Introduction
Are you planning to move to Malaysia for work, business, or long-term residency? Understanding the Visa & Work Permit Guide Malaysia 2025 is essential to ensure a smooth relocation. Malaysia offers various visa categories for professionals, retirees, digital nomads, and dependents, each with specific eligibility requirements and benefits.
In this comprehensive Visa & Work Permit Guide Malaysia 2025, we cover everything from Employment Pass (EP), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), Dependent Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Professional Visit Pass (PVP), and more. Let’s explore the best visa option for your needs!
1️⃣ Employment Pass (EP) – For Foreign Professionals in Malaysia 2025
The Employment Pass (EP) in Malaysia 2025 is the most common visa for expats seeking employment in Malaysia. It is categorized into three types based on salary, job role, and validity.
✅ Categories of Employment Pass in Malaysia 2025:
✔️ EP Category I:
- Minimum salary: RM 10,000/month
- Valid for up to 5 years
- Allows dependent passes for spouse and children
- Can bring foreign domestic helper
✔️ EP Category II:
- Minimum salary: RM 5,000 – RM 9,999/month
- Valid for up to 2 years
- Can bring spouse & children (Dependent Visa)
✔️ EP Category III:
- Salary between RM 3,000 – RM 4,999/month
- Valid for up to 1 year, renewable twice only
- Cannot bring dependents
📌 How to Apply for an Employment Pass in Malaysia 2025?
1️⃣ Employer applies for Expatriate Post Approval from the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).
2️⃣ Submit Employment Pass application via the ESD online portal.
3️⃣ Immigration reviews and issues the Visa Approval Letter (VAL).
4️⃣ Applicant enters Malaysia and gets the EP endorsed in the passport.
🕒 Processing Time: 3-6 weeks
2️⃣ Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Visa 2025 – Long-Term Residency Program
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Visa in 2025 is a long-term residency scheme for foreigners looking to retire or invest in Malaysia. The program was updated in 2025, introducing four categories:
✅ New MM2H Visa Categories & Requirements in Malaysia 2025:
✔️ Platinum Category
- Fixed Deposit: USD 1 million (~MYR 4.5 million)
- Property Purchase: Minimum MYR 2 million
- Visa Duration: 20 years (renewable)
- Can work, do business, and hire domestic helpers
✔️ Gold Category
- Fixed Deposit: USD 500,000 (~MYR 2.25 million)
- Property Purchase: Minimum MYR 1 million
- Visa Duration: 15 years (renewable)
- Cannot work or run businesses
✔️ Silver Category
- Fixed Deposit: USD 150,000 (~MYR 675,000)
- Property Purchase: Minimum MYR 600,000
- Visa Duration: 10 years (renewable)
- Cannot work or run businesses
✔️ Special Economic/Financial Zones (SEZ/SFZ) Category
- No Fixed Deposit required
- Must purchase property in designated zones
- Visa Duration: 5 years (renewable)
📌 How to Apply for MM2H Visa in Malaysia 2025? 1️⃣ Submit application to Malaysia My Second Home Centre.
2️⃣ Provide financial proof, medical check-up, and security clearance.
3️⃣ Upon approval, place fixed deposit and complete visa stamping.
🕒 Processing Time: 3-6 months
3️⃣ Dependent Visa in Malaysia 2025 – For Family Members of EP Holders
A Dependent Visa in Malaysia 2025 allows spouses, children, and parents of Employment Pass holders (EP I & II) to stay in Malaysia.
✅ Who is eligible for a Dependent Visa in Malaysia?
✔️ Spouse & children under 18 of an EP holder.
✔️ Parents of an EP holder (special approval needed).
📌 Key Rules for Dependent Visa in Malaysia 2025:
- Dependents cannot work unless they convert their visa to an Employment Pass.
- Validity matches the principal EP holder’s visa.
🕒 Processing Time: 2-4 weeks
4️⃣ Digital Nomad Visa in Malaysia 2025 (De Rantau Program)
The De Rantau Digital Nomad Visa in Malaysia 2025 is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs who wish to live and work in Malaysia.
✅ Who Qualifies for the Digital Nomad Visa in Malaysia 2025?
- Minimum income requirement: USD 24,000 per year (~RM108,000/year)
- Can apply for 1 year (renewable for another year)
📌 Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
5️⃣ Tourist Visa in Malaysia 2025 (Short-Term Visit Pass) – For Visitors & Expats Exploring Malaysia
The Tourist Visa in Malaysia 2025 is issued to foreigners entering Malaysia for tourism, short business trips, or social visits.
📌 Types of Tourist Visas in Malaysia 2025:
- Visa-Free Entry: Stay 30-90 days (depending on nationality).
- eVisa (Single Entry): For eligible countries, valid for 30 days.
- eNTRI Visa (For Indian & Chinese Nationals): Fast-track 15-day entry.
- Multiple Entry Visa (MEV): For business travelers, valid for 3-12 months.
📌 Important Rules for Tourist Visa in Malaysia 2025: ⚠️ Overstaying results in fines (RM30-50 per day).
⚠️ Tourist visas cannot be converted to work visas.
⚠️ No work or business activities allowed on a tourist visa.
Conclusion
Malaysia offers various visa options for professionals, retirees, dependents, and digital nomads. Whether you are moving for work, investment, or long-term stay, choosing the right visa ensures a smooth transition into Malaysia’s expat-friendly environment.
💡 Need more visa insights? Bookmark this page for updated visa regulations! 🇲🇾
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