{"id":36483,"date":"2017-11-27T06:42:38","date_gmt":"2017-11-27T11:42:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=36483"},"modified":"2021-03-02T15:38:18","modified_gmt":"2021-03-02T20:38:18","slug":"working-in-malaysia-as-an-expat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/working-in-malaysia-as-an-expat\/","title":{"rendered":"Working in Malaysia as an Expat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Working in Malaysia as an Expat<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Malaysia has seen an increase in tourists<\/a> and expats over the last handful of years, drawn to the country\u2019s tropical beaches, low cost of living, and exotic culture and cuisine. If staying longer than a 90-day tourist visa is your goal, you have a few options when it comes to legally residing in the country. If you are looking to retire, invest a large sum ($2 million USD), or generate enough foreign income to support yourself in Malaysia without working, the process is simple. <\/span>Check out the famed MM2H Program (My Malaysian 2nd Home)<\/b><\/a> for more details. If, however, <\/span>working abroad in Malaysia<\/b> is more relevant to you, you\u2019ll need to apply for an Employment Pass.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Employment Pass in Malaysia<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Obtaining an Employment Pass is generally done in cooperation with your new Malaysian employer, as they will have to help you in the application process. If you want to go to Malaysia first to look for a job, you can do so under the short-stay tourist visa. This visitor visa can be upgraded to a work visa while you are in the country, but the process can be lengthy, so plan ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Employment Pass in Malaysia grants foreign workers the right to live and work abroad in the country for up to 60-months, or the duration of the work contract. Once obtained, the pass is linked to the company you applied under. Changing companies or careers will require you to reapply for another pass. Illegal worker laws can be quite strict, and you will not be able to work until you have received the new permit, so be mindful.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dependent Pass<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Once you have received a valid employment pass, you are granted the ability to apply for a <\/span>Dependent Pass<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>Long-Term Social Visit Pass<\/span><\/i> for you spouse, children (under 18), and parents (over 60). You are also able to apply for a <\/span>Social Visit Permit<\/span><\/i>, which allows you to bring a foreign housekeeper or <\/span>au pair<\/span><\/i> to Malaysia (between the ages of 21 and 45, for a maximum of 12 months, renewable). These visas are also only valid so long as the Employment Pass holder\u2019s visa remains valid.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Required Documents<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

To obtain an Employment Pass to work abroad in Malaysia, you will need to provide the following documents to the Immigration Department:<\/span><\/p>\n