Malaysia · work sponsored
Employment Pass (EP)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Employer-sponsored work pass for expatriate professionals, issued in Categories I, II and III with a tiered minimum-salary structure, processed via the Expatriate Services Division.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - ESD targets expedited processing for registered companies; confirm current timelines on the ESD portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - pass and processing fees are set by ESD/Immigration; confirm current figures on the official ESD page.
- Typical duration
- Up to 60 months per issuance, depending on the employment contract and Expatriate Committee discretion.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Employment Pass (EP) lets an expatriate take up employment with a Malaysian organisation that has registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). It is issued in three categories - Category I, Category II and Category III - distinguished by minimum-salary tiers and employment-duration framework, with passes granted for up to 60 months depending on the employment contract and at the discretion of the Expatriate Committee. The Ministry of Home Affairs revised the EP salary policy with effect from 1 June 2026. EP holders can work only for the company named in the pass, and higher-tier holders may sponsor dependants.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A job offer from a Malaysian company registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
- ✓A salary meeting the minimum threshold for the relevant EP Category (I, II or III) under the policy in force from 1 June 2026 - verify the current figure on ESD.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
- ✓Recognised qualifications, skills or experience appropriate to the position.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
- ✓A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity for the intended pass duration.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
Common blockers
- !Offered salary below the minimum threshold for the applicable EP category.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
- !Employer not registered with the ESD or lacking an approved expatriate post.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
- !Working for any company other than the one named in the Employment Pass.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Signed employment contract stating salary, position and duration.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
- ·Academic certificates and proof of relevant professional experience.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
- ·Valid passport and recent photograph.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
- ·Company/employer registration and approved expatriate-post documentation.Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia ↗
Application pathway
Employer registers with ESD
The Malaysian company registers with the Expatriate Services Division and obtains approval for the expatriate post.
Submit the EP application
The company submits the Employment Pass application through the ESD online portal with the contract and supporting documents.
Assessment and approval
The Expatriate Committee or relevant regulatory agency assesses the application against the category salary tier and policy in force.
Pass endorsement
On approval the expatriate attends the MYXpats Centre for endorsement of the Employment Pass into the passport.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Employment Pass (EP) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Employment Pass (EP).
Expatriate Services Division, Immigration Department of Malaysia · verified
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Frequently asked questions
What are the Employment Pass categories?+
The Employment Pass is issued in Category I, Category II and Category III, distinguished by minimum-salary tiers and an employment-duration framework. The Ministry of Home Affairs revised the minimum salary thresholds for all three categories with effect from 1 June 2026. Always check the current category thresholds on the official ESD portal before applying.
Can my family join me on an Employment Pass?+
Eligible Employment Pass holders can apply for a Dependant Pass for a spouse and children under 18. Eligibility depends on meeting the salary level set by the Expatriate Services Division. Confirm the current requirement on the official ESD page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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