Malaysia Work Permit for Foreign Employees: Complete Process

If you plan to work in Malaysia, getting the right Malaysia work permit is essential before starting employment. The process depends on your job, salary, sector, and whether you are a skilled expatriate or a foreign worker.

In 2026, Malaysia has also introduced revised Employment Pass salary requirements, making it important to check the latest rules before applying.

What Is a Malaysia Work Permit?#

A Malaysia work permit is an immigration pass that allows a foreign national to legally work in Malaysia. The type of permit depends mainly on the nature of the job and the employee’s status.

For expatriates and skilled professionals, the main option is the Employment Pass (EP). Malaysia’s Expatriate Services Division (ESD) handles Employment Pass applications through the employer’s registered account.

For eligible foreign workers in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, plantation and services, the relevant permit is generally the Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment), commonly referred to as VP(TE).

Malaysia Work Permit Types#

Before beginning the application, it is important to identify which permit applies to your situation.

The Employment Pass is tied to the Malaysian company named on the pass. If the employee changes companies, a new application is required.

Malaysia Employment Pass Requirements in 2026#

The Employment Pass rules changed on 1 June 2026. New and renewal applications submitted from that date must follow the revised salary requirements.

The current categories are:

Category II and III applications are subject to succession-plan requirements. For manufacturing and manufacturing-related services, Category III has a higher salary threshold of RM7,000–RM9,999.

These requirements apply to applications submitted on or after 1 June 2026, so applicants should check their salary and employment details before starting the process.

Who Applies for a Malaysia Work Permit?#

One important point is that foreign employees generally do not handle the entire work permit application independently.

For an Employment Pass, the Malaysian employer must be eligible to sponsor the expatriate and submit the application through its ESD account.

For foreign workers, the employer is also responsible for important stages such as quota approval, levy payment and immigration applications.

This means that having a job offer from a Malaysian employer is normally an important first step.

Malaysia Work Permit Application Process#

Step 1: Receive a Malaysian Job Offer

Start by securing employment with a Malaysian company.

Your employer should determine whether the position qualifies for an Employment Pass, Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment), or another appropriate immigration pass.

Step 2: Employer Checks Eligibility

The employer checks its own eligibility and the employee’s requirements.

For an Employment Pass, the company needs to use the ESD system. The position, salary, employment contract and other requirements are considered as part of the application.

For foreign workers, the employer must generally obtain the required quota approval for the permitted sector.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Documents can vary depending on the work permit and individual circumstances.

Common documents may include:

• Valid passport
• Employment contract or job offer
• Employer/company documents
• Passport photographs
• Educational or professional qualifications, where required
• Relevant approval or quota documents
• Medical examination documents for applicable foreign-worker applications

Always check the current requirements for your specific permit before submitting anything.

If you also need a Malaysia entry visa, make sure your travel documents meet the applicable requirements. You can review Malaysia visa requirements online before travelling.

For applicants who need a visa photograph, you can also review the Malaysia eVisa photo requirements to understand the applicable image specifications.

Step 4: Submit the Work Permit Application

For expatriates, the employer submits the Employment Pass application through the ESD system.

The application may need approval from the relevant authority before Immigration can issue the Employment Pass. The official ESD guidance states that the company submits the expatriate application through its ESD account.

For foreign workers, employers follow the separate process involving quota approval, levy payment and the Visa With Reference (VDR) and Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment) procedures.

Step 5: Obtain Approval and Complete Entry Requirements

Once the relevant approval is granted, additional immigration steps may be required before the employee enters Malaysia.

For an Employment Pass, the official guidance states that an approval letter is required before entering Malaysia for employment purposes, followed by the appropriate visa and pass endorsement procedures where applicable.

Foreign workers entering under the VP(TE) route generally require a VDR and entry visa before arrival.

Step 6: Complete Pass Endorsement

After the required immigration steps are completed, the employee’s work pass is endorsed according to the applicable procedure.

The employee should not begin employment until the required authorization is in place.

Malaysia Work Permit for Foreign Workers#

The process is different for foreign workers employed in approved sectors.

Malaysia currently lists sectors including:

• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Plantation
• Services

Employers must meet the applicable quota and immigration requirements. Foreign workers must also meet conditions such as age, health and nationality requirements.

For example, a foreign employee recruited for a manufacturing position may require employer quota approval, levy payment, VDR processing, entry to Malaysia and a medical examination before the relevant temporary employment pass is issued.

The Immigration Department states that foreign workers generally have 30 days after arrival to complete the required health examination at a FOMEMA-registered centre for the VP(TE) process.

Malaysia Work Permit vs Malaysia Tourist Visa#

A common mistake is assuming that a tourist visa or eVisa allows someone to work in Malaysia.

It does not. A visa used for tourism or another permitted visit purpose should not be treated as authorization for employment.

For example, if you are travelling from the USA to Malaysia for a holiday, you should follow the entry requirements applicable to your nationality and purpose of travel. If you have accepted a job with a Malaysian company, you need to follow the relevant employment-pass or work-permit process instead.

How Long Does a Malaysia Work Permit Last?#

The validity depends on the type of pass.

For Employment Pass holders, the revised 2026 framework provides maximum employment durations of up to 10 years for Category I and II and up to 5 years for Category III, subject to the applicable requirements.

The actual pass issued can have a shorter validity depending on the employment contract and applicable approval.

For foreign workers under VP(TE), the rules are different. The Immigration Department states that employment can be extended within the applicable maximum period, with the overall permitted period subject to immigration rules.

Important Things to Remember#

Before applying for a Malaysia work permit, check these points:

• Your employer must follow the correct sponsorship process.
• Your job must qualify for the relevant work pass.
• Your salary should meet the applicable 2026 threshold if applying for an Employment Pass.
• Keep your passport valid and documents consistent.
• Do not work in Malaysia using a tourist or visitor authorization that does not permit employment.
• Check current Immigration requirements before travelling.
• Do not assume that the rules for an expatriate Employment Pass are the same as those for a foreign worker’s temporary employment pass.

FAQ About Malaysia Work Permit#

Can foreigners work in Malaysia?

Yes. Foreign nationals can work in Malaysia when they meet the applicable requirements and obtain the correct employment authorization. The type of pass depends on the job, sector and employee category.

How much salary is required for a Malaysia Employment Pass in 2026?

From 1 June 2026, the minimum salary thresholds are RM20,000 for Category I, RM10,000 for Category II and RM5,000 for Category III. Manufacturing and related services have a RM7,000 minimum for Category III.

Can I apply for a Malaysia work permit without an employer?

For the main employment routes, the Malaysian employer plays a central role in submitting or sponsoring the application. Therefore, you generally need an eligible Malaysian employer before beginning the relevant work-pass process.

Can I use a Malaysia tourist visa to work?

No. A tourist or other short-term visit authorization does not automatically provide permission to work. If you intend to take employment, you should obtain the appropriate work authorization before starting work.

Apply for Your Malaysia Visa With Confidence#

Planning to travel to Malaysia for work or need to understand the correct visa requirements before your journey? Check the applicable requirements carefully and prepare your documents before travelling.

Apply now through the relevant Malaysia visa application page and check your requirements early to avoid last-minute issues.