Malaysia•AsiaEP-I — Employment Pass Category I (Pas Penggajian Kategori I)
At a Glance
4-8 weeks
MYR RM 2,160
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
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
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
MalaysiaRequirements
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 MYR/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
Employer registers with ESD
Company registers on Expatriate Services Division portal
Employer applies for EP
Submit employment pass application via ESD
Obtain entry visa
Applicant applies for entry visa at Malaysian embassy
Enter Malaysia
Applicant enters with entry visa
Register at immigration
Report to immigration office upon arrival
Receive EP approval
Employment Pass approval and card issuance
Related visas
More visas in Malaysia
Work visas in other countries
- Employment Visa
United Arab Emirates
- Designated Activities (J-Find)
Japan
- Seasonal/Temporary Work Permit
Jordan
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