1. What is the visa process for Malaysia?

The visa process for Malaysia varies depending on the purpose of the trip and the nationality of the traveler. Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Determine if you need a visa: Citizens from certain countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for Malaysia for a stay of up to 90 days. You can check if you need a visa through this link.

2. Choose the type of visa: There are several types of visas for Malaysia, including tourist visas, business visas, and student visas. Make sure to choose the appropriate type based on your purpose of travel.

3. Gather required documents: The specific documents needed may vary depending on your nationality and visa type, but generally you will need:

– Passport with at least 6 months validity
– Completed visa application form
– Two recent passport-sized photos
– Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Malaysia
– Travel itinerary or flight tickets
– Accommodation details (hotel reservation or sponsor letter)
– Supporting documents such as invitation letters, financial statements, etc. depending on the purpose of your trip

4. Submit your application: You can submit your visa application at any Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country or through an authorized visa agent.

5. Pay the visa fee: The fee amount varies based on nationality and type of visa.

6. Wait for processing: The processing time for a Malaysian visa can take anywhere from 1 day to several weeks, depending on factors such as peak travel season and type of visa requested.

7. Collect your passport and approved visa: Once your application has been processed, you will be notified to collect your passport and approved visa.

It is important to note that citizens from some countries may also require an approval letter from immigration authorities in Malaysia before they can apply for their entry permit or e-visa.

We recommend contacting the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country for more information about specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a visa.

2. Can I apply for a Malaysia visa online?

Yes, you can apply for a Malaysia visa online through the eVisa or eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Identification) system. This is available to citizens of eligible countries who wish to visit Malaysia for tourism or business purposes. The application process can be completed on the official Malaysia eVisa website.

3. How long does it take to get a Malaysia visa?

The processing time for a Malaysia visa varies depending on the type of visa and the processing speed chosen. Typically, the processing time for a Malaysia eVisa is 1-3 business days, while a traditional stamped visa can take anywhere from 3-10 days to process. It is recommended to apply for a Malaysia visa at least 2 weeks before your intended travel dates to allow enough time for processing.

4. What are the requirements for a Malaysia visa?

The requirements for a Malaysia visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the individual’s nationality. However, some common requirements include:

1. A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.

2. Completed visa application form.

3. Two recent passport-sized photos.

4. Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay in Malaysia.

5. Flight itinerary or confirmed return tickets.

6. Proof of accommodation in Malaysia (hotel booking or invitation letter).

7. Travel insurance coverage.

8. Letter of support or invitation letter from a Malaysian sponsor (if applicable).

9. Medical report (for certain types of visas).

10. Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of travel and type of visa applied for, such as business documents, proof of enrollment for students, and employment documents for work visas.

It is recommended to check with the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate for specific requirements based on your nationality and purpose of travel before applying for a visa.

5. Can I extend my Malaysian visa while in the country?

Yes, foreign nationals in Malaysia can apply for a visa extension through the Immigration Department of Malaysia. This process must be done at least 2 weeks before the initial visa expires, and extensions are subject to approval by the immigration authorities.

It is recommended to consult with a designated immigration officer or immigration lawyer for assistance with the visa extension process. It is important to note that overstaying a visa in Malaysia is considered a serious offense and may result in fines, detention, and deportation.

6. Do I need a work permit to work in Malaysia as a foreigner?

Yes, all foreigners are required to obtain a valid work permit or employment pass before they can legally work in Malaysia. This applies to both skilled and unskilled workers. Work permits are issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department.

7. What is the process for obtaining a work permit in Malaysia?
To obtain a work permit in Malaysia, your potential employer must first apply for an approval letter from the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department. Once this letter is approved, you can then apply for your work permit at the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to submit various documents such as your passport, employment contract, and medical report with your application.

8. How long is a work permit valid for in Malaysia?
The validity period of a work permit can vary depending on the type of employment pass obtained and the duration of your contract with your employer. Generally, it can range from one to three years.

9. Can I switch jobs while working in Malaysia on a work permit?
According to Malaysian law, any foreign worker who wishes to change employers must acquire a new work permit through their new employer’s sponsorship before terminating their current employment contract.

10. Can my family accompany me if I am working in Malaysia on a work permit?
Yes, you can request for dependent passes for your spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old to accompany you during your stay in Malaysia. However, this will be subject to approval by the immigration authorities and you may need to meet certain financial requirements as proof of being able to support them during their stay.

7. How do I apply for an employment pass in Malaysia?

To apply for an Employment Pass (EP) in Malaysia, follow these steps:

1. Check your eligibility: The EP is open to foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) who have a job offer from a company in Malaysia. Make sure you meet the following criteria:
– A valid job offer from a Malaysian company with a minimum salary of RM5,000 for non-ICT companies or RM8,000 for ICT companies
– Relevant educational qualifications and work experience
– Good health and character

2. Prepare required documents: You will need to prepare the following documents as part of your application:
– A completed Employment Pass application form (available online or at any Malaysian Immigration Department)
– Your passport with at least 18 months validity
– Offer letter from your prospective employer stating details of the position and remuneration package
– Copies of relevant educational certificates and work experience letters
– Latest CV/resume
– Recent passport-sized color photograph

3. Submit your application: Once you have prepared all the required documents, you can submit them at any Malaysian Immigration Department branch or authorized agency such as the Expatriate Services Division at the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

4. Pay the required fees: There are several fees that need to be paid when applying for an EP, including visa processing fee, medical screening fee, and security bond. These fees may vary depending on your country of origin.

5. Wait for approval: The processing time for an EP is typically around 5 business days; however, it may take longer if additional documents are required or if there are delays in the background checks.

6. Collect your EP sticker: If your application is approved, you will be issued an approval letter which you can use to collect your EP sticker at any Malaysian Immigration Department branch or authorized agency.

7. Obtain a work permit: Once you have obtained your EP sticker, you can then apply for a work permit (also known as a Professional Visit Pass) at any Malaysian Immigration Department branch. This is valid for 2 years and can be renewed.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining an EP may differ slightly for certain categories of workers, such as domestic helpers and foreign students. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities or your employer for specific requirements and procedures.

8. Can I start working in Malaysia while waiting for my employment pass to be processed?

No, an individual cannot start working in Malaysia until their employment pass has been approved and they have received the physical pass. It is illegal to work without a valid work visa in Malaysia.

9. What type of work permits are available in Malaysia?

There are various types of work permits available in Malaysia, including:

1. Professional Visit Pass (PVP) – for short term employment (up to 12 months) for professionals or experts in specialized industries.

2. Employment Pass (EP) – for skilled workers, managers and executives in managerial positions.

3. Temporary Employment Pass (PLKS) – for unskilled or semi-skilled workers in the manufacturing, construction, agriculture, or services sectors.

4. Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW)- for foreign knowledge workers hired by a Malaysian company with expertise or specialized skills not available locally.

5. Expatriate Services Division (ESD) – for companies which have registered with the ESD system.

6. Resident Pass-Talent (RP-T)- for highly skilled foreign talent who wish to live and work in Malaysia on a long-term basis.

7. Residence Pass-Malaysia (RP-M)- for individuals who wish to establish permanent residence in Malaysia through investments or expertise contributions.

8. Dependent Pass- for dependents of EP, PVP, RP-T and RP-M holders.

9. Social Visit Pass- issued to foreigners who enter Malaysia as tourists but intend to take up some form of employment or study during their stay.

10. Is there a quota for foreign workers in Malaysia?

Yes, there is a quota for foreign workers in Malaysia. The Malaysian government sets an annual quota for the number of foreign workers that can be employed by each company in various sectors. This quota is reviewed periodically and may vary depending on the needs of the labor market.

Companies are also required to follow certain guidelines when hiring foreign workers, such as ensuring there are no suitable local candidates available for the job and providing proper accommodation and welfare for the workers. Employers must also obtain valid work permits and visas for their foreign employees.

The specific quota and guidelines may differ depending on the industry, as different sectors have different needs for foreign workers. It is important for employers to adhere to the prescribed quotas and guidelines to avoid any legal issues.

11. Do I need a job offer to apply for an employment pass in Malaysia?

Yes, a job offer is one of the requirements for applying for an employment pass in Malaysia. The job offer must come from a registered company in Malaysia and should meet the minimum salary requirements set by the Malaysian government. The employer will also need to apply for a permit from the relevant authorities before you can apply for an employment pass.

12. What is the validity period of an employment pass in Malaysia?

The validity period of an employment pass in Malaysia can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual and their employer. Generally, an employment pass may have a validity period of one to five years, with the option for renewal upon expiration.

13. Can my family accompany me on an employment pass in Malaysia?

Yes, your family may accompany you on an employment pass in Malaysia as long as they are sponsored by you and meet the necessary visa requirements. They may apply for a Dependent Pass to stay in Malaysia with you during your employment.

14. Do I need to have specific qualifications or skills to obtain an employment pass in Malaysia?

Yes, there are certain qualifications and skills that are required for obtaining an employment pass in Malaysia. Generally, applicants need to have a university degree or specialized technical skills that are relevant to the job they are applying for. They should also have a minimum of 3 years of work experience in their field of expertise. Additionally, employers may also look for language proficiency in English or the local language depending on the nature of the job.

15. Can I apply for permanent residency while working under an employment pass in Malaysia?

Yes, it is possible to apply for permanent residency in Malaysia while working under an employment pass. However, there is no direct path to obtain permanent residency through an employment pass; you would need to fulfil certain criteria such as residing and working in Malaysia for a certain number of years, having good conduct and character, and meeting other requirements set by the government. It is advisable to seek guidance from a professional immigration lawyer if you plan to pursue permanent residency in Malaysia.

15. Is there an age limit for obtaining an employment pass in Malaysia?

Yes, there is an age limit for obtaining an employment pass in Malaysia. According to the Malaysian Immigration Department, the minimum age requirement for foreigners to obtain an employment pass is 27 years old. However, certain industries such as the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector may have a lower age requirement of 23 years old. Additionally, applicants must also meet other criteria such as having a valid job offer from a local company and possessing relevant qualifications and work experience.

16. What are the requirements for renewing an employment pass in Malaysia?

To renew an employment pass in Malaysia, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Must have a valid and active employment pass that is expiring soon (usually within 3 months before the expiry date).
2. The salary must meet the minimum threshold of RM5,000 for applicants under 40 years old and RM10,000 for applicants aged 40 and above.
3. The company must still be in operation and has a valid business license.
4. The position held by the applicant must still be relevant to the company’s business activities.
5. The applicant must have a clean immigration record with no criminal or immigration offenses within Malaysia or other countries.
6. The employer must submit relevant documents such as income tax statements and financial statements to prove that they are still financially stable.

Additionally, applicants who have been working in Malaysia for more than five years may be eligible for permanent residence status, which would exempt them from renewing their employment pass.

17. Can I switch jobs while on an employment pass in Malaysia?

Yes, you can switch jobs while on an employment pass in Malaysia. However, you will need to notify the immigration department and obtain a new employment pass from your new employer before starting work. Your new employer will also need to sponsor your application for a new employment pass. It is advisable to consult with a professional immigration agent or lawyer for assistance in the process of switching jobs while on an employment pass in Malaysia.

18. Will my employer be responsible for my living expenses and healthcare while working in Malaysia under an employment pass?

In Malaysia, employers are not required to provide living expenses or healthcare for employees who hold an employment pass. It is the responsibility of the employee to cover these expenses and to obtain their own healthcare coverage. However, some employers may offer certain benefits such as housing allowance or health insurance as part of the employment package. It is important to discuss these details with your employer before accepting a job offer.

19 . Are there any tax implications for foreign workers under the Employment Pass scheme?

Yes, foreign workers under the Employment Pass scheme are subject to tax in Singapore. They are required to pay income tax on their employment income earned in Singapore, including any bonuses or fringe benefits. The tax rate for foreigners may vary depending on their tax residency status and the applicable tax treaties between Singapore and their home country. Employers are also required to withhold and remit the relevant taxes on behalf of their foreign employees.

Additionally, foreign workers may be liable for other forms of taxes such as goods and services tax (GST) or property tax if they own property in Singapore. It is important for foreign workers to understand their tax obligations when working in Singapore and consult with a tax professional if needed.

20 . How can I check the status of my Malaysian Employment Pass application?

You can check the status of your Malaysian Employment Pass application through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) Malaysia website or through the Immigration Department’s Foreign Worker Division. You will need to provide your application number and passport number to check the status.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to the ESD Malaysia website (https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/searchResult?type=knowYourStatus).
2. Select “Know Your Status” from the main menu.
3. Enter your passport number, application number, and verification code.
4. Click on “Search” to view the status of your application.

Alternatively, you can also check the status of your Malaysian Employment Pass by visiting any Immigration Department branch office and providing them with your passport details and application number.

It is recommended to regularly check for updates on your application as it may take several weeks or even months for a decision to be made.