How to Get a Malaysian Work Permit in 2024

Do I need a work permit in Malaysia?

Generally, you will need a work permit if you meet any of the following conditions:

• You are a foreign national who has received a job offer from a Malaysian employer.
• You plan to engage in any form of paid employment within Malaysia.
• You are transferring to Malaysia as an intra-company transferee.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Malaysia?

If you intend to work in Malaysia, you must know the difference between a work permit and a work visa. Both are essential components of the legal process for foreign nationals seeking employment in Malaysia, but they serve different purposes and are obtained through different procedures. 

What is a Malaysian work visa?

A work visa, also referred to as a Visa With Reference (VDR), is the initial authorisation required for a foreigner who has a job in Malaysia to enter the country. Your employer typically applies to the Malaysian Immigration Department to obtain your work visa, submitting the necessary documents and references (more on this below). 

Once the application is approved, you get a notification from the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate in your home country to pick up the visa. You can then travel to Malaysia. Upon your arrival, you must complete the process of obtaining a work permit to begin working legally. 
 

What is a Malaysian work permit?

A work permit is an authorisation that allows a foreign national to legally work in Malaysia once they have entered the country with a valid work visa. Your employer assists you in applying for a work permit, which involves submitting documents, such as employment contracts, medical records, and other required paperwork.

What are the types of Malaysian work permits?

Malaysia offers several work permit types, each designed to cater to different employment situations and professional levels. Understanding which work permit is right for you is essential for a smooth application process. Here are the main types of work permits available in Malaysia:

Employment Pass

This work permit type is for highly skilled foreign professionals with specific expertise, qualifications, or technical skills. There are three categories under the Employment Pass:

• Category I: For foreign workers in Malaysia with a monthly salary of RM10,000 or more and a contract of up to five years.
• Category II: For those with a monthly salary between RM5,000 and RM9,999 and a contract of up to two years.
• Category III: For those with a monthly salary between RM3,000 and RM4,999 and a contract of up to one year. This Employment Pass category can be renewed twice.
   

Temporary Employment Pass 

This work permit is issued for jobs with wages below the salary threshold of the Employment Pass and are usually unskilled or semi-skilled positions. It is often required for foreign workers in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and plantation work. The Temporary Employment Pass is typically valid for up to two years and can be renewed based on the employer’s needs.
 

Professional Visit Pass

This work permit is for foreign workers transferred to a Malaysian branch of their company. It is often used for short-term assignments, internships, or training programs, and is usually valid for a maximum of 12 months without the option for extension.
 

Residence Pass-Talent 

This work permit is designed for highly skilled expatriates who wish to live and work in Malaysia for an extended period. It is valid for up to ten years and provides more flexibility than the Employment Pass. 
 

Foreign Domestic Helper Permit

This work permit is specifically for foreign nationals employed as domestic helpers. This permit is available to individuals from approved countries with the required eligibility criteria set by the Malaysian government. The permit is typically valid for up to two years and can be renewed.
 

Dependent Pass

This is for family members (spouse and children) of foreign workers in Malaysia with an Employment Pass, Temporary Employment Pass, or Residence Pass-Talent. While this pass allows family members to stay in Malaysia, it does not grant them the right to work. But they can apply for a work permit if they find employment.

How to get a work permit in Malaysia

To work in Malaysia, your employer must first apply for a Malaysian work permit on your behalf. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Apply for Expatriate Post or Quota Approval

Your employer must apply for an Expatriate Post or Quota Approval from the relevant authority for the sector they operate in before applying for your work permit. An Expatriate Post or Quota Approval is an authorisation to hire a foreigner for a job role a Malaysian cannot fill. 

Malaysian authorities which issue an Expatriate Post or Quota Approval include: 

• Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) for manufacturing and services sectors.
• Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation (MDEC) for the technology sector.
• Bank Negra Malaysia (the Central Bank of Malaysia) for finance, insurance, and banking sectors.
• Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp – BC) for the biotechnology sector.
• Securities Commission (SC) for the securities and futures market.
• Expatriate Committee (EC) for all other sectors.

For a Temporary Employment Pass, your employer must apply for quota approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Local Centre of Approval.

Once the relevant agency approves the expatriate post or quota, your employer can submit the work permit application to the Malaysian Immigration Department.
 

• Get Approval for the Work Permit

The Immigration Department must approve your work permit application before you can travel to Malaysia. Once approved, you will receive a visa approval letter to proceed to the next step based on your nationality.
 

• Apply for a Malaysian Work Visa

Foreigners from visa-required countries must apply for a Malaysian Visa With Reference from a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate. You can travel to Malaysia with your Visa Approval Letter if you are from a visa-exempt country. You can find the full list of visa-required and visa-exempt countries here.
 

• Get Your Work Permit 

Upon arrival in Malaysia, submit your passport and pay the necessary fees at the Malaysian Immigration Department. They will process your application, place a sticker on your passport, and issue you a work permit card. You can then start working legally in Malaysia.

Documents required for Malaysian employers to submit a work permit application 

Employers in Malaysia must obtain a work permit for their foreign employees. The required application documents include:

• Application form for foreign worker quota
• Company registration details 
• Employment structure details
• Copy of the employment contract
• Job description for the position
• Additional sector-specific documents or approval from Malaysian agencies.
   

Document requirements for employees

Employees must submit the following documents to obtain a work permit in Malaysia:

• Valid passport
• Copies of academic certificates (depending on the work permit type)
• Completed and signed application form
• Original employment contract
• Three recent passport-size photos
• Confirmation letter from the employer about salary and tax revenues.

How can Translayte help?

Many documents required for a Malaysian work permit application, such as your educational certificates, employment contracts, and other legal documents, must be translated into Malay. But you can't just use any type of translation; you need certified translations to ensure accuracy and compliance with the official standards required by the Malaysian Immigration Department. 

Translayte can be your reliable partner to deliver accurate certified translations in Malay for your documents. We guarantee high-level translation services with an excellent deliverability rate. We also pride ourselves on our exceptional customer support, guiding you through the process and addressing any concerns to ensure your utmost satisfaction.

Timeline for obtaining a Malaysian work permit

The timeline for obtaining a Malaysian work permit typically ranges from seven to 12 weeks. First, the employer submits a foreign worker quota application, which usually takes one to two weeks for approval. Once approved, the employer applies for Expatriate Post approval from the relevant agency, which generally takes two to four weeks. 

Afterwards, the work permit application is submitted to the Immigration Department, which processes it within two weeks and issues a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). Visa-required nationals must then apply for a work visa at a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate to travel and apply for a work permit upon arrival. 

Malaysian work permit fees

The cost of a Malaysian work permit depends on the type of permit. 

• An Employment Pass costs RM 200 plus a RM 125 processing fee. 
• A Professional Visit Pass costs RM 360. 
• Application fees for other Malaysian work permit types are based on specific conditions set by the Malaysian Immigration Department. We recommend checking their official website for the most accurate and updated fee information.

FAQs about Malaysian work permits

Can I convert my tourist visa to a work visa while in Malaysia?

No, you cannot convert a tourist visa to a work visa in Malaysia. You must leave the country and apply for a work visa from a Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence.
 

What happens if my Malaysian work permit expires?

If your Malaysia work permit expires, you must stop working immediately and leave the country or apply for a renewal before the expiration date. Overstaying or working without a valid permit can result in fines, deportation, and being barred from re-entering Malaysia.
 

Can I change employers while holding an Employment Pass in Malaysia?

Yes, you can change employers while holding an Employment Pass, but you must apply for a new Employment Pass through your new employer. The new employer must go through the same application and approval process.
 

What is the difference between an Employment Pass and a Temporary Employment Pass?

An Employment Pass is for highly skilled professionals and requires specific qualifications and a higher minimum salary. A Temporary Employment Pass is for unskilled or semi-skilled workers, has different age and nationality requirements, and does not require highly skilled qualifications.
 

Can a foreigner open a bank account in Malaysia without a work permit?

Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in Malaysia without a work permit. Generally, you need a valid passport, a visa or entry permit (like a tourist visa), proof of a local address (like a utility bill or rental agreement), and an initial deposit. Some banks may also request additional documents, like a reference letter from your home bank or proof of income.
 

Can I work part-time while holding a Student Pass in Malaysia?

Yes, international students holding a Student Pass in Malaysia can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks or holidays longer than seven days. However, they must get approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department.
 

Related posts

UK Work Visas: Learn About The Types And How To Apply

How To Get a Work Visa in France

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Ireland