How to Move to Malaysia
Malaysia offers a low cost of living, widespread English, and a welcoming environment. Professionals work on the Employment Pass (handled largely by the Expatriate Services Division), remote workers can use the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, and students use the Student Pass. The Immigration Department (JIM) oversees the system.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Malaysia embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Apply at the Malaysian embassy/high commission in your country, or online where allowed. Malaysia has missions in several African countries (e.g. Abuja, Pretoria, Cairo, Nairobi, Accra, Addis Ababa). Use the locator to find yours.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
Plot 5 Queen Idia Street, off Ukpabi Asika Street, Asokoro, Abuja
Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Malaysia has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Around 1–2 months.
Pass fees roughly RM 1,000–2,000 (employer usually pays).
Up to 5 years depending on category, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer with a salary above the Employment Pass threshold.
- A relevant degree and experience.
- The employer registers with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Malaysian employer offers you a professional role meeting the salary threshold.
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2
Employer applies via ESD
The employer submits your Employment Pass through the Expatriate Services Division.
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3
Get approval
Receive approval and an entry/single-entry visa where required.
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4
Travel & endorse the pass
Enter Malaysia and have the Employment Pass endorsed in your passport.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- English is widely spoken — minimal language barrier.
- Higher salary categories give longer passes and can bring family.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
Your Malaysian employer must first register a company account on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal, then submits your Employment Pass or Dependent Pass application through it — you do not apply yourself. Students instead go through their institution and EMGS.
View official portalAround 4–8 weeks.
Application fee ~RM 1,000 (plus ~RM 500 per dependant).
3–12 months, renewable up to 12 more months.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You work remotely in digital/tech fields (freelancer or employee) for clients abroad or locally.
- You earn above the minimum income (around US$24,000/year).
- Relevant contracts/portfolio.
What to do, step by step
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1
Prove remote digital work
Show contracts and income above the threshold.
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2
Apply via the DE Rantau platform
Submit your application through the official MDEC DE Rantau portal.
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3
Get approval
Receive your pass approval.
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4
Travel & work remotely
Live in Malaysia while working online.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Designed for digital professionals — affordable, English-friendly base in Asia.
- You can include dependants.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your ESD Portal (employer-registered) first
Your Malaysian employer must first register a company account on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal, then submits your Employment Pass or Dependent Pass application through it — you do not apply yourself. Students instead go through their institution and EMGS.
Create accountStart your DE Rantau Nomad Pass application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 4–8 weeks (via EMGS).
EMGS + visa fees roughly RM 1,500–2,500; plus tuition.
Course length.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a recognised Malaysian institution.
- Approval from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
- Proof of funds and good health.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive an offer from a Malaysian institution.
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2
Apply via EMGS
The institution applies for your Student Pass approval through EMGS.
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3
Get the entry visa
Receive the visa approval letter (and single-entry visa where required).
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4
Travel & endorse the pass
Enter Malaysia and have your Student Pass endorsed.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Affordable, English-taught programmes and branch campuses of global universities.
- Confirm part-time work rules before relying on them.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your ESD Portal (employer-registered) first
Your Malaysian employer must first register a company account on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal, then submits your Employment Pass or Dependent Pass application through it — you do not apply yourself. Students instead go through their institution and EMGS.
Create accountStart your Student Pass application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 1–2 months.
Pass fees roughly RM 500–1,000 per dependant (sponsor-paid).
Matches the main pass holder; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- The main Employment Pass holder meets the salary requirement to sponsor family.
- A genuine marriage or parent-child relationship.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Check the salary rule
The pass holder must earn enough to sponsor dependants.
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2
Apply via ESD
The pass holder/employer applies for the Dependent Pass.
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3
Get approval
Receive approval and any required entry visa.
-
4
Travel & endorse the pass
Enter Malaysia and endorse the Dependent Pass.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Dependants may study; working needs a separate pass.
- Keep certificates officially translated into English.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your ESD Portal (employer-registered) first
Your Malaysian employer must first register a company account on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal, then submits your Employment Pass or Dependent Pass application through it — you do not apply yourself. Students instead go through their institution and EMGS.
Create accountStart your Dependent Pass application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Malaysia work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Malaysia — both completely free.
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Questions about Malaysia visas
How much does the Malaysia Employment Pass cost?
The Malaysia Employment Pass costs: Pass fees roughly RM 1,000–2,000 (employer usually pays). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Malaysia Employment Pass take?
Processing for the Malaysia Employment Pass takes around 1–2 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Malaysia Employment Pass valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Malaysia Employment Pass is valid for up to 5 years depending on category, renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass cost?
The Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass costs: Application fee ~RM 1,000 (plus ~RM 500 per dependant). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass take?
Processing for the Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass takes around 4–8 weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass valid for?
The Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass is valid for 3–12 months, renewable up to 12 more months. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Malaysia Student Pass cost?
The Malaysia Student Pass costs: EMGS + visa fees roughly RM 1,500–2,500; plus tuition. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Malaysia Student Pass take?
Processing for the Malaysia Student Pass takes around 4–8 weeks (via EMGS). This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Malaysia Student Pass valid for?
The Malaysia Student Pass is valid for course length. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Malaysia Dependent Pass cost?
The Malaysia Dependent Pass costs: Pass fees roughly RM 500–1,000 per dependant (sponsor-paid). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Malaysia Dependent Pass take?
Processing for the Malaysia Dependent Pass takes around 1–2 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Malaysia Dependent Pass valid for?
The Malaysia Dependent Pass is valid for matches the main pass holder; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.