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Malaysia · Work visa

Employment Pass Category I

Processing
2-8 weeks
Cost
From MYR 500
Validity
Up to 5 years per pass

Work pass for senior managers, directors and shareholders. Salary thresholds rise on 1 June 2026 under the revised EP policy.

Requirements

  • Basic monthly salary of RM 20,000+ (raised from RM 10,000, effective 1 June 2026)
  • Employment contract with a Malaysian entity (up to 5 years per pass)
  • Employer registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) and approved quota
  • Degree or substantial professional experience matching the role
  • Company directors/shareholders typically use this category

Restrictions

  • Work only for the sponsoring employer; changing jobs needs a fresh EP

Time and cost

Processing time
2-8 weeks after ESD submission
Validity
Up to 5 years per pass; total employment capped at 10 years
Cost

From MYR 500

Required

  • About MYR 500 to MYR 1,500 pass and processing fees via ESD
  • Includes the pass fee of MYR 200 per year of pass validity.
Path to residency
Long-serving high earners can pursue the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T, 10 years) or PR under points-based criteria

Documents

  • Valid passport

    12+ months validity

  • Employment contract

    Stamped, stating salary and duration

  • Degree/qualification certificates

    With transcripts or experience letters

  • Company ESD approval

    Employer’s expatriate quota/projection approval

  • Passport photo

    Recent, blue background

Tips

  • Applications lodged before 1 June 2026 are assessed under the old RM 10,000 threshold
  • Category I holders can bring dependents and hire domestic helpers
  • The employer must file through the ESD MYXpats portal; you cannot apply yourself