Malaysia•AsiaEP-II — Employment Pass Category II (Pas Penggajian Kategori II)
At a Glance
3–5 days
MYR RM 2,160
Up to 24 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work permit for mid-level professionals earning RM5,000–RM9,999 monthly in Malaysia, renewable with dependent visa qualification.
The Employment Pass Category II is a work permit for foreign professionals in managerial, executive, or technical roles. It targets mid-level talent earning MYR 5,000–9,999 monthly with a bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience. The sponsoring employer must justify the foreign hire, often including mandatory local job advertising.
The pass is renewable for up to 24 months at a time. Application fees are MYR 2,160 (including 8% SST); processing takes 5 working days (3 days for Tier 1 and Critical Sector employers). Dependents may accompany you, though spouse work authorization is restricted. The visa can convert to permanent residency pathways like MM2H or the Residence Pass.
This visa is ideal for mid-career professionals and technical specialists with confirmed employment in Malaysia earning MYR 5,000–9,999 monthly.
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
120,000 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
- Fast processing: 3-5 working days (accelerated for Tier 1, 2, critical sectors)
- Renewable status allows multiple 2-year extensions beyond initial grant
- Dependents permitted to accompany primary applicant during employment
- Fixed salary range 5,000–9,999 MYR/month provides clear qualification threshold
- Transparent fee: 2,160 MYR total application cost including 8% SST
- Employer-sponsored process simplifies petitioning and sponsorship
- Up to 24 months validity per grant with renewal option available
Worth Knowing
- No pathway to permanent residency — remains temporary work authorization
- Spouse work authorization restricted, limiting dual household income
- Requires bachelor's degree minimum and 3 years professional experience
- Employer must justify hiring foreign worker over Malaysian candidate
- Renewal required every 24 months, not a continuous long-term solution
- Salary ceiling 9,999 MYR/month excludes senior executives and specialists
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
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