Residency
Malaysia — Residency: Digital Nomad Visa
The DE Rantau Nomad Pass lets qualified foreign digital nomads work remotely from Malaysia for up to 12 months, renewable for another 12 months, and is issued as a Professional Visit Pass. MDEC's FAQ (version 10.0) sets the minimum income at USD 24,000 a year for tech talent and USD 60,000 a year for non-tech talent. Eligible applicants are digital freelancers, independent contractors and remote workers; remote workers need a foreign-based employer and a contract that began at least three months before applying, and freelancers need signed client contracts, three months of invoices, proof of payment and an LHDN tax registration slip. The fee is MYR 1,000 for the main applicant and MYR 500 for each dependant, and service takes 4 to 8 weeks. Check the current FAQ before applying.
Key facts
- The pass allows remote work from Malaysia for up to 12 months, renewable for another 12 months, and is issued as a Professional Visit Pass.
- Minimum income: USD 24,000 a year for tech talent and USD 60,000 for non-tech talent (MDEC FAQ v10.0).
- Remote workers need a foreign-based employer and a contract that started at least three months before applying.
- Freelancers need signed client contracts, three months of invoices, proof of payment and an LHDN tax registration slip.
- Fee: MYR 1,000 for the main applicant and MYR 500 per dependant; service takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Costs
- DE Rantau Nomad Pass, main applicant: MYR 1,000
- DE Rantau Nomad Pass, dependant: MYR 500
Timelines
- Pass validity: 12 months, renewable for 12 months
- Application service: 4 to 8 weeks
Common mistakes
- Applying with a contract that started less than three months ago — remote workers need at least three months.