A Guide To Category 3 Malaysian Employment Passes
ESD has announced
significant hikes in EP salary requirements
from June 2026.
Whenever such changes are disclosed, we often get a surge of requests as the deadline nears, so those applying based on current policy should not delay!
With relatively relaxed requirements and limited benefits, a Category 3 Employment Pass (EP) caters to Malaysian employers who need to hire expatriates for semi-skilled roles.
Our guide explains the essentials so businesses know if this is the visa for their hiring needs.
Here’s how we’ve broken it down:
- an overview of key details for EP Category 3
- employer requirements
- expatriate requirements
- how it compares to Category 1 and 2 EPs
- steps in the application process
Let’s begin.
Overview
A Category 3 EP is used for junior roles on an annual contract with a minimum pay of RM3,000 / month. Correspondingly, the visa has a maximum validity period of 12 months, though it can be renewed if the work arrangement continues.
Throughout their stay, the holder is not allowed to bring any dependents or hire a foreign maid.
Employer requirements
Employers must meet two conditions to be eligible to apply for a Category 3 EP:
- be a registered business entity
- meet minimum paid up capital based on foreign shareholding:
- RM250,000 for 100% locally owned companies
- RM350,000 for joint ventures with at least 30% foreign equity
- RM500,000 for 100% foreign owned companies
Eligible employers must also register with Expatriate Services Division (ESD) (which we will cover later).
Expatriate requirements
Your foreign candidate must meet the following standards to qualify as an ‘expatriate’:
- 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
Quick comparison
As the table shows, Category 3 is for single expats or employers not ready for a long-term engagement.
| Employment Pass | 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 Can hire foreign maid | Same as Category 1 | Cannot bring dependents or hire foreign maid |
While Category 1 and 3 are too different to be directly incomparable, we often get enquiries from employers on the fence about whether to go with Category 3 or 2.
For a deep dive, see our employer’s guide to Malaysian Employment Passes, but here’s how we usually answer this specific question.
Category 3 vs Category 2
Employment Pass applications are approved when role and salary align with category, and as both Category 2 and 3 EPs are designed for non-key positions in a company, what truly separates them is mainly:
- the salary of the position
- whether the expat has dependents
Category 3 EPs are designed for the most junior positions with lowest salaries, which normally means candidates who are unmarried and don’t have families of their own (and even if they did, it would be a struggle to support them here on a salary of RM3,000).
If your candidate does have a family, a spouse, or parents who depend on them, then the practical solution is to offer them at least RM5,000 per month and apply for a Category 2 EP.
Application process
Visit Immigration’s Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal and register your company.
From there, here are the steps to applying for your EP:
- Log into the ESD portal
- Fill in the required information of expatriates and dependants (if applicable)
- Fill the position by selecting through the lists at “Position Setup”.
- Upload all documents as required
- Submit completed application
- Status notification will be sent via system
- 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
- Passport endorsement can be done at MYXpats Centre, ESD Putrajaya or any Immigration state office once Immigration fees payment is made
We wish you all the best with your application, and if you need help, we’re right here 🙂
Let MISHU handle your EP application
MISHU’s has been helping businesses in Malaysia secure Employment Passes for foreign talents for many years, and if you need help understanding and meeting immigration requirements, get in touch!