Malaysia Employment Pass (Category I/II) for Filipinos
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 4–10 weeks
- Government fee
- about $400
- Start preparing
- about 5 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 7
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 4–10 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Employer-sponsored pass with salary bands revised in June 2026: Category I from RM 20,000/month, Category II RM 10,000–19,999 (both up to 10 years), Category III RM 5,000–9,999 (max 5 years). The employer must be ESD-registered with an approved expatriate quota. Filipino workers also complete DMW processing for an Overseas Employment Certificate before departure.
This page covers Filipinos. For every nationality we track, see the Malaysia Employment Pass (Category I, II & III) overview.
Requirements for Filipinos
| Minimum annual income | $28,400/year |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | Yes |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 4–10 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $400. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Job offer meeting the June 2026 salary bandsCategory I needs RM 20,000+/month and Category II RM 10,000+.
- Employer ESD registration & expatriate quotaRegistered on the Expatriate Services Division portal with an approved quota for the role.
- Degree certificate & documents for submissionScanned degree, CV, passport pages and photos; CHED-recognised credentials may need verification letters.
- Employer submits the EP application on ESDOnline submission through the ESD with the employment contract.
- DMW processing & Overseas Employment CertificateDirect-hire clearance or agency processing, then the OEC checked at Philippine immigration.
- Travel & pass endorsementFilipinos enter Malaysia visa-free for short stays; carry the EP approval letter.
- Onboarding: insurance, bank account, tax fileCovers medical cover, a local bank account and income tax registration.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Employment Pass (Category I/II) takes about 5 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Employment Pass (Category I/II) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Malaysia Employment Pass (Category I/II) take for Filipinos?
- Typical processing time is 4–10 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Employment Pass (Category I/II) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $400. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Filipinos need a job offer for the Employment Pass (Category I/II)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Malaysia is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Employment Pass (Category I/II)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
- What is the income requirement for the Employment Pass (Category I/II) for Filipinos?
- The minimum income is about $28,400 a year, roughly $2,367 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
Other Malaysia visas for Filipinos
Other destinations for Filipinos
Malaysia visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.