A Complete Guide To Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) Applications
Launched in 2017, the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) aims to make Malaysia a premier destination for foreign tech companies of all sizes and sectors.
To achieve this, MTEP’s three-tiered scheme issues renewable work visas with significantly more relaxed requirements compared to traditional passes.
For foreigners looking to launch or grow a foreign tech business in Asia, this guide explains why Malaysia and MTEP is a compelling option, covering:
- qualifying industries
- MTEP for new entrepreneurs
- MTEP for established entrepreneurs
- MTEP for tech VCs
- passes for non-dependents
- fees involved
- application steps, and
- an offer to let MISHU handle it for you🙂
Let’s begin.
Sectors that qualify for MTEP
As MISHU is not a tech company ourselves, we’ll refer to MTEP’s list of approved tech verticals:
- healthtech
- dronetech
- fintech
- smart city
- cleantech
- cyber security
- smart mobility
- artificial intelligence
- Blockchain
- big data
- internet of things, and
- Agritech
We’re also going to quote MTEP directly for businesses that use existing technology:
If you are bringing in an existing technology or business model into Malaysia, your application should involve reasonable enhancements and additional value-added propositions.
If your business idea is relevant, lets pick the right MTEP category for you.
MTEP for new entrepreneurs
MTEP’s lowest tier caters to brand new tech startups with a maximum of two co-founders.
Under this tier, there is no need to have an existing business or track record – the main requirement is just a pitch deck of the business idea that includes:
- specific tech verticals
- market opportunity, and
- funding plans
In other words, just make sure your PowerPoint skills are on point!
If you qualify, you will be issued a renewable one-year Professional Visit Pass that allows you to do business in Malaysia.
The table below shows key details and other requirements to qualify:
| Feature | New Tech Entrepreneur Pass |
| Pass Type | Professional Visit Pass – New Entrepreneur |
| Pass Duration | 1 year |
| Renewal | Renewable for another year upon first year achievement |
| Fees | 1. Application fee: RM530 2. Processing fee: RM2,120 3. Immigration pass: RM500 |
| Requirements | 1. Business pitch deck of proposed business idea 2. Three (3) months personal bank statement with minimum RM50,000 / USD11,800 3. Certificate of Good Conduct 4. Personal bond document and Letter of Offer OR Tenancy Agreement from Malaysia Digital Hubs or MTEP partner |
There are two key limitations of the New Entrepreneur Pass:
- no dependents allowed, and
- you must operate from an MDEC-certified Malaysia Digital Hub or MRANTI
If your startup continues to enjoy growth after the second year, you are now an experienced founder who can apply for the next MTEP tier which grants a five-year visa, dependents, and freedom to operate from anywhere in Malaysia.
If that sounds good, let’s move on to MTEP for experienced entrepreneurs.
MTEP for experienced entrepreneurs
MTEP’s middle tier caters to tech founders with over two years of proven business success.
It’s similar to the New Entrepreneur Pass, just with a longer visa duration and more benefits.
| Feature | Experienced Tech Entrepreneur Pass |
| Pass Type | Resident Pass – Established Entrepreneur |
| Pass Duration | 5 years |
| Renewal | Renewable for another 5 years |
| Fees | 1. Application fee: RM530 2. Processing fee: RM4,770 3. Immigration pass: RM500 4. Dependent fee: RM2,120 / person 5. Social Visit Pass fee: RM1,060 / year / person |
| Requirements | 1. Business pitch deck 2. Three (3) months personal bank statement with minimum RM50,000 / USD11,800 3. Certificate of Good Conduct 4. Declaration Form from a Malaysian sponsor or individual |
| Dependents | 1. Spouse 2. Children >18 (including adopted and stepchildren) 3. Disabled children of any age |
| Can Spouse Work / Do Business | Yes |
| Company Operations | Anywhere in Malaysia |
Qualify for the MTEP Established Entrepreneur pass and you essentially get to live a full life in Malaysia, growing a successful business with your family close by.
If you’re interested in buying a home, you can look at transitioning to MM2H, which allows stays of up to 20 years in Malaysia.
MTEP for tech VCs
MTEP’s top tier caters to truly established tech founders and venture capitalists, with significantly higher financial requirements.
| Feature | Tech Investor Pass |
| Pass Type | Resident Pass – Established Entrepreneur |
| Pass Duration | 5 years |
| Renewal | Renewable for another 5 years |
| Fees | 1. Application fee: RM530 2. Processing fee: RM4,770 3. Immigration pass: RM500 4. Dependent fee: RM2,120 / person 5. Social Visit Pass fee: RM1,060 / year / person |
| Requirements | 1. Proof of minimum annual compensation of RM180,000 / USD43,000 2. Proof of minimum RM10 million / USD2.36 million in funds 3. Registered with Securities Commission Malaysia as Venture Capital Management Corporation (VCMC) 4. Business pitch deck 5. Three months personal bank statement with minimum RM50,000 / USD11,800 6. Certificate of Good Conduct 7. Declaration Form from a Malaysian sponsor or individual |
| Dependents | 1. Spouse 2. Children >18 (including adopted and stepchildren) 3. Disabled children of any age |
| Can Spouse Work / Do Business | Yes |
| Company Operations | Anywhere in Malaysia |
Frankly, those who qualify for this pass probably won’t be reading this guide themselves since they’ll have an army of personal assistants to handle it for them!
Passes for non-dependents
In addition to direct dependents, those who qualify for the five year Resident Pass can bring the following additional family members under a renewable one year Social Visit Pass:
- common law partner
- parents
- parents-in-law
- children aged 18–25 (single, unemployed, and dependent)
- children >7 from a previous common law relationship
Unfortunately, as holders of a Social Visit Pass, common law partners are not allowed to work unless they are hired by a company that can apply for an Employment Pass of their own.
MTEP fees
There is a RM530 non-refundable application fee payable upon application submission for both new and experienced entrepreneur passes.
Upon approval, the following fees must be settled:
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Processing Fee | – RM2,120 (New Entrepreneurs) – RM4,770 (Experienced Entrepreneurs / Investors) |
| Immigration Pass | RM500 |
| Dependents | RM2,120 |
| Social Visit Pass (Non-Dependents) | RM1,060 per year |
| Multiple Entry Visa | Depends on country |
If you engage professional help, there will be additional charges–but we promise MISHU doesn’t charge that much 🙂
Steps in the MTEP application process
We’re laying this out as if you were handling it yourself, using the new entrepreneur application as an example, but the same process applies to all.
There are four main steps.
Step 1: Register for an MTEP account
Click on these links depending on which category you belong to:
You’ll be taken to a signup page–go ahead and register your account.
After the usual email confirmations and password resets, you can sign in and access the main MTEP application dashboard.
From this portal, you’ll be able to make payment, submit applications, track progress, and appeal any rejections.
Step 2: Prepare required documents
You can navigate over to the checklist from your dashboard, and in the case of a new founder, the following documents are needed:
Mandatory:
- passport
- resume
- latest 3 months’ bank statement
- letter of good conduct
- duty stamped Personal Bond form
- Security Bond & Bank Guarantee (for Chinese and Bangladeshi applicants)
- Business pitch deck
Optional:
- copy of highest educational certificates
- no objection letter from current employer in Malaysia with valid employment pass
- video pitch
- letter of support from MDEC partners
Note: Yes, this means you need to secure a local sponsor before applying for MTEP!
Step 3: Submit application and pay fee
From the ‘Application’ tab, click on ‘Form’.
You will be directed to the MTEP application form, which we should note is quite extensive, so give yourself about an hour to fill everything in.
You’ll be required to pay the aforementioned application fee upon submission.
MDEC will now process your application, which takes around 21 working days.
Step 4: Make payment and travel to Malaysia / appeal
If your application is successful, you will be asked to make payment, upon which your Pass will be issued within three working days in the form of a sticker.
You can travel to Malaysia to collect it and attach it to your passport.
Welcome to Malaysia, we wish you a productive stay, and enjoy your first plate of nasi lemak!
On the other hand, if your application is unsuccessful, you can appeal within six months of the rejection.
And if you don’t want to deal with all this paperwork, you can always ask MISHU for help!
Let MISHU help with your MTEP application
From guiding you through the entire MTEP application to incorporating your company in Malaysia, our team will make sure everything is done right so you can focus on building your tech business.