals relocating for the first time. Velocity Global helps simplify every step by acting as an Employer of Record (EOR), managing visa applications, payroll, compliance, and onboarding.
With a deep understanding of regional laws and a global network of local experts, Velocity Global enables organizations to hire top talent in Malaysia without setting up a legal entity. From handling Expatriate Committee submissions to ensuring contracts meet legal standards, their team ensures a seamless and compliant experience.
Learn more about how Velocity Global supports companies hiring in Malaysia.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult an immigration lawyer or local legal advisor.
Topics:
Immigration + Relocation
