Malaysia has several work and residence passes, and choosing the wrong one costs time and money. For a foreign founder or employer, the right pass depends on who pays the salary, how long you'll stay, and who is coming with you. Here is a plain-English comparison of the main options in 2026.
The four passes that matter
| Pass | Best for | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | Staff employed & paid by your Malaysian company | 3 categories by salary; the standard route for founders & expat hires |
| Professional Visit Pass (PVP) | Someone still employed & paid by an overseas company, working in Malaysia temporarily | Malaysian entity sponsors, does not employ; ~2–4 weeks to process |
| Dependent Pass (DP) | The family of an EP holder | Spouse & unmarried children under 21; work needs separate authorisation |
| Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) | Highly skilled expats with a track record in Malaysia | 10-year, renewable; work for any employer & run your own company |
Employment Pass — the workhorse
The EP is for foreign professionals employed and paid by a Malaysian company. It has three categories, with new minimum salaries effective 1 June 2026:
- Category I — RM20,000+/month, valid up to 5 years (highly skilled);
- Category II — RM10,000–19,999/month, valid up to 2 years (mid-level);
- Category III — RM5,000–9,999/month.
From June 2026 there is also a 10-year cumulative tenure cap for Category I and a succession-plan requirement for Categories II and III. We cover the detail in our Employment Pass 2026 guide.
PVP vs EP — the common confusion
Use a PVP when the person stays on an overseas payroll and comes to Malaysia for a defined, temporary assignment (e.g. a parent-company engineer commissioning equipment). Use an EP when they are genuinely employed by and paid through your Malaysian company. Getting this wrong is a frequent cause of rejections.
Bringing your family
EP holders can sponsor Dependent Passes for a spouse and unmarried children under 21 (and in some cases parents, via a long-term social visit pass). A Dependent Pass lets them live in Malaysia, but working on it requires separate authorisation.
The long game — Residence Pass-Talent
For expats who have established themselves in Malaysia, the RP-T is a 10-year, renewable pass that decouples you from a single employer — you can change jobs freely and run your own company. It's a strong option once you qualify, but it is selective.
ONEKEY BIZ assesses which pass fits your situation and manages ESD setup, EP/PVP applications, dependent passes and renewals end to end — with Mandarin and English support. Book a free visa consultation or see our visa solutions.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an Employment Pass and a Professional Visit Pass?
An EP is for someone employed and paid by your Malaysian company. A PVP is for someone who stays on an overseas payroll and works in Malaysia temporarily, with the Malaysian entity as sponsor, not employer.
How does a foreign founder get a work visa?
The usual pathway is to have your own Sdn Bhd sponsor your Employment Pass. The company must meet the paid-up capital threshold for a foreign-owned entity (typically RM500,000 for services) and show genuine operations.
Can my family come with me?
Employment Pass holders can sponsor Dependent Passes for a spouse and unmarried children under 21. A Dependent Pass allows residence; working on it requires separate authorisation.
Sources & references
This article is general information only, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Policies, thresholds and official fees are set by the relevant Malaysian authorities and may change. Talk to our consultants about your specific situation.