RP-T Application & Renwal Services

Residence Pass-Talent Application & Renewal

For high skill expats seeking long-term residence in Malaysia

We handle all preparation and submissions with TalentCorp including new applications, renewals, transfer of endorsement, take up balance and more.

foreign doctor and engineer to represent high skill expat candidates for malaysia residence pass talent visa programme

RP-T Overview

The Residence Pass–Talent (RP-T) is a visa that offers qualified expatriates a 10-year renewable pass that allows holders to live in Malaysia without being tied to a single employer as they would under a conventional Employment Pass.

RP-T passes are issued by TalentCorp, an agency under MoHR responsible for driving Malaysia’s talent pool capabilities, and is reserved for highly skilled expatriates in strategic sectors. In order to attract such expatriates, RP-T offers a variety of unique benefits.

EP holder with family living in malaysia on dependent passes
free flying birds to symbolise all the exclusive benefits of residence pass talent visa holders and their family members

Main Benefits

These are advantages all RP-T principal holders enjoy:

  1. Can live and work in Peninsular Malaysia for up to 10 years
  2. Free to change employer on the same pass
  3. Allowed to bring dependents
  4. Spouses automatically allowed to work in Malaysia 
  5. Children under 18 years old allowed to pursue education in Malaysia

*Spouse refers to legal spouses (not common law spouses). For a full breakdown, see our guide to RP-T visas in Malaysia.

Requirements

An expatriate must meet the following at the time of application submission:

  • Holds a PhD / Master’s / Degree / Diploma from a recognised university OR a professional/competency certificate from a recognised institute
  • Has at least five years of total work experience
  • Has worked in Malaysia under an Employment Pass (EP) for at least three consecutive years
  • Holds a valid EP with more than three months validity
  • Minimum monthly salary of RM15,000 (excluding allowances / bonuses)
  • Has a Malaysian income tax file number
  • Has paid income tax for at least the most recent two years
  • Yearly basic salary declared is at least RM180,000

The good news is while these requirements are strict, those who meet them often enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted application.

university degree and mortarboard to show requriements to qualify for residence pass talent visa

New RP-T Application

engineer as example of highly skilled expatriate applying for a new RP-T visa

For expatriates currently working in Malaysia on a valid Employment Pass who want to transition to the RP-T visa.

Our scope of services

  • Document compiling
  • Form filling and submissions
  • Liaison with officers
  • Answering TalentCorp queries and follow-up
  • Passport collection

Approximate timeline: 4-6 months

RP-T Renewal

rp-t visa holder nearing end of 5 year renewal period and looking to renew pass

For RP-T holders nearing the end of their first five-years who want to secure the remaining five years.

Our scope of services

  • Document compiling
  • Form filling and submissions
  • Liaison with officers
  • Answering TalentCorp queries and follow-up
  • Passport collection

*Renewals can be submitted six months before the current RP-T pass expires

RP-T Dependents

EP holder with their family members who need dependent passes

For family members of RP-T principal. Can be submitted with principal visa application.

RPT-Dependent Pass

  • Legal spouses
  • Children under 18
  • Disabled children of any age

RPT-Long Term Social Visit Pass

*Valid for 12 months and renewable for five years

  • Children 18 - 25 years old (unmarried & not studying / working in Malaysia)
  • Parents & parents in law
  • Common law spouse
  • Child of a common law spouse from previous relationship 7 years old and below
  • Passport collection

Approximate timeline: 4-6 months

FAQs

What is the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)?

The Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) is a renewable 10-year visa designed to retain high-value expatriates who have already worked in Malaysia and can contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.

Who is the RP-T for?

The RP-T is targeted at high-skilled expatriates, especially those in key industries such as:

  • Oil, gas & energy
  • Financial services
  • Education
  • Other National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs)

Applicants must already be working in Malaysia before becoming eligible.

What are the minimum requirements for RP-T?

To qualify, you must:

  • Have worked in Malaysia for at least 3 years
  • Hold a valid Employment Pass (minimum 3 months validity remaining)
  • Earn at least RM15,000/month (excluding bonuses/allowances)
  • Have 5 years of total work experience
  • Have a Malaysian income tax file number
  • Have paid taxes for the most recent 2 years
  • Declare at least RM180,000 annual income for the past 2 years
  • Hold:
    • A Degree/Diploma, OR
    • A recognised professional certificate
What are the main benefits of the RP-T?

Key advantages include:

  • 10-year renewable validity
  • Freedom to change employers without reapplying
  • Spouse allowed to work without needing a separate Employment Pass
  • Greater long-term stability to live in Malaysia
How is the RP-T different from a Category 1 Employment Pass?
FeatureRP-TCat 1 EP
Maximum validity10 years5 years
Employment flexibilityFree to change employersTied to employer
Spouse work rightsAllowedNot allowed
Do I need an Employment Pass before applying for RP-T?

Yes. You must first hold a Category 1 Employment Pass and work in Malaysia for at least three consecutive years before becoming eligible for the RP-T.

Can RP-T holders bring family members?

Yes. RP-T holders can bring:

  • Legal spouse
  • Children under 18
  • Extended family (via Social Visit Pass)
What documents are required for the RP-T application?

Main applicant:

  • Passport copy (all pages)
  • Updated resume
  • Academic certificates
  • Passport photo (light blue background)
  • Employment contract (stamped by IRBM)
  • Job description on company letterhead
  • Tax documents (2 years)
  • Salary slips (last 3 months)
  • No Objection Letter (NOL) from employer (in Bahasa Malaysia)
  • Local sponsor details and MyKad copy
  • Testimonials

Dependants (spouse/children under 18):

  • Passport copies
  • Certified marriage/birth certificates
  • Passport photos

Social Visit Pass (SVP) applicants:

  • Passport copies
  • Proof of relationship (birth certificates, affidavit, etc.)
  • Personal Bond Form (stamped)
How long does the entire process take?

4 – 6 months depending on immigration backlog.

How much does the RP-T cost?

Main applicant:

  • Application fee: RM500
  • Processing fee: RM5,000

Dependants:

  • Spouse: RM5,000
  • Children (under 18): RM4,500
  • Social Visit Pass holders: RM4,500

Additional costs (visa fees, professional services) may apply.

Is the RP-T open to all nationalities?

Yes. The RP-T is open to expatriates of all nationalities, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Can I apply for RP-T without working in Malaysia first?

No. You must first work in Malaysia under an Employment Pass for at least three years before applying.

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