A Full Guide To Malaysian DP10 Visa Requirements (2026)

For companies in Malaysia looking to hire skilled foreign talent, a DP10 Visa is the go-to option for a long-term, renewable arrangement that can also allow for dependents.

First things first, here’s an example of one from one of our clients.

Technically, application submissions are supposed to be handled by employers, and for those new to the process, our guide explains how to do it.

Here’s how we’ve broken it down:

• DP10 visa categories
• employer requirements
• expatriate requirements
• steps in the application process
• dependent visas, and
• links to relevant regulatory bodies / agencies

Of course, you’re welcome to skip the reading and get in touch directly.

Let’s begin. 

Visa categories

Employers can apply to hire an expatriate under one of three DP10 visa categories with increasingly higher salary requirements that grant correspondingly longer maximum durations.

	Category 1	Category 2	Category 3
Contract Duration	60 months	24 months	12 months
Minimum Monthly Pay	RM10,000	RM5,000	RM3,000
Dependent Permissions	Spouse & children under 18 via Dependant Pass Children 18–25 and parents / parents-in-law via Social Visit Pass Eligible to hire foreign maid	Identical to Category I	Cannot bring dependents or hire foreign maid
Use cases	High skill leadership and technical roles	Senior technical / supervisory roles	Semi-skilled roles requiring experience

To prevent abuse and protect local job markets, a successful application requires alignment across three things:

• role
• candidate, and
• salary

Also, while facts and figures above are accurate as of publishing, ESD has announced significant hikes in EP salary requirements from June 2026 onwards – so if you plan to apply, better do it sooner than later!

Now, let’s look at eligibility requirements employers must meet.

Employer requirements

There are two main conditions for Malaysian employers to hire an expatriate:

• be a registered private limited company or Limited Liability Partnership
• meet minimum paid up capital

While the need for a registered entity applies equally to all, paid up capital requirements vary by percentage of foreign ownership. As it goes up, so does the minimum paid-up capital requirement to qualify for Employment Pass applications.

Percentage of Foreign Ownership	Min Paid-up Capital
100% Local Owned	RM250,000
Joint Venture (minimum 30% foreign equity)	RM350,000
100% Foreign-Owned	RM500,000

If you meet both those requirements, congrats, the global talent pool is at your disposal.

Now let’s look at what it takes for an expat to qualify as ‘skilled foreign talent’ to Immigration.

Expatriate requirements

As the government prioritises hiring locals, foreigners must meet certain standards to justify employment:

To qualify as an expatriate or skilled worker in Malaysia, individuals must meet these requirements:

• Degree and above, with at least 3 years’ experience in the relevant field;
• Diploma, with at least 5 years’ experience in the relevant field;
• Technical Certificate or equivalent, with at least 7 years’ experience in the relevant field

To qualify as a shareholder, individuals must:

• have a minimum 30% equity in the company; and
• be an SSM-registered Director / hold a key position in the company

Assuming you have determined your company and future hire meets the requirements for a DP10 visa, let’s move on to the steps in the application process.

Application process

The entire application process takes place through the Immigration’s Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal, and can be broadly broken down into two main steps:

• employer account registration
• actual DP10 application

Employer ESD account registration

Head over here to register your employer account. You will be asked to submit the following documents, so have them ready:

• copy of all current company directors’ MyKad / Passport
• company profile
• copy of company’s latest phone bill
• tenancy / S&P agreement
• latest e-SSM printout
• latest SSM Form 9
• latest SSM Form 24
• latest SSM Form 49
• latest audited financial report
• copy of PBT license and other industry licenses

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our ESD account registration guide.

It takes around fourteen working days (but can be longer) for the account to be verified, after which you can submit the actual DP10 visa application.

DP10 application submission

While waiting for the account to get approved, start compile supporting documents for the application:

• latest updated comprehensive Resume
• copy of highest educational certificates translated into English (if applicable) and Certified True
• copy (CTC) by the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate General of respective country OR respective Embassy/High Commission/Consulate General in Malaysia OR Human Resource Head of hiring company
• copy of passport (every page)
• recent passport-sized photo (light blue background)
• copy of employment contract (duly stamped and signed by LHDN)
• job description
• supporting document from various relevant agencies and regulatory bodies

Once you have all the documents ready and your account is approved, follow these steps:

1. Log into the ESD portal
2. Fill in the required information of expatriates and dependants (if applicable)
3. Fill the position by selecting through the lists at “Position Setup”.
4. Upload all documents as required
5. Submit completed application
6. Status notification will be sent via system – approved or rejected (usually within 5 days)
7. If approved, print the approval letter through the system. Applicable Immigration fees will be advised. Visa with Reference (VWR) letter can be collected at MYXpats Centre or ESD Putrajaya, if applicable
8. Passport endorsement can be done at MYXpats Centre, ESD Putrajaya or any Immigration state office once Immigration fees payment is made.

For expatriates with dependents, the application is also done via ESD as a Dependent or Long-Term Social Visit Pass depending on the relationship with the principal holder.

Dependent Pass

A Dependent Pass is for immediate family members that considered true dependents:

• spouses
• children / adopted children under 18 years old

For more information see our FAQs on Dependent Passes in Malaysia.

Long-Term Social Visit Pass

For holders of Employment Passes, a Long-Term Social Visit Pass is for immediate family members that cannot be considered true dependents:

• parents
• parents-in-law
• children / adopted children between 18 – 25 years old

For more information see our guide to Malaysian LTSVPs.

Neither Dependent Pass nor Long-Term Social Visit Pass holders are allowed to work without applying for a separate Employment Pass. However, they can apply for Student Passes to continue studying, and often the school authorities will assist with the application.

Let MISHU handle your DP10 Visa application

MISHU’s Professional DP10 Visa Application Services are here to help employers handle every part of their visa process, from determining the correct category to ESD account registration and obtaining all necessary supporting documents.