Employment Pass (EP) & PVP
For professionals seeking formal employment or short-term expert placement in Malaysia.
Employer Sponsorship Required
Unlike MM2H or Digital Nomad visas, these passes cannot be self-applied. You must have a Malaysian company (the sponsor) to initiate the application on your behalf via the ESD (Expatriate Services Division) or MDEC portal.
Employment Pass Categories (2026 Updated)
| Feature | Category I (Management) | Category II (Professional) | Category III (Skilled) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Monthly Salary | RM 10,000+ | RM 5,000 - 9,999 | RM 3,000 - 4,999 |
| Contract Duration | Up to 5 Years | Up to 2 Years | Max 12 Months (Renewable 2x) |
| Dependents | Allowed | Allowed | Not Allowed |
*Note: Salaries are strictly regulated. "Category III" is becoming harder to approve for non-technical roles.*
Professional Visit Pass (PVP)
The PVP is for foreign talents to provide services or expertise to a Malaysian company without being an employee of that company. You remain employed by your home country employer.
Common Use Cases:
- Technical training or equipment installation.
- International students on internship.
- Guest lecturers or researchers.
- Volunteers.
How to Secure a Job & Visa
1. Job Hunt
Use LinkedIn, JobStreet, or Hiredly. Filter for "Visa Sponsorship" or look for MNCs.
2. Interview & Offer
Secure a signed employment contract. Ensure the salary meets the EP category threshold.
3. Employer Applies
The company HR submits your info to ESD/MDEC. You wait for the "Approval Letter".
