What is the difference between Employment Pass Category 1, 2, and 3 in Malaysia?

Since 1 June 2026: Category 1 is for executives earning RM20,000+ basic salary with a 10-year maximum stay per employer. Category 2 is for managers earning RM10,000-RM19,999 with a 10-year maximum stay. Category 3 is for technical workers earning RM5,000-RM9,999 in general sectors or RM7,000-RM9,999 in manufacturing with a 5-year maximum stay. Each pass can be approved for up to 5 years at a time. Categories 2 and 3 require a succession plan, and all three categories can bring dependants.

What is Section 60K compliance for hiring foreigners in Malaysia?

Section 60K of Malaysia's labour law requires employers to justify the hiring of foreign talent and comply with reporting requirements. Proper compliance reduces rejection risks during Employment Pass applications.

How long does Employment Pass approval take in Malaysia?

Most Employment Pass applications are approved within 2 to 3 months, depending on document completeness and Expatriate Services Division processing timelines.

Can a Professional Visit Pass be converted to an Employment Pass?

Yes. A Professional Visit Pass can be converted to an Employment Pass, subject to ESD registration, job advertisement requirements, and compliance approval.

Malaysia Employment Pass Experts for Your Business

Fast-track your company's expat hiring with our comprehensive EP Category 1, 2 & 3 visa services. We handle the complete ESD approval process so you can focus on growing your team.

Start EP Application Call: 010-206 2070

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IMPORTANT: June 2026 Employment Pass Changes

Salary requirements in force since 1 June 2026 (basic salary only): Category 1 is RM20,000+ (previously RM10,000+) | Category 2 is RM10,000-RM19,999 (previously RM5,000-RM9,999) | Category 3 is RM5,000-RM9,999 general / RM7,000-RM9,999 manufacturing (previously RM3,000-RM4,999). Each pass can be approved for up to 5 years, with a maximum stay of 10 years (Categories 1 & 2) or 5 years (Category 3) per employer. Succession plan required for Categories 2 and 3. NEW: Category 3 dependents now allowed! View updated requirements ↓

10+

years of experience

500+

companies served

1,500+

EP applications processed

98%

success rate

Our Services

Malaysia Employment Pass Categories

Professional Employment Pass Malaysia Category 1, 2 & 3 services tailored to your company's needs for hiring expats. Full ESD compliance guaranteed.

EP CATEGORY I

Executive Level

RM 20,000+

C-level executives & senior managers
Up to 5 years per pass (10-year total cap)
Dependant pass for family members
JTKSM Section 60K approval included
No succession plan required

Apply EP Category 1

EP CATEGORY II

Management Level

RM 10,000-19,999

Mid-level management & specialists
Up to 5 years per pass (10-year total cap)
Dependant pass for family members
Mandatory succession plan drafting
MyFutureJobs & Section 60K compliance

Apply EP Category 2

EP CATEGORY III

Technical/Skilled

RM 5,000-9,999

Technical specialists & skilled workers
Up to 5 years per pass (5-year total cap)
NEW: Dependents now allowed (2026)!
Manufacturing & MRS: RM 7,000-9,999
Mandatory succession plan drafting

Apply EP Category 3

Don't see your job category here?

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ESD Company Registration Service Malaysia

Starting to hire foreign talent? We handle your complete Expatriate Services Division (ESD) company registration, ensuring your business is fully compliant before submitting any Employment Pass applications.

Our service includes verifying your company's eligibility, preparing required documentation, and liaising with ESD officials to get your company registered quickly. Once registered, you can proceed with unlimited EP applications for your growing team.

Learn About ESD Registration →

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All Employment Pass Categories Covered

Whether you're bringing in C-suite executives, mid-level managers, or technical specialists, we have proven expertise across all three EP categories. Each category has different salary requirements, validity periods, and documentation needs.

We'll assess your candidate's qualifications and ensure they meet the criteria for their appropriate category, maximizing approval chances while ensuring compliance with Malaysia's foreign worker regulations.

Compare EP Categories →

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2-3 Months Fast-Track Work Permit Approval

Time is critical when hiring expats in Malaysia. Our streamlined process with the Expatriate Services Division ensures Employment Pass applications are processed efficiently. With 2026's new JTKSM Section 60K requirement and mandatory succession planning for Categories 2 and 3, processing typically takes 2-4 months depending on category.

We handle ESD submissions, JTKSM approvals, succession plan drafting for Category 2 and 3 roles, MyFutureJobs postings, and all follow-up communications so your HR team can focus on onboarding while we manage the work permit bureaucracy for your foreign talent.

Start Your Application →

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Service Sector Permit & Malaysia Digital Status

Specialized support for tech companies and service sector businesses. We handle service sector permits in Malaysia and Malaysia Digital (MD) status applications for companies bringing in foreign developers and tech talent.

Our expertise includes converting Professional Visit Pass (PVP) to Employment Pass, managing foreign worker quotas, and ensuring compliance for skilled worker permits in Malaysia's growing digital economy.

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Hiring Expat in Malaysia 2026 Made Easy

Planning your international talent acquisition for 2026? We're Malaysia's trusted partner for companies hiring expats across all industries - from manufacturing in Penang to tech startups in Cyberjaya.

Our local expertise combined with deep knowledge of immigration regulations means faster processing, fewer rejections, and peace of mind that your work permits are handled by Malaysia's leading work permit agency.

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Our Process

Start your Employment Pass journey in 5 simple steps

Our step-by-step process makes hiring international talent easy

Consultation & Eligibility Check

We review your company's needs, verify EP category eligibility, and assess documentation requirements for ESD submission.

Document Preparation

Our team prepares all required documents including 2026 mandatory succession plans, JTKSM Section 60K applications, MyFutureJobs posting, company registration verification, and employment contracts meeting ESD standards.

ESD Submission & Processing

We submit your Employment Pass application to the Expatriate Services Division and handle all follow-up communications with immigration authorities.

Approval & Work Permit Collection

Once approved, we collect the work permit and arrange delivery. Your expat employee can start working immediately under full legal compliance.

Arrive in Malaysia & Start Working

Your new employee arrives in Malaysia with their approved Employment Pass and begins contributing to your company's growth.

Get started with our free consultation now

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Benefits

Employment Pass Holder Advantages

Why companies choose Malaysia for hiring foreign talent

Long-Term Work Stability

Up to 5 years validity per application for every EP category, with a maximum stay of 10 years (Categories 1 & 2) or 5 years (Category 3) per employer, providing your team with long-term security in Malaysia.

Family Relocation Support

Dependant pass for spouse, children, and parents. ALL Employment Pass categories now allow dependents (major 2026 improvement for Category 3). Access to international schools and healthcare.

Property Purchase Rights

Employment Pass holders can purchase property in Malaysia subject to state regulations and minimum values.

Banking & Financial Access

Open local bank accounts, apply for credit facilities, and access Malaysian financial services.

Strategic Location

Malaysia's central location in Southeast Asia provides easy access to regional markets and business opportunities.

Renewable & Convertible

Work permits can be renewed and converted between categories as employee roles and salaries progress.

FAQ

Work Permit Agency Malaysia - Common Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about Employment Pass and ESD registration

Since 1 June 2026: Employment Pass Category 1 is for executives earning RM20,000+ basic salary (raised from RM10,000+) with a 10-year maximum stay per employer. Category 2 is for managers earning RM10,000-19,999 (raised from RM5,000-9,999) with a 10-year maximum stay. Category 3 is for technical workers earning RM5,000-9,999 general or RM7,000-9,999 manufacturing (raised from RM3,000-4,999) with a 5-year maximum stay. Each pass can be approved for up to 5 years at a time. Categories 2 and 3 require a succession plan, and all three categories can now bring dependants.

It depends on the company. Most companies apply through the ESD online portal (Immigration Department of Malaysia). IT and tech companies with Malaysia Digital (MD) status apply through MDEC's eXpats system, submitted via Xpats Gateway; IT companies without MD status use ESD. Companies in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor apply through IRDA's XPATNOVA system after obtaining the supporting letter via Xpats Gateway. We confirm the correct route during your free consultation.

Usually, yes. A foreign-owned company in wholesale, retail or trading generally needs a WRT (Wholesale, Retail & Trade) licence from KPDN before applying for an Employment Pass, and the usual minimum paid-up capital for a foreign-owned trading company is RM1,000,000. Talk to us to check whether your company needs one before you submit the EP.

Yes, companies must be registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) before submitting any Employment Pass applications in Malaysia. We provide complete ESD company registration service to get you started with hiring foreign workers.

Section 60K of Malaysia's labor law requires companies to report foreign worker hiring plans and justify the need for foreign talent. Our work permit agency provides complete Section 60K labor law Malaysia compliance support to keep your company in good standing with authorities.

With our professional work permit agency service, most Employment Pass applications are approved within 2-4 months from submission. 2026 Update: Processing now includes mandatory JTKSM Section 60K approval and succession plan review, which adds 2-3 weeks to timelines. Timeline depends on document completeness, category type, and ESD processing load.

Service sector permit in Malaysia is typically Employment Pass Category 3 for technical and skilled workers in service industries including technology, consulting, and professional services. We specialize in service sector permits and Malaysia Digital (MD) status for tech companies.

Yes, we handle PVP to Employment Pass conversions for companies transitioning temporary consultants or contractors to full-time employees with proper work permits in Malaysia. This requires ESD registration and MyFutureJobs posting.

Foreign worker quota 2026 Malaysia varies by industry and company size. We provide consultation on quota requirements, ESD projection requests, and compliance strategies to maximize your company's ability to hire skilled foreign talent.

Success Stories

Trusted by Leading Companies

See what our clients say about our work permit agency services

"As a work permit agency in Malaysia, Expatriate.com.my handled our EP Category 1 application professionally. From ESD registration to approval in 9 weeks. Highly recommended for companies hiring expats in tech."

Sarah Chen HR Director, Tech Startup Kuala Lumpur

"We needed Employment Pass Malaysia Category 2 for 5 engineers. The team handled everything - ESD company registration, MyFutureJobs posting, Section 60K compliance. Worth every ringgit for hiring expats."

Ahmad Razak Managing Director, Manufacturing Penang

"As a foreign company, we knew nothing about work permits for foreigners in Malaysia. They guided us through Expatriate Services Division registration and secured approvals for our entire management team."

James Wilson CEO, Financial Services Johor Bahru

Why Choose Us

Malaysia's Most Trusted Work Permit Agency

Licensed expertise and proven results for hiring expats in Malaysia 2026

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10+ years helping companies navigate Malaysia's Employment Pass system

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Deep understanding of Malaysian culture and immigration regulations

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Complete support from ESD registration to work permit approval

Ready to Hire Foreign Talent in Malaysia?

Let our work permit agency handle your Employment Pass applications, ESD registration, and compliance. Get started with Malaysia's leading specialist in hiring expats today.

Call: 010-206 2070 WhatsApp Consultation

All-in work permit service RM9,888 only! Fast ESD processing & EP approval.

Employment Pass agency in Malaysia — EP Category 1, 2 & 3 applications and ESD company registration since 2016.

2016 Operating since
2–3 months Typical EP approval
4.9 / 5 Client rating
EP 1 · 2 · 3 All categories handled

Our founder, Evin Lim, appeared on BERNAMA TV & RTM as an industry consultant (July 2026).

Full company & service details

Expatriate.com.my (business entity: AA Alive Sdn Bhd, SSM 1204108-D) is a Malaysian work permit agency handling Employment Pass applications for Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3, plus ESD company registration for employers hiring foreign talent. Typical Employment Pass approval takes 2–3 months with ESD registration included. Chinese-language service available (中文服务). Contact 010-206 2070 or WhatsApp for a free eligibility check.