Expatriate Visa Application & Renewal
Malaysia Expatriate Visa Application & Renewal
Employment Pass | Professional Visit Pass | DependentPasses
Our services cover various employment pass categories, including Employment Pass Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3. We streamline the Employment Pass process, ensuring a hassle-free application within 4-6 months.
Our Services
We help employers and entreprenuers apply for / renew the following visas from the Malaysian Immigration and Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC):
- Employment Pass
- Professional Visit Pass
- Residence Pass-Talent
- Dependent Pass
- Long-Term Social Visit Pass
- Malaysian Tech Entrepreneur Programme
- De Rantau
- MIDA Investor Pass
- Malaysia My Second Home
Employment Pass
The is the primary work visa for foreign professionals employed by a Malaysian company. There are three categories that each serve a different use case:
- Category 1: For senior leadership (C-suite, directors, major shareholders); minimum salary RM10,000/month; allows dependents
- Category 2: For mid-level management or junior employees needing dependents; minimum salary RM5,000/month; allows dependents
- Category 3: For junior or single employees; minimum salary RM3,000/month; does not allow dependents
Applications must demonstrate alignment across EP category, role, and salary.
Other Long-Term Visas
PROFESSIONAL VISIT PASS
A Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is granted to foreign talents with acceptable professional qualifications or skills. They can enter the country and provide services or undergo practical training with a Malaysian company on behalf of an overseas company on a temporary basis.
A PVP is valid for 12 months and can be renewed for another 12 months. Holders cannot bring dependents and must be officially employed and paid by an overseas company.
For details see our PVP application page.
RESIDENCE PASS TALENT (RP-T) FROM TALENT CORP
The Residence Pass-Talent is a 10-year visa for highly skilled foreign professionals already working in Malaysia. RP-T holders enjoy flexibility to switch employers, bring in family members, and contribute to Malaysia’s talent ecosystem.
Crucially, spouses of RP-T holders are allowed to work and do business in Malaysia automatically.
For details see our RP-T application page.
DEPENDENT PASS
The Dependent Pass is issued to legal spouses and children under 18 of Category 1 and 2 Employment Pass holders, allowing them to live in Malaysia for the same duration as the main pass.
While dependents are generally not allowed to work or do business in Malaysia, certain holders may apply for limited work or study privileges depending on regulations.
For more details, see our Dependent Pass application page.
LONG TERM SOCIAL VISIT PASS
The Long-Term Social Visit Pass is intended for extended family members of Category 2 and 2 Employment Pass holders, including common law spouses, parents, and certain other dependents. Validity generally follows the duration of the principal’s Employment Pass.
For more details, see our LTSVP application page.
MALAYSIA TECH ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAMME (MTEP) FROM MDEC
The Malaysian Tech Entrepreneur Programme is designed for foreign tech entrepreneurs seeking to establish or scale a startup in Malaysia. MTEP’s three-tiered scheme issues renewable work visas with significantly more relaxed requirements compared to traditional passes:- New Tech Entrepreneur Pass – 1 year (renewable 1 year)
- Experienced Tech Entrepreneur Pass – 5 years (renewable 5 years)
- Tech Investor Pass – 5 years (renewable 5 years)
DE RANTAU NOMAD PASS
The DE Rantau Nomad Pass caters to remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads who want to live in Malaysia while working for overseas companies. Typically valid for up to 12 months, it allows foreigners to experience Malaysia as a base for work and travel, with the possibility of extension based on eligibility.
There are two categories of digital nomads:
- Freelancers who work remotely on a project basis
- Remote workers who are employees with permission to work remotely
Each has their own required documents and for details, see our guide to De Rantau applications.
MIDA INVESTOR PASS
The MIDA Investor Pass is offered by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MDEC) to foreign investors who contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economy.
Compared to the usual Multiple Entry Visa which only lasts three months and requires exiting and re-entering for renewal, the Investor Pass grants up to 12 months of uninterrupted access into Malaysia,
For details, see our guide to MIDA Investor Pass applications.
MALAYSIA MY SECOND HOME
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme is a four-tiered visa with mandatory residential property purchase. This property cannot be sold for at least ten years, so MM2H is for those truly looking for a second home.
Three of the its four tiers (Silver, Gold, and SEZ) don’t allow work or business, making them retirement visas while the fourth Platinum tier allows holders to do business and work in Malaysia.
FAQs
Who can apply for an expatriate visa in Malaysia?
Expatriates relocating to Malaysia to work, do business, retire, semi-retire, or join family members can apply for long-term visas.
Work visas must be done through an employer either as an existing Malaysian employer or a company incorporated by the foreign entrepreneur.
How can MISHU help with expatriate visas?
We provide end-to-end support for expatriate visa applications, including choosing the right visa, preparing documents, submission, and follow-up. We also assist with family and dependent visas.
What visas allow expatriates to live and work in Malaysia?
These visas are suitable for expatriates who want to work for a Malaysian employer or run a company:
- Employment Pass (1–5 years, renewable): Standard work visa for most expats; Category 1 is for foreign entrepreneurs acting as company directors.
- Residence Pass–Talent (10 years, renewable): For high-skilled expats with at least 3 years on an EP. Allows employer switching and spouse employment.
- Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) & Malaysia Digital (MD) Status (1–5 years): Tailored for tech startups:
- MTEP: Apply without incorporating a company.
- MD Status: Requires incorporation but reduces paid-up capital requirements.
- MIDA Investor Visa (up to 12 months): For investors managing Malaysian investments with uninterrupted entry.
- Professional Visit Pass (up to 12 months, renewable): For short-term assignments, research, skill transfer, internships, artistic or religious projects. Dependents not allowed.
- De Rantau Nomad Pass (3–12 months, renewable to 24 months): For digital nomads working remotely while living in Malaysia.
- Premium Visa Programme (20 years, renewable): Long-term solution for investors and entrepreneurs. Allows business operation, family relocation, and flexible travel without an EP.
Are there visas for retirees in Malaysia?
Yes. For those planning to settle down without working:
- MM2H – Silver, Gold, SEZ: Retirement-focused tiers under Malaysia My Second Home. Work is not allowed. Requires property purchase. Validity: 5–15 years depending on tier.
- MM2H Platinum (20 years, renewable): Semi-retirement tier that permits work and business, but comes with higher financial and property requirements.
Can I bring my family with me on an expatriate visa?
Yes. Malaysia provides visas for dependents of principal visa holders:
- Dependent Pass: Matches principal visa validity. For registered spouses, children under 18, or disabled children of any age.
- Long-term Social Visit Pass (LTVSP): Matches principal visa validity. For in-laws, parents, adult children, common-law partners, or long-term medical treatment.
- Spouse Visa (1–5 years, renewable): For foreigners married to Malaysian citizens. No work required, but marital compliance is necessary.
Which visa is best for tech entrepreneurs or startups?
MTEP is ideal if you haven’t incorporated a company yet. MD Status is better for established startups with minimal paid-up capital requirements.
Can I switch employers or bring my spouse to work?
Only certain visas, such as Residence Pass–Talent and Premium Visa Programme, allow free employer switching and spouse employment. Most standard Employment Passes do not.
How long do expatriate visas last?
Visa validity ranges widely depending on type:
- Employment Pass: 1–5 years
- Residence Pass–Talent: 10 years
- Premium Visa Programme: 20 years
- Retirement and semi-retirement visas: 5–20 years
Does MISHU assist with visa renewals?
Yes. We guide clients through the renewal process to ensure continued legal residency and compliance with Malaysian immigration regulations.
Got an URGENT question?
Contact us via [email protected] or WhatsApp +60-175159832
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a company secretary?
Why outsource company secretarial services?
Can I appoint another company secretary if I am not too happy with my current one?
Is company secretary a director of the company also?
What documents does a company secretary prepare?
Can I get all my professional services done by a company secretary?
Duties & Responsibilities
as a Company Secretary
Every company must appoint a company secretary under Malaysian law. But do you know what does a company secretary do? Let us tell you his/her duties and responsibilities:
1. Updating the company’s statutory information
- Removal of officers from office
- Disqualification from holding office
- Appointments/resignations/deaths
- Annual return
- Change of company name
- Adoption, alteration and revocation of constitution
- Issue, splitting, transfer of shares
- Any other changes that require notification with SSM
2. Reminding you on important dates
3. Handling company’s board, general and extraordinary general meetings
- Arranging and liaising with the chairman and/or managing director for agenda papers and items for the agenda
- Providing general advice on matters relating to company secretarial matters
- Booking and preparing the meeting room
- Attending and taking down minutes of the meeting
- Maintaining minute books
- Following up on decisions made
- Playing an advisory role to the chairman and the board of directors
- Lodging statutory returns as appropriate
- Certifying copies of minutes
- Ensuring that correct meeting procedures are followed
4. Compliance with company constitution
5. Maintaining share registration and safe custody of documents
6. Coordinating with shareholders
7. Advising corporate governance
8. Acting as an officer of the company and advisor to the Board
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