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MalaysiaWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Employment Pass (EP) Categories I, II and III

The Employment Pass lets a Malaysian company registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) hire a foreign professional. Under the revised salary policy for all new and renewal applications from 1 June 2026, the minimum basic monthly salaries are RM20,000 (Category I), RM10,000–19,999 (Category II) and RM5,000–9,999 (Category III). Categories II and III need a succession plan, and all three categories can now bring dependants.

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1 entry rule for Malaysia based on recent travel

These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.

Entry restrictions apply to 1 passports for Malaysia

The government has suspended some or all visas for holders of these passports. Exceptions exist; see the source.

  • Israel

Source: Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) media statement, 28 July 2026 - border enforcement on entry of Israeli nationalsSource: RTM (state broadcaster) - Rakyat Israel masuk Malaysia akan diusir segera - PM (15 July 2026)

Life in Malaysia

Money

3

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit

MYR

Malaysian Ringgit

Cost of living

33

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

1–30%

Income tax (national)

Sales and Service Tax (SST) 10%

Chargeable income up to MYR 5,000 taxed at 0%; 30% applies above MYR 2 million (YA 2023 onwards).

Official rates, YA 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.0

#69 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Your edge here Members

What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties

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Who it’s for

Foreign managers, professionals and skilled staff with a job offer from an ESD-registered company in Malaysia.

Eligibility

  • Category I salaryCategory I

    Show a basic monthly salary of RM20,000 or more for Category I.

    Category I salary and duration

    Basic monthly salary
    RM20,000 or more
    Maximum durationmaximum total duration
    up to 10 years
    Official wording

    Basic monthly salary of RM20,000 or more. Maximum total duration of up to 10 years.

  • Category II salaryCategory II

    Show a basic monthly salary of RM10,000 to RM19,999 for Category II.

    Category II salary and duration

    Basic monthly salary
    RM10,000 to RM19,999
    Maximum durationwith a succession plan
    Up to 10 years
    Official wording

    Basic monthly salary of RM10,000 to RM19,999. Up to 10 years with a succession plan.

  • Category III salaryCategory III

    Show a basic monthly salary of RM5,000 to RM9,999 for Category III.

    Category III salary and duration

    From 1 June 2026
    Basic monthly salary
    RM5,000 to RM9,999
    Maximum durationwith a succession plan
    Up to 5 years
    • The separate Category III salary exemption ends from 1 June 2026
    • The cooling-off period also ends from 1 June 2026
    Official wording

    Basic monthly salary of RM5,000 to RM9,999. Up to 5 years with a succession plan. The separate Category III salary exemption and cooling-off period end from 1 June 2026.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementBasic salary only
  • Document checklistCopy of full passport, including cover
  • FeesESD application (processing) fee, Employment Pass

The full requirements are for members

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  • 5 more requirements
  • 9 documents
  • 4 fees
  • 8 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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