Employment Pass FAQ
Straight answers to the questions Malaysian employers ask most often about Employment Pass applications, renewals and cancellations.
All Questions
How long does it take to get an Employment Pass in Malaysia?+
An Employment Pass in Malaysia typically takes around 4 to 8 weeks to process from the time all required documents are submitted, though actual timelines vary depending on the applicant's nationality, industry and current processing volumes at the Immigration Department and MYXpats Centre. [TODO: 以官方最新处理时长为准]
How much does an Employment Pass cost in Malaysia?+
Our all-in Employment Pass packages range from around RM6,500 for a Basic package to RM15,000+ for a full-service Premium package, with our most popular Standard package priced at RM10,000–12,000 — all inclusive of standard government fees. Exact pricing depends on the EP category, nationality and approval duration, so we confirm an itemised quote after a free consultation.
What conditions must a company meet to sponsor a foreign employee's Employment Pass?+
To sponsor an Employment Pass, a company generally needs to be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), be registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) / MYXpats Centre, meet minimum paid-up capital requirements where applicable, and demonstrate a genuine need for the foreign employee's specific skills that justifies the hire.
Can an Employment Pass holder bring their family to Malaysia?+
Employment Pass holders in Category I and, in many cases, Category II can apply for Dependant Passes for their spouse and children to live with them in Malaysia, subject to approval by the Immigration Department; Category III holders are generally not eligible to bring dependants.
What is the difference between Employment Pass Category I, II and III?+
Employment Pass categories in Malaysia are primarily determined by monthly salary: Category I applies to salaries of RM10,000 and above with validity of up to 5 years and full dependant benefits; Category II applies to salaries between RM5,000 and RM9,999 with validity of up to 2 years; and Category III applies to salaries between RM3,000 and RM4,999 with shorter validity and limited renewals. [TODO: 以官方最新规定为准]
Do you help with Employment Pass renewal, not just new applications?+
Yes. We handle Employment Pass renewals in addition to new applications and cancellations, and we proactively track expiry dates so your foreign employees' passes are renewed before they lapse.
What happens to an Employment Pass when a foreign employee resigns?+
When a foreign employee resigns or their contract ends, the employer is required to formally cancel their Employment Pass with the Immigration Department; failing to do so in a timely manner can result in compliance issues and penalties for the company, which is why we offer a dedicated EP cancellation service.
Is ESD registration the same as an Employment Pass application?+
No. ESD (Expatriate Services Division) registration is a prerequisite step where the employer registers the company to be eligible to hire foreign employees, while the Employment Pass application is the subsequent step where the specific foreign employee's work pass is applied for.