Malaysia is a sought-after destination for international workers who are looking for a variety of job options with high salaries. Many benefits come with living in Malaysia, such as affordable living expenses, access to world-class healthcare facilities, and the availability of international schools.
Numerous international companies have their Asian headquarters in Malaysia, which attracts skilled foreign workers due to its diverse workforce and amicable integration of natives and expats. Malaysian businesses provide competitive salaries and benefits to their employees, ensuring their satisfaction.
If you want to work in Malaysia, you need to secure a job offer from a Malaysian company. Once you have been offered the job, your employer must apply for a Malaysia work permit on your behalf. Once the authorities have approved your work permit application, you may start working in Malaysia.
Types of Malaysia work permit
International workers have access to three different types of Malaysia work visa. They are issued based on the profession and duration of work.
Malaysia employment pass
The Malaysia Employment Pass is granted to highly skilled foreign nationals who are hired by a Malaysian company for managerial or technical roles. However, the Malaysian employer must first obtain approval from the relevant regulatory authority before issuing this employment pass.
The validity of this work permit is between 1 to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal on a case-by-case basis.
Malaysia temporary employment pass
Malaysia temporary employment pass has two categories and is issued for duration of two years:
Foreign Worker Temporary Employment Pass: This pass allows foreign workers to work in the Manufacturing, Construction, Plantation, Agriculture and Services industries. Citizens of approved countries can also receive this type of Pass.
Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Temporary Employment Pass: This pass is issued to female workers from approved countries. The foreign worker has to work in the home of her employer who may have young children or elderly parents who need care.
The Professional Visit Pass
This pass is issued to foreign nationals who are required to come to Malaysia on temporary work (up to 12 months).
Malaysia work permit eligibility
The requirements for acquiring a Malaysia work visa vary depending on the type of work permit you are seeking.
For the Employment Pass
Must have necessary qualifications (diplomas, certifications)
Relevant work experience
Monthly salary of at least RM3,000 per month
Up to RM10,000 per month in some categories
Temporary Employment Pass (TEP)
The requirements for obtaining this pass vary based on your age and country of origin. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of one of the approved nations and fall between the ages of 18 and 45. You must also be a woman between the ages of 21 and 45 to work as a Foreign Domestic Helper.
Professional Visit Pass
You can only work in Malaysia for a limited time with a Professional Visit Pass, and you must be employed by a non-Malaysian company. As a result, international artists, film crews, religious workers, government employees, students undergoing training, guest lecturers, and volunteers are all eligible for this form of work permit. In this instance, you will require a sponsor rather than an employer in Malaysia.
Malaysia Work Permit Process
Your employer is responsible for obtaining a Malaysia work permit on your behalf. They must file an application with Malaysia’s Immigration Department. If you are a citizen from a visa required country, you may go to Malaysia or apply for a visa with reference once the application has been approved by the Immigration Department.