Employment Pass (EP) in Malaysia
Live and work in Malaysia for up to 5 years (renewable)
The Employment Pass (EP) is a Malaysian work permit issued to highly skilled foreign professionals who are employed by a Malaysian-registered company. It allows expatriates to legally live and work in Malaysia under a specific employer, making it essential for businesses seeking foreign expertise in specialized fields that are not readily available in the local workforce.
To apply for an Employment Pass in Malaysia, the sponsoring company must be registered with Expatriate Services Division (ESD).
Employment Pass Categories in Malaysia
Work permits in Malaysia are categorized into three types based on salary and contract duration: Category I, Category II, and Category III.
Employment Pass: Category 1
- Minimum monthly salary of RM 10,000
- Valid for up to 5 years
- Dependents are allowed (Spouse, children, parents, and a foreign domestic helper)
- Can be renewed if the candidate meets the requirements
Employment Pass: Category 2
- Minimum monthly salary between RM 5,000 and RM 9,999
- Valid for up to 2 years
- Dependents are allowed (Spouse, children, parents, and a foreign domestic helper)
- Can be renewed if the candidate meets the requirements
Employment Pass: Category 3
- Minimum monthly salary between RM 3,000 and RM 4,999
- Valid for up to 12 months
- Dependents are not allowed.
- Can be renewed twice, subject to review
- Minimum salary exemption is possible through Ministry of Home Affairs
Temporary Employment Pass in Malaysia vs. Employment Pass
The Temporary Employment Pass (TEP) is a separate work permit for foreign workers in semi-skilled and manual labor jobs in specific industries such as construction, agriculture, plantation, and domestic services. Unlike the EP, which is for highly skilled professionals, the TEP has stricter restrictions including a shorter validity period and no eligibility for dependents.
| Feature | Employment Pass | Temporary Employment Pass (TEP) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Skilled professionals | Semi-skilled and manual labor foreign workers |
| Validity | From 2 to 5 years | Up to 1 year (renewable) |
| Employer Type | Malaysian-registered company | Malaysian-registered company |
| Minimum Salary | RM 3,000 | Depends on sector; for domestic helpers, at least RM 5,000 |
| Dependants Allowed | Yes (category 1 and 2) | No |
| Industries covered | All sectors | Limited sectors (e.g. construction, agriculture, domestic work) |
Important:
- Employers are required to conduct a health examination for foreign workers within 30 days of their arrival in Malaysia.
- The health screening must be conducted at a registered health center under FOMEMA (Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency).
Required Documents for Employment Pass (EP) Application in Malaysia
The Employment Pass application must be submitted by the employer on behalf of the foreign professional. Following are the key documents required to apply for an Employment Pass in Malaysia:
- Passport Photo: A recent photo with a light blue background, sized 3.5 x 5.0 cm.
- Passport copy: A full copy of the passport, including the cover and all pages with at least 12 months validity.
- Resume: Latest and comprehensive copy of resume detailing professional experience.
- Employment contract: Copy of the full employment contract, with detailed terms and job description, printed on the company’s letterhead. Must also be stamped by the Inland Revenue Board.
- Company documents: Company Registration Certificate, Company Profile, Business License
- Educational certificates: Copies of the highest educational and professional certificates, translated into English if necessary, and certified as true copies.
- Personal Bond / Security Bond Form: Must be in a clear and colored scanned copy, duty stamped by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB).
- Supporting documents: Any additional documents required by approving agencies or regulatory bodies, if applicable.
For renewals or a change of employer, additional documents such as payslips, personal income tax records, and a testimonial release letter from the previous employer may be required.
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