Malaysia is opening new doors for skilled professionals in 2025 with updates to its Employment Pass program, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to attract global talent. With a growing economy and a culturally diverse environment, Malaysia is positioning itself as a destination for professionals who are looking to contribute their expertise while enjoying a high standard of living.
The Employment Pass is a work visa issued to foreign nationals who have secured a job in Malaysia. It allows the holder to live and work legally in the country and offers a structured path for career advancement. Recent changes to the program are designed to better align with Malaysia’s labor needs and global immigration trends, focusing on clarity, digitization, and integration with local workforce development.
One major update for 2025 is the requirement for a formal “change of category” letter if an applicant is moving from one role to another within the country—for example, transitioning from a mid-level to a senior-level position. This ensures that employment records are accurate and transparent. Visa fees have also increased, affecting both the Employment Pass itself and related family visas, reflecting a broader effort to enhance the efficiency and service level of the immigration process.
Malaysia has also launched ePASS, a digital version of the permit that replaces the traditional physical sticker. This move supports a faster, more secure, and paperless process, in line with international standards. Another notable change is the introduction of a local internship requirement. Companies hiring foreign workers must now offer internships to Malaysian students at a ratio of one intern for every three expatriates hired, supporting local talent development.
The Employment Pass is structured into three categories based on salary and position type. Category I targets high-level professionals earning RM10,000 or more monthly and is valid for up to five years. Category II is for those earning between RM5,000 and RM9,999 per month, typically for mid-level roles, and is valid for two years. Category III supports lower-paid skilled roles with a monthly salary of RM3,000 to RM4,999 and is valid for one year, with renewals allowed twice.
Eligibility for the Employment Pass requires a valid job offer from a registered Malaysian company, along with relevant qualifications and experience. The salary must meet the threshold for the specific category, and some sectors—such as IT, finance, and manufacturing—may require additional approvals.
A key tool in the application process is the Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL). While Malaysia doesn’t have an official “skill shortage visa,” MyCOL serves a similar function by identifying occupations that are in high demand across multiple industries. Having a role listed on MyCOL can significantly increase the chances of fast-track approval.
To apply, the process starts with employer registration through the Expatriate Services Division. The employer must then get the role approved and submit the applicant’s documents online. Most applications are processed within five to ten working days. Once approved, the applicant receives a digital ePASS that can be printed and used for immigration clearance.
Approved Employment Pass holders can bring their spouse and dependent children to Malaysia on separate dependent visas. Although fees for these passes have gone up in 2025, the process remains straightforward.
Professionals seeking in-demand roles in Malaysia can find opportunities through major platforms such as JobStreet, LinkedIn, Indeed, FastJobs, and the government-backed MyFutureJobs portal. Each site offers filters or listings that cater to international candidates and highlight high-demand sectors.
Several recruitment agencies in Malaysia also specialize in placing skilled professionals. These include Robert Walters for roles in finance, IT, and engineering; Michael Page for banking, tech, and healthcare; Hays for engineering and oil and gas; ManpowerGroup for both permanent and contract roles; and Adecco for placements across multinational corporations.
Together, these updates and resources make Malaysia a competitive and accessible destination for skilled foreign professionals seeking career advancement in Southeast Asia.
