Residency
Malaysia — Residency: Work Visa
MDEC's Expats Service Centre handles employment passes for companies with Malaysia Digital (MD) status. It lists three Employment Pass categories: Category 1 for a basic salary of at least RM20,000 a month with a contract of up to 60 months; Category 2 for at least RM10,000 a month and up to 24 months; and Category 3 for RM5,000 to RM9,999 a month and up to 12 months. MDEC approves the position and Immigration issues the pass, with durations from 12 to 60 months. Companies without MD status apply through the Immigration Department's Expatriate Services Division; check it for current rules.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceMalaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) — Expats Service CentreLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- MDEC's Expats Service Centre handles passes only for companies with Malaysia Digital (MD) status.
- Category 1: basic salary of at least RM20,000 a month, contract up to 60 months. Category 2: at least RM10,000 a month, up to 24 months. Category 3: RM5,000 to RM9,999 a month, up to 12 months.
- MDEC approves the position and Immigration issues the pass; durations range from 12 to 60 months.
- Non-MD companies apply through the Immigration Department; check current rules.
Costs
- Employment Pass Category 1 minimum salary: RM20,000 a month
Common mistakes
- Assuming MDEC handles every employment pass — only for Malaysia Digital companies.