Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa Application Service

Nomads | Techpreneurs | Venture Capitalists | Dependents

Application and renewal for MDEC digital nomad visas including the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) across all tiers and DE Rantau Nomad Pass, as well as any dependents.

Our Services

We help entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and digital nomads apply for MDEC-managed nomad visas for themselves and dependents, including:

Applicant assessment and application strategy
Preparation and compilation of all required documents
De Rantau / MTEP application submission to MDEC
Liaison with MDEC and relevant authorities
Immigration endorsement guidance and advisory
Immigration appointment booking and endorsement form preparation
Passport submission and visa endorsement coordination
Visa endorsement collection upon approval

Billing policy: Upon confirmation, we require a non-refundable 50% deposit to begin work, with the remaining 50% payable upon process completion.

DE Rantau Visa

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is a Malaysian pass designed for digital nomads and remote professionals who want to live and work in Malaysia while working for foreign or Malaysian-based clients and companies.

Key requirements:

must be a digital freelancer or remote worker in an eligible digital field
must provide proof of employment, freelance contracts, or professional income
minimum annual income of USD24,000 for digital professionals
passport must have sufficient validity
must have valid medical insurance covering Malaysia
must submit the required supporting documents to MDEC
eligible dependants may be included under the pass

For full details, see our guide to DE Rantau visa applications.

MTEP

The Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) is designed for foreign tech entrepreneurs, startups, and tech investors who want to establish or grow a technology business in Malaysia. The programme offers renewable passes with more flexible requirements than many traditional work visa routes.

Key requirements:

must operate in an eligible technology sector, such as fintech, AI, blockchain, healthtech, cybersecurity, or agritech
new entrepreneurs can apply with a viable tech business idea and pitch deck
new entrepreneurs must provide 3 months of personal bank statements with a minimum balance of RM50,000 / USD11,800
established entrepreneurs generally need to demonstrate at least 2 years of proven business success
applicants must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct
established entrepreneurs and investors require a Malaysian sponsor or individual declaration
tech investors must meet additional financial and regulatory requirements
eligible established entrepreneurs can bring dependants and operate their business from anywhere in Malaysia

For full details, see our guide to MTEP visa applications.

FAQs

What is the difference between MTEP and DE Rantau?

MTEP is designed primarily for foreign tech entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish or grow a technology business in Malaysia. DE Rantau is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote professionals who want to live and work in Malaysia.

Who can apply for MTEP?

MTEP is available to qualifying foreign technology entrepreneurs, including new founders, established tech entrepreneurs, and certain tech investors. Applicants must operate within an eligible technology sector and meet the requirements for the relevant MTEP category.

Who can apply for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass?

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is intended for eligible digital professionals, including remote workers and digital freelancers. Applicants must work in an eligible digital field and meet MDEC’s income and documentation requirements.

Can I start a business in Malaysia with DE Rantau?

DE Rantau is primarily intended for remote work and digital professional activities rather than establishing and operating a Malaysian business. Entrepreneurs intending to build a tech business in Malaysia may be better suited to MTEP.

How long are MTEP and DE Rantau passes valid?

MTEP validity depends on the category. New Tech Entrepreneur Passes are generally issued for 1 year, while the Established Entrepreneur and Tech Investor categories can provide 5-year passes. DE Rantau is generally issued for 3 to 12 months and may be renewed subject to the applicable requirements.

Can I bring my family to Malaysia under MTEP or DE Rantau?

Certain MTEP categories allow eligible dependants to accompany the principal applicant. DE Rantau also provides dependant options subject to the applicable conditions. The specific family members and documentation requirements depend on the pass.

Do I need to establish a Malaysian company to apply for MTEP?

Not necessarily. New MTEP entrepreneurs can apply based on a proposed technology business and business pitch deck. However, the requirements and subsequent business arrangements depend on the MTEP category.

What documents are required for MTEP and DE Rantau applications?

Requirements vary by pass and applicant, but commonly include a valid passport, proof of income or financial capacity, employment or business documents, supporting professional information, and other documents required by MDEC.

How much does it cost to apply for MTEP or DE Rantau?

Government and pass fees vary depending on the programme, category, nationality, and whether dependants are included. Professional service fees may also apply if you engage an agent to manage the application.

Can MISHU help with digital nomad visa applications?

Yes. MISHU provides end-to-end support for MTEP and DE Rantau applications, including assessing eligibility, preparing documents, submitting applications, and liaising with MDEC throughout the process.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a company secretary?

A company secretary is an officer of a company (well, not the one you treat as your PA in the office). Under Malaysian law, every company must appoint a company secretary – it is compulsory, not an option. A company secretary has a huge responsibility to ensure the company’s paperwork is in order, filed on time and advise the board to always stay in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Why outsource company secretarial services?

Only really big companies will have an in-house company secretary as their employee. Most SMEs in Malaysia outsource and appoint an external company secretary. This way they can save on salary and associated taxes and employee benefits.

Can I appoint another company secretary if I am not too happy with my current one?

Yes, of course. There should not be any minimum lock-in period because the law allows the board to appoint a new company secretary at any time. MISHU was created to provide transparent, efficient and innovative company secretary services. Switch to us if you like what we do here!

Is company secretary a director of the company also?

No, these are two different roles in the company. However, if the same person wants to be both, this is allowed under the Malaysian law, provided the company has more than 1 director.

What documents does a company secretary prepare?

To put it simply, whenever there is a change in director, auditor, shareholder, company secretary, share capital or the name of the company, you need to notify your company secretary to effect the change. The company secretary will prepare the necessary resolutions and forms and update SSM of such change. The company secretary will also keep register books and prepare minutes and official correspondences.

Can I get all my professional services done by a company secretary?

We all know how lucky it is if a company secretary can multi-task and do everything under the sun! Unfortunately, a company secretary can only do so much. Please do not treat your company secretary as your lawyer, accountant, tax advisor or even your PA. These are all different roles and should be performed by your respective professionals.

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

The company secretary must ensure that any change in the statutory information below should be duly completed in the relevant prescribed forms and lodged with the SSM within the required period of time:

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

The company secretary should advise the board of directors of the relevant dates for holding the company’s annual general meeting, filing annual return, submitting financial statement.

3. Handling company’s board, general and extraordinary general meetings

The company secretary’s role is purely administrative which includes the following:

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

The company secretary must ensure that the company complies with its constitution and drafting/incorporating amendments in accordance with correct procedures.

5. Maintaining share registration and safe custody of documents

The company secretary has a duty to maintain the company’s register of members, deal with transfer of shares and other matters relating to shareholding. He usually also keep in safe custody of the company seal and original share certificates.

6. Coordinating with shareholders

The company secretary maintains constant communication and acts as a link between the company and shareholders through circular resolutions, issues documents regarding rights issues and capitalisation issues, monitor changes within the register of members to identify potential takeover bid, make enquiries about the ultimate beneficial ownership of shareholdings, general shareholder relations, etc.

7. Advising corporate governance

The company secretary must keep himself abreast with the latest development of the company and securities laws so that he can always advise the board on proper corporate governance matters, assist directors with respect to their duties and responsibilities, compliance with company and securities laws and Bursa Malaysia Listing Requirements (for public listed companies).

8. Acting as an officer of the company and advisor to the Board

The company secretary is the primary point of contact between shareholders and directors, and between company and SSM. He also plays a key role in the event of a corporate exercise (merger, acquisition, disposal, winding up) where he has a duty to ensure the effectiveness of all documentation, ensuring due diligence disclosures, enabling proper commercial evaluation prior to completion of a transaction and timely execution of documentation, etc.

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