Hiring Foreign Talent in Malaysia? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Employment Pass

Thinking of hiring foreign talent in Malaysia? Or perhaps you’re an expatriate eyeing a new career opportunity in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies?

Before you pack your bags, or issue that offer letter,there’s one crucial thing you need to understand: the Malaysia Employment Pass.

This pass is your golden ticket to bringing in the right expertise or working legally in Malaysia. But with recent visa fee changes and stricter compliance rules, both employers and professionals need to plan carefully.

Here’s everything you need to know made simple.

What Exactly Is the Malaysia Employment Pass?

The Employment Pass (EP) is the work visa Malaysia issues to highly skilled professionals, managers, and technical experts. It lets expatriates live and work legally in Malaysia—and for senior roles, even bring their family along.

But here’s the catch: it’s tied to the employer who sponsors it. Switch jobs? You’ll need a new EP.

Who Can Apply?

✅ Professionals with a recognized degree and at least 3 years of experience
✅ Diploma holders with 5+ years of specialized expertise
✅ Roles in managerial, technical, or highly skilled professions
✅ Backed by a valid employment contract with a Malaysian company

If you don’t meet these criteria, you may need to explore other visa options like the Professional Visit Pass or temporary permits.

How the Application Works (and Why Employers Drive It)

The application isn’t made by the expatriate directly—the employer must sponsor it.

Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Expatriate Post Approval – The company must first justify the need for a foreign hire to the Expatriate Committee (or relevant industry regulator).

2️⃣ EP Application Submission – All documents (passport, CV, certified qualifications, employment contract) are submitted online via the ESD/MyXpats Portal.

3️⃣ Visa Issuance & Passport Stamping – Once approved, the expatriate gets a Visa with Reference (if required) and must stamp the EP within 30 days of arrival.

✅ Standard processing: 5 working days
✅ Critical sectors: Just 3 working days

New Visa Fees You Should Budget For

Malaysia has revised visa fees, so hiring foreign talent now comes with higher costs:

• Employment Pass: RM 2,000

• Dependent Pass (spouse/children): RM 500

• Long-Term Social Visit Pass (parents/in-laws): RM 500

• Professional Visit Pass (short-term assignments): RM 1,200

Why the increase? Malaysia is focusing on attracting high-value talent and streamlining its visa services.

Employer Responsibilities: Don’t Get Caught Off-Guard

Hiring foreign professionals isn’t just about issuing a contract—you have legal obligations:

✔️ Advertise the role locally for 30 days (if salary < RM 15,000/month)
✔️ Ensure EP holders are enrolled in SOCSO, EIS, and medical insurance
✔️ Renew or cancel passes promptly when employment ends
✔️ Keep up with Immigration Department compliance checks

Mess this up, and you risk fines, blacklisting, or even losing future hiring privileges.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Malaysia is evolving into a talent-driven economy. For sectors like tech, finance, and digital services, the right expatriate expertise can fast-track growth.

But with stricter rules and higher costs, employers need a strategic approach to hiring foreign professionals—balancing compliance, cost, and long-term value.

That’s where Socius Connect Asia LLP can help.

We simplify the process with end-to-end Employment Pass support, ensuring your business stays compliant while attracting the talent you need.