Immigration Update – Key Changes in Malaysia’s Immigration Policies
Key updates from the Immigration Department and MDEC affecting Employment Passes, Professional Visit Passes, and more for expatriates in Malaysia.
Immigration Update – Malaysia
Update, October 2026: this post describes the 2023 rules. Employment Pass salary thresholds changed on 1 June 2026 (Category I now starts at RM20,000), and from 1 January 2027 spouses of Category I holders can work in Malaysia. See Can your spouse work in Malaysia? The 2027 Dependant Pass change.
Immigration Department’s new requirements for all categories of applications i.e. Employment Pass (EP) Categories I, II & III, Professional Visit Pass (PVP), Dependent Pass (DP) and Long Term Social Pass (LTSP), the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has also announced its new requirements and new processes.
EP Categories & Salary Requirements
EP Category I (24 months+): Minimum MYR 5,000
EP Category II: Minimum MYR 5,000
EP Category III (lower salary band): MYR 2,500 – 4,999 (prior Ministry approval required)
Key Changes (Effective 1 Sep 2016)
1. Passport Validity
Passports submitted for endorsement must have at least 12 months validity remaining.
2. Entry with Approval Letter + VDR
Applicants must carry the printed Approval Letter. Visa nationals must obtain VDR abroad using it before final entry for endorsement.
3. Change of Pass Type
Must exit and re-enter after approval to obtain fresh VDR in most cases.
4. Cooling-off Period
3-month cooling-off required for certain EP III changes and specific conversions.
5. Change of Employer
Release letter from previous employer + cancellation of existing EP is now strictly enforced.
6. Newborns & Social Visit Pass Renewals
Additional steps required for children born in Malaysia and for common-law partners / adult children renewals.
Important: Rules evolve. Always cross-check with the latest Immigration Department or MDEC guidelines for your nationality and pass type.