How to Obtain a Malaysia Work Visa in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to work in Malaysia, a country known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage? If so, you’ll need a Malaysian Work Visa, which will also act as your work permit. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a work visa in Malaysia, including the types of work permits, requirements, application process, and more.
The Malaysia Work Visa Process
Before you can apply for a work visa, you’ll need to find an employer or job offer. Once you have this in hand, you can move forward with the application process.
Types of Malaysia Work Permits 2023
There are three different types of work permits available in Malaysia:
1.The Temporary Employment Pass
With this permit, you can stay in Malaysia for up to 2 years and take on a job in your chosen field. There are two categories of Temporary Employment Pass:
- The Foreign Worker Temporary Employment Pass is only granted to those who work in specific industries such as plantation, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
- The Foreign Domestic Helper Temporary Employment Pass is intended for female domestic helpers who will work in a household and care for children and elderly people.
2.The Employment Pass
The types of positions that qualify as highly skilled include technical or managerial roles. Before obtaining an Employment Pass, your employer must first get approval from the Expatriate committee or a relevant agency. The validity of the Employment Pass ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on the nature of the work, and can be renewed.
3.Professional Visit Pass
On the other hand, this permit is designed for professionals who are visiting Malaysia temporarily for work purposes. The individual must be employed by a foreign company during their visit to the country, and it is valid for 12 months.
Securing a Malaysia Work Visa
Firstly, your employer will need to secure approval from the Expatriate Committee (EC) by applying for an Expatriate post. Once the EC gives the green light, the next step is to apply for a work permit. Upon approval, you will receive a visa approval letter which will allow you to proceed with the visa application process.
Depending on your country of origin, you may need to apply for an entry visa as well. Upon arriving in Malaysia, you’ll have to pay the required fees and submit your passport to the Malaysian Immigration Department. They will then place a sticker on your passport and issue you a work permit card, signifying the start of your work journey in Malaysia.
There are two main categories of visas that one can apply for: a Malaysia visa without reference, typically used for social visits or tourism purposes and issued by the High Commission as a single-entry visa, or a Malaysia Work Visa with reference which is issued and authorized by the Immigration Department. This type of visa is mandatory for individuals traveling to Malaysia for work, studies or to join a family member.
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The Requirements for Obtaining a Work Visa in Malaysia
To be eligible for an Employment Pass, you must hold relevant certifications and diplomas for the position you are applying for, as well as some work experience. Additionally, you must earn a minimum monthly salary of RM 3,000, and in some cases, up to RM 10,000.
For the Temporary Employment Pass, eligibility is based on nationality and age, with candidates from eligible countries having an age limit of 18 to 45. Women helpers, on the other hand, must be between 25 to 45 years of age. The TEP doesn’t require higher qualifications.
To be eligible for a Professional Visit Pass, you must be employed by a non-Malaysian company and be visiting Malaysia for a limited period. You will also need a sponsor in Malaysia for these activities. Professional visitors include film workers, foreign artists, government workers, religious workers, guest lecturers, volunteers, and students undergoing training.
Cost of Malaysia Work Visa
A Malaysia Employment Pass costs RM 200 annually, a Professional Visit Pass costs RM 360 per year, a Student Visa costs RM 60 annually, and a Malaysia Visa on Arrival costs RM 100.
Processing time
The time required to process a Malaysia work visa varies based on the method of application and the applicant’s country of origin. If applying online, the process typically takes a few days and can take up to 100 hours. Using the eNTRI (electronic travel registration and information) system can result in a processing time of 48 to 72 hours. Submitting a manual application, which depends on the specific office, usually takes 7 to 8 business days.
Don’t let the paperwork stop you from pursuing your dream of working in Malaysia! Start your journey today and be on your way to a new and exciting adventure.
