Malaysia•AsiaEP-III — Employment Pass Category III (Pas Penggajian Kategori III)
At a Glance
5 days
Not confirmed
Check the official sourceVaries (Can be renewed maximum two times only)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored technical work permit for Bachelor's degree holders with 3+ years experience and RM36,000+ annual income, renewable.
The Employment Pass Category III (EP III) is Malaysia's skilled worker permit for foreign professionals earning a minimum monthly salary of RM5,000. Issued by employers, it targets technicians, designers, and specialists with a Bachelor's degree and at least three years' experience. The pass addresses gaps in technical sectors where local expertise is temporarily unavailable.
EP III holders benefit from renewable status, with a maximum validity of 12 months and the ability to renew up to two times only, provided the employer maintains sponsorship and salary requirements. Processing typically takes approximately 5 working days. Dependants may accompany the primary visa holder under restricted conditions.
This visa is ideal for skilled technical professionals with specialized expertise who hold job offers from Malaysian employers and intend to work on project-based or temporary assignments.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Minimum education: Bachelor
Minimum experience: 3
Minimum income: 36000 MYR
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
3+ years
Min. Income
60,000 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
- Employer-sponsored application—company handles filing, not you
- Fast processing: just 5 working days from application to decision
- Renewable permit—can extend employment pass up to two times
- Dependents qualifying—spouse and children can join you in Malaysia
- Minimum salary threshold of RM5,000 monthly (RM60,000 annually)—competitive for technical roles
- Bachelor's degree with 3 years experience qualifies you
- Technical skill recognition—designed for specialized expertise
Worth Knowing
- Requires confirmed job offer from Malaysian employer
- Employer must obtain salary exemption from Ministry of Home Affairs
- Limited to 12-month validity per issuance
- No permanent residency pathway—temporary work permit only
- Restricted spouse work rights—dependents cannot freely work
- Maximum total tenure capped at 12 months with maximum two renewals
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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