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Malaysia

Asia

Malaysia is a diverse, middle income country with modern cities, tropical islands and relatively low living costs. Most visitors from Europe, North America and many other regions can enter visa free for 90 days, while ASEAN nationals usually receive 30 days. A broad group of other nationalities can apply online for an eVISA issued by the Immigration Department. Longer stays for work, business or retirement rely on passes such as Employment Passes, Professional Visit Passes and the Malaysia My Second Home schemes. Malaysia also offers the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, a dedicated digital nomad programme that allows qualifying foreign digital professionals to live and work remotely from Malaysia on a Professional Visit Pass framework.

5
Visa Types
90
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Visa free Social Visit Pass (tourist and business visitors)

On arrival Social Visit Pass granted to visa exempt nationals for tourism, visiting friends and relatives and certain business activities without pay in Malaysia.

90 days
Duration
RM0
<$1 fee

✅ Key Benefits

✓No consular visa application is needed for many nationalities, making short trips relatively simple.
✓Commonly used by tourists, regional business travellers and people scouting Malaysia for future relocation.
✓Inexpensive and flexible for stays of a few weeks to a few months, depending on nationality.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Passport from a country or region listed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia as not requiring a visa for short stays.
  • •Purpose of stay limited to tourism, visiting friends and relatives or short business meetings without taking up employment or running a local business.
  • •Return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for the stay, plus accommodation arrangements, which may be checked by immigration officers.
  • •Completion of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within the required window before arrival.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Assessment of visa free entries happens at the border and usually takes only a few minutes, although officers can ask additional questions or documentation before deciding how long to admit you.
  1. 1Check the official Malaysian immigration visa requirement by country list to confirm that your nationality is visa exempt and to see the maximum length of stay granted visa free.
  2. 2Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within the required period before your trip and keep the confirmation available.
  3. 3Travel to Malaysia with a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward or return travel and evidence of funds and accommodation in case you are asked to show them.
  4. 4On arrival, present your passport and MDAC confirmation to the immigration officer, answer routine questions and receive a Social Visit Pass stamped or recorded with the number of days you are allowed to stay.
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Carry printouts or offline copies of your onward ticket and hotel or rental bookings in case the officer asks for them.
  • •If you plan to work remotely in any substantial way or to stay for many months, explore the DE Rantau Nomad Pass or other structured long term options instead of relying on visitor status.
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

DE Rantau Nomad Pass (Digital Nomad)

Professional Visit Pass based DE Rantau Nomad Pass that allows qualifying foreign digital professionals and freelancers to live in Malaysia and work remotely for foreign employers or clients for up to 12 months at a time, renewable to a maximum of 24 months.

365 days
Duration
RM1,000
$224 fee

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $24,000/year

Alternative: Instead of employment in Malaysia, applicants must show that they earn at least USD 24,000 per year from remote work in eligible digital professions for foreign employers or clients. Evidence is usually provided through contracts, invoices and bank statements and must meet the criteria set by the programme operator.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Provides a clear, official route for digital nomads and remote digital professionals to work legally from Malaysia rather than relying on tourist status.
✓Allows an initial stay of up to 12 months with the possibility of renewal up to a total of 24 months, offering more stability than repeat short visits.
✓Can usually include eligible dependants, such as a spouse and children, under linked passes.
📋 Requirements (5)
  • •Remote work as a digital professional, such as software development, digital marketing, content creation, cyber security, UI or UX design or related fields serving foreign clients or employers.
  • •Minimum annual income of around USD 24,000 or more from remote digital work that is not sourced from Malaysian employers, documented through contracts, invoices and bank statements.
  • •Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity and clean immigration and criminal record.
  • •Comprehensive health insurance that covers medical care in Malaysia for the entire period of stay for the main applicant and any dependants.
  • •Submission of a complete online application with all required supporting documents through the official DE Rantau portal.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Processing times vary but many applicants report that complete applications take several weeks to a couple of months from submission to decision, depending on volume and whether further information is requested.
  1. 1Review the DE Rantau Nomad Pass eligibility criteria on the official Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) website and confirm that your work, clients and income level qualify.
  2. 2Gather documentation showing your digital profession, ongoing foreign remote work, annual income of at least USD 24,000 and valid health insurance that covers treatment in Malaysia.
  3. 3Create an account on the official DE Rantau application portal, complete the forms, upload your documents and pay the applicable fees for the main applicant and any dependants.
  4. 4Once your application is approved, follow the issued instructions to obtain your Professional Visit Pass, travel to Malaysia and finalise any in country formalities so that you can legally live in Malaysia and work remotely under the pass conditions.
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 365 days (max 1x)

Cost: Free

Process: DE Rantau Nomad Passes are typically granted for a period between three and twelve months and can usually be renewed once for a further period, allowing up to a total of 24 months in Malaysia if you continue to meet programme criteria.

Renewal: The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is not a permanent residence or long term settlement route. After the maximum permitted duration, you will normally need to leave Malaysia or qualify for another pass type, such as a work pass or long stay scheme.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Keep clear written contracts and bank records showing foreign sourced digital income in case programme administrators request additional evidence at application or renewal.
  • •Discuss tax residency implications with a qualified adviser so that you understand how remote income and time spent in Malaysia will be treated.
  • •Have a plan for what you will do after the maximum 24 month stay, including whether you will move on, switch to other passes or reduce your time in Malaysia.

Malaysia eVISA / entry visa (short stay)

TouristPopular

Single entry or multiple entry electronic visa for eligible visa required nationals, allowing a short stay in Malaysia for tourism, visiting family or business meetings.

30d
Duration
RM0
<$1 fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Official guidance indicates that correctly completed eVISA applications are often processed within a few working days, but you should allow extra time in case of peak periods or additional checks.
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
MYRUSD
Required
eVISA government feeThe official fee varies by nationality and visa type and is displayed in the eVISA system before payment.
RM0<$1
Additional (estimated)
Visa centre or authorised agent service chargesDepending on where you apply, additional service fees may apply on top of the official government fee.
RM0<$1
Required Total
RM0<$1
💱1 USD = 4.46 MYR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Passport from a country that requires a visa to travel to Malaysia, but is eligible for the eVISA or related online facilitation scheme.
  • •Online application with a recent photo, passport biodata page and at least six months remaining validity, as specified in official instructions.
  • •Confirmed travel bookings and proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the stay.
  • •Completion of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival, even when holding an eVISA.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check on the official Malaysia eVISA portal whether your nationality and purpose of travel are eligible for an electronic visa or related scheme.
  2. 2Create an online account, fill in the application form, upload your photo, passport copy and supporting documents and pay the applicable fee.
  3. 3Wait for your eVISA approval, then print or save a copy to present on check in and at Malaysian immigration.
  4. 4Before travelling, complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) and, on arrival, present your passport, eVISA and MDAC confirmation to receive a Social Visit Pass for the approved length of stay.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not allow you to work in Malaysia or stay long term.
  • •You must still meet all general entry conditions, including proof of funds and return travel, even with an approved eVISA.
  • •Not all nationalities or purposes of travel are eligible for eVISA; some still require traditional consular processing.

💡 Tips

  • •Use only the official Immigration Department eVISA portal and avoid third party websites that are not clearly authorised.
  • •Apply well in advance of your trip, especially during busy travel seasons or around major holidays.

Employment Pass (EP) and related work passes

WorkPopular

Core work pass framework that allows foreign nationals to live in Malaysia and work for a specific Malaysian employer in a skilled role, usually for one to five years at a time depending on the category.

730d
Duration
RM0
<$1 fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Overall timing depends on internal employer approvals, quota checks and Immigration Department processing. In many cases, the process can take several weeks to a few months from initial application to issuance of the pass.
🔄Extendable +730d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
MYRUSD
Required
Employment Pass processing feesThe Immigration Department charges application and issuance fees that vary by pass category and duration. Employers normally pay these fees.
RM0<$1
Additional (estimated)
Relocation and legal advisory costsEmployers and employees often use professional immigration and relocation services to manage the process.
RM0<$1
Required Total
RM0<$1
💱1 USD = 4.46 MYR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Formal job offer from a Malaysian company that meets immigration and labour requirements and is authorised to sponsor work passes.
  • •Position and salary that meet or exceed the minimum thresholds for the relevant Employment Pass category at the time of application.
  • •Relevant qualifications and experience for the role, with supporting documentation such as degrees, professional certificates and reference letters.
  • •Clean immigration and criminal record, plus any sector specific approvals that may be required for regulated professions.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Your prospective Malaysian employer confirms which Employment Pass category is appropriate and checks that the role, salary and your background meet current criteria.
  2. 2The employer applies through Malaysia immigration systems and, where required, related bodies to obtain approval and an Immigration Department reference for your Employment Pass.
  3. 3Once approval is granted, you complete any consular formalities if needed and travel to Malaysia, where your pass is issued or activated and your passport is endorsed.
  4. 4You then live and work in Malaysia in the specific role and for the employer set out in your pass, renewing or varying it if your situation changes and the authorities agree.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Tied to a specific employer and often a specific role. Changing employers usually requires a new pass and fresh approvals.
  • •Losing your job or falling outside current criteria can affect your ability to stay in Malaysia.
  • •Not suitable for pure freelancing or portfolio remote work for multiple foreign clients; DE Rantau or other structures may be more appropriate for those cases.

💡 Tips

  • •Keep certified copies of qualifications and detailed CVs ready because they are often required for applications and renewals.
  • •Stay in close communication with your employer and HR team about any role changes or promotions that might require updates to your pass.
  • •Track policy changes on the official Immigration Department and government websites so you can anticipate renewal requirements in advance.

Malaysia My Second Home and long stay schemes

Special Program

Long stay social visit pass programmes that allow qualifying foreigners to reside in Malaysia for extended periods, typically based on financial criteria and investment or income conditions rather than employment.

3650d
Duration
RM0
<$1 fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Processing times can be lengthy and depend heavily on programme demand and policy reviews. It is common for applications and approvals to take several months or longer, especially when criteria are being updated.
🔄Extendable +3650d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
MYRUSD
Required
Programme application and processing feesFees, fixed deposit amounts and income requirements depend on the specific Malaysia My Second Home or regional variant programme and are updated from time to time.
RM0<$1
Additional (estimated)
Legal, property and financial advisory costsApplicants frequently use advisers to structure finances, property purchases and tax planning around the long stay programme.
RM0<$1
Required Total
RM0<$1
💱1 USD = 4.46 MYR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Meeting age, income and asset criteria for the specific Malaysia My Second Home or regional long stay scheme, which can vary between Peninsular Malaysia and certain states.
  • •Willingness to maintain required fixed deposits and minimum income levels and to comply with any conditions on property, health insurance or residence.
  • •Clean immigration and criminal record and compliance with all Malaysian laws and regulations.
  • •Submission of detailed documentation on finances, health insurance and personal background through the channels specified in current programme rules.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Review the latest Malaysia My Second Home and any regional long stay programme criteria on official Malaysian government and state authority websites.
  2. 2Assess whether your financial position, income and lifestyle goals align with the minimum thresholds and conditions set out in the most recent guidelines.
  3. 3Engage directly with the authorities or, if appropriate, a licensed agent to prepare and submit your application, including financial, health and background documentation.
  4. 4If approved, relocate to Malaysia under the long stay pass, comply with ongoing conditions such as maintaining fixed deposits, renewing health insurance and obeying stay requirements and programme rules.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Financial thresholds can be high and may be revised over time, making programmes more or less accessible.
  • •Programme terms, including deposit amounts and permitted activities, can change with limited notice.
  • •Not primarily designed for active work or entrepreneurship, although rules on limited business and part time work may exist under specific conditions.

💡 Tips

  • •Rely only on official government or state level guidance for programme details and be cautious of unofficial claims that cannot be verified.
  • •Review the tax, estate planning and currency exposure implications of moving significant assets into Malaysia as part of long stay schemes.
  • •Treat Malaysia My Second Home and similar schemes as part of a broader lifestyle and financial plan, not as a guaranteed path to permanent immigration status.

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalKuala Lumpur
CurrencyMYR (Malaysian ringgit)
LanguageMalay (Bahasa Malaysia), English widely used
TimezoneUTC+8
Last UpdatedNov 30, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Malaysia have an official digital nomad visa
Yes. Malaysia operates the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which is built on a Professional Visit Pass framework and is specifically designed for foreign digital professionals and remote workers. It allows them to live in Malaysia and work remotely for foreign employers or clients, typically for three to twelve months at a time, with the possibility of renewal up to a total of around two years if they continue to meet programme criteria.
How long can I stay in Malaysia as a tourist without a visa
Most visitors from Europe, North America and several other regions can enter Malaysia visa free and receive a Social Visit Pass for up to around 90 days, while many ASEAN nationals typically receive 30 days. The exact number of days is always at the discretion of the immigration officer and is printed on your entry stamp or pass, so you must check that date carefully and leave or regularise your stay before it expires.
Can I work remotely from Malaysia on a tourist or Social Visit Pass
Malaysia treats work carried out in or from its territory as work for immigration purposes, even if your employer or clients are overseas. The safest approach for substantial remote work is to use a structure that is designed for that, such as the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, rather than relying on a tourist or short Social Visit Pass. Light incidental work while travelling is common in practice but remains legally sensitive, so remote workers should consider formal options.
Are border runs a safe strategy to stay long term in Malaysia
Relying on border runs, such as repeatedly exiting and re entering Malaysia on short Social Visit Passes, is risky. Immigration officers can see your travel history and may shorten your allowed stay or refuse entry if they believe you are trying to live or work in Malaysia without the correct pass. For medium or long term plans, it is safer to use structured routes such as Employment Passes, DE Rantau or long stay programmes instead of repeated short visits.
What are the basic requirements for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass
According to official programme materials, DE Rantau Nomad Pass applicants must be digital professionals or freelancers working for foreign employers or clients, show at least a specified minimum annual income from that work, hold valid health insurance covering Malaysia and submit a complete online application with supporting contracts, bank statements and identity documents. The detailed list of eligible professions, income thresholds and required documents is published on the official programme website and may be updated over time.
Do I need health insurance to enter or live in Malaysia
Short term visitors are not routinely asked to present health insurance at the border, but medical treatment in Malaysia can be costly in private facilities and good insurance is strongly recommended. Digital nomad and many long stay programmes require proof of comprehensive health insurance as a formal condition of approval, and long term residents are expected to ensure that they and their dependants have adequate cover.
Is it easy to open a Malaysian bank account as a foreigner
Opening a full Malaysian bank account is usually easiest for people with long term passes, a fixed local address and clear employment or business ties. Short term visitors may find it hard or impossible to access standard current accounts and often rely on international and multi currency solutions until they become long term residents or digital nomad pass holders with stronger local ties.
Where can I find official and up to date information about Malaysian visas and passes
The most reliable sources are the Immigration Department of Malaysia website for visa policy, eVISA, entry and pass rules, the official Malaysia eVISA portal for electronic visa procedures, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation DE Rantau pages for digital nomad details and the websites of Malaysian embassies and high commissions. Because policies can change, you should always check these official sources close to the time you apply or travel rather than relying on older summaries.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: November 30, 2025

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