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.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
On arrival Social Visit Pass granted to visa exempt nationals for tourism, visiting friends and relatives and certain business activities without pay in Malaysia.
Social Visit Pass is for tourism, family visits, and business meetings only. Remote work or any form of employment is not permitted. Digital nomads should apply for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass instead.
Short-term visitors are generally not subject to Malaysian income tax. Non-residents (under 182 days) who earn Malaysian-sourced income face a flat 30% tax rate. Foreign-sourced income is exempt from Malaysian tax until end of 2026 under current regulations.
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.
Minimum $24,000/per_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.
The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is specifically designed for remote workers. Holders can legally work remotely for foreign employers or clients. Tech professionals need min USD 24,000/year; non-tech professionals need min USD 60,000/year. Employment with Malaysian companies is not permitted.
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.
DE Rantau holders staying 182+ days become tax residents, subject to progressive income tax rates from 0% to 30%. Non-residents (under 182 days) face a flat 30% rate on Malaysian-sourced income. Foreign-sourced income remitted to Malaysia is exempt until end of 2026. Remote employees may not be taxed if staying under 60 days.
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.
The eVISA is a short-term entry visa for tourism or business visits only. Remote work and employment are not permitted. Maximum stay is 30 days with no extension allowed.
Short-term visitors on eVISA (max 30 days) are generally not subject to Malaysian income tax on foreign-sourced income. Any Malaysian-sourced income earned by non-residents is taxed at a flat 30% rate.
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.
The Employment Pass is tied to a specific Malaysian employer. Holders can only work for the sponsoring company. Remote work for foreign employers is not permitted under this visa. Changing employers requires a new EP application. Note: From 1 June 2026, new EP minimum salary rises to MYR 10,000/month (Cat II).
EP holders are subject to Malaysian income tax. Residents (182+ days) pay progressive rates from 0% to 30%. Non-residents pay a flat 30%. Employer handles tax withholding (PCB/MTD). EPF contributions are mandatory. Foreign-sourced income is exempt until end of 2026.
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.
Mainland MM2H (Silver/Gold/SEZ tiers) officially prohibits employment in Malaysia. Remote work for overseas employers is not explicitly addressed, creating a grey area. Platinum tier allows full employment. Sarawak S-MM2H explicitly permits remote work for overseas employers. Over-50 holders can work part-time up to 20 hours/week.
MM2H holders enjoy tax exemption on foreign-sourced income. Malaysian-sourced income is taxed at progressive rates (0-30%) for residents or flat 30% for non-residents. Fixed deposit interest earned in Malaysia is subject to local tax rules. The foreign income tax exemption is confirmed through end of 2026.
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