🇲🇾 Malaysia Employment Pass (Category I, II & III)
Also known as: EP, expatriate pass, Malaysia work visa
Last verified: October 1, 2026
What is the Malaysia Employment Pass?
Employer-sponsored pass with salary bands revised in June 2026: Category I from RM 20,000/month and Category II RM 10,000–19,999 (both up to 10 years); Category III RM 5,000–9,999 (max 5 years, renewal-limited). The employer must be registered with the ESD and hold an approved expatriate quota; Indian nationals also need a Visa with Reference to enter.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
Malaysia Employment Pass requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $400–$500 |
| Processing time | 4–10 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | $28,000–$28,400/year (about $2,333–$2,367/month) |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Bangladeshis, Indians, and Filipinos.
Malaysia Employment Pass cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇩 Bangladeshis | $500 | 4–10 weeks | $28,000/year | — |
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $400 | 4–10 weeks | $28,400/year | — |
| 🇵🇭 Filipinos | $400 | 4–10 weeks | $28,400/year | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Malaysia Employment Pass
- Job offer meeting the June 2026 salary bands
- Employer ESD registration & expatriate quota
- Degree certificate & CV for submission
- Employer submits the EP application on ESD
- Visa with Reference (VDR) approval
- Collect the entry visa in India
- Enter Malaysia & pass endorsement
- Onboarding: insurance, bank account, tax file
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Employment Pass right for you?
Answer 6 questions and see every Malaysia visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Malaysia Employment Pass?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in Malaysia; a relevant degree; income of about $28,000–$28,400 a year. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Bangladeshis, Indians, and Filipinos; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Malaysia Employment Pass cost?
- The government fee is about $500 for Bangladeshis and $400 for Indians and Filipinos (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Malaysia Employment Pass processing time?
- Typical processing takes 4–10 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What is the income requirement for the Malaysia Employment Pass?
- The minimum income is about $28,000 a year (roughly $2,333 a month) for Bangladeshis and $28,400 a year (roughly $2,367 a month) for Indians and Filipinos, 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.
- Do I need a job offer for the Malaysia Employment Pass?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Malaysia is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the Malaysia Employment Pass?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Malaysia Employment Pass lead to permanent residency?
- No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.
- Is the EP the same as the Malaysia Employment Pass?
- Yes. EP, expatriate pass, and Malaysia work visa are other names people use for the Malaysia Employment Pass.
Malaysia Employment Pass guides by nationality
Other Malaysia visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: esd.imi.gov.my. This guide is general information, not legal advice.