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EP-I — Employment Pass Category I (Pas Penggajian Kategori I)
VisasMalaysiaEP-I — Employment Pass Category I (Pas Penggajian Kategori I)
MalaysiaMalaysia•Asia
Open

EP-I — Employment Pass Category I (Pas Penggajian Kategori I)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Estimated Cost

MYR RM 2,160

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Up to 60 months (5 years)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Employer-sponsored work permit for senior professionals earning MYR 240,000+ annually, renewable up to 10 years total with dependent qualification.

The Employment Pass Category I is a premium work permit for skilled professionals earning at least RM 240,000 annually (RM 20,000 monthly). Issued by Malaysia's Immigration Department, it requires a confirmed job offer and a bachelor's degree plus three years of work experience.

The visa is issued for up to five-year terms with a maximum total of 10 years in Malaysia. The application fee is RM 2,160 with processing taking 4-8 weeks. Spouses and children (under 18) can obtain dependent passes with restricted work rights. Malaysia does not offer a PR pathway from EP status, though holders may convert to other visa categories.

This visa is ideal for senior professionals and executives with a confirmed Malaysian job offer seeking long-term residence in Southeast Asia's most competitive emerging economy.

Cost Breakdown

Employment Pass application feeMYR RM 2,000
SST (8%)MYR RM 160
TotalMYR RM 2,160

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

RP-T — Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)
Malaysia flagMalaysia

RP-T — Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)

Validity10 years
Processing3 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Minimum education: Bachelor

Minimum experience: 3

Minimum income: 36000 MYR

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

3+ years

Min. Income

240,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photographs

Work qualifications

Work experience proof

Employment contract (sponsor)

Company documents (sponsor)

Job justification (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Higher annual salary threshold allows premium professionals to secure longer-term work authorization
  • Dependents now qualifying - allows family reunification while working
  • Extended maximum tenure up to 10 years - provides long-term stability and career continuity
  • Transparent fee structure with breakdown - clear cost allocation shown (RM2,000 base + 8% SST)
  • Employer-sponsored pathway - employer handles administrative burden of application
  • Renewable work permit - can extend authorization beyond initial approval period
  • Work authorization included - full employment rights without additional visa requirements
  • Competitive processing timeline - 4-8 weeks from application to approval

Worth Knowing

  • Minimum annual income of RM240,000 (RM20,000/month) - significant earnings threshold
  • Employer sponsorship required - applicant dependent on employer for visa maintenance
  • Education requirement of bachelor degree - qualification barrier for some candidates
  • Non-immigrant intent only - permanent residency pathway not available with this visa category

Application Process

1

Employer registers with ESD: Company registers on Expatriate Services Division portal

2

Employer applies for EP: Submit employment pass application via ESD

3

Obtain entry visa: Applicant applies for entry visa at Malaysian embassy

4

Enter Malaysia: Applicant enters with entry visa

5

Register at immigration: Report to immigration office upon arrival

6

Receive EP approval: Employment Pass approval and card issuance

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Employment Pass Application—

Verified Claims (6)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026
Dependent Visa
true
esd.imi.gov.my
Fee Breakdown
Employment Pass application fee: 2000 MYR; SST (8%): 160 MYR
esd.imi.gov.my
Fees
MYR 2,160 (RM2,000 base + 8% SST)
esd.imi.gov.my
Max Total Years
10
esd.imi.gov.my
Min Income
240000
esd.imi.gov.my
Petitioner
employer
esd.imi.gov.my
Apply Now Official Information

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