How to Work in Malaysia as a Foreigner: Complete Guide 2025

Navigating Opportunities: A Guide for Foreigners Working in Malaysia

Ready to start your career in Malaysia?

Let's explore how to work in Malaysia as a foreigner with comprehensive information about visa requirements, salary expectations, and living arrangements.

Malaysia offers diverse employment opportunities for foreign workers across various sectors. Whether you're seeking manufacturing jobs, construction positions, or service industry roles, understanding the process is crucial. This guide covers everything from visa applications to finding accommodation near your workplace.

Understanding Malaysia Work Visa Requirements

Employment Pass (EP) Categories

The Employment Pass serves as the primary work permit for skilled professionals. Here's what you need to know about how to work in Malaysia as a foreigner through different EP categories:

Category I: High-Level Professionals

• Monthly salary: RM10,000 and above

• Contract duration: Up to 5 years

• Benefits: Dependents and domestic helpers allowed

Category II: Mid-Level Professionals

• Monthly salary: RM5,000 to RM9,999

• Contract duration: Up to 2 years

• Benefits: Dependents permitted

Category III: Skilled Workers

• Monthly salary: RM3,000 to RM4,999

• Contract duration: Up to 12 months

• Benefits: No dependents allowed

Temporary Employment Pass (TEP)

Foreign workers in construction, manufacturing, plantation, agriculture, and services sectors typically receive TEPs. Requirements include:

• Age between 18 and 45 years

• From approved countries (Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, India, Thailand, Cambodia)

• Medical fitness certification

• Valid passport (minimum 18 months validity)

Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

Short-term professionals working temporarily in Malaysia can apply for PVPs. This includes:

• IT specialists and digital marketers

• Foreign artists and film workers

• Religious workers and volunteers

• Guest lecturers and trainers

• Valid for up to 12 months

Digital Nomad Visa (DE Rantau)

Remote workers can now apply for Malaysia's digital nomad visa. Requirements include:

• Minimum annual income: USD 24,000

• Work in digital fields (IT, content creation, cybersecurity)

• Renewable for up to 24 months total

• Family members can accompany

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Work Permit in Malaysia

1. Secure Employment First

Before applying for any work permit, you must have a job offer from a Malaysian employer. The employer initiates the application process.

2. Employer Applies for Approval

Your employer must obtain:

• Expatriate Post approval (for EP)

• Quota approval from Ministry of Human Resources (for TEP)

• Registration with Expatriate Services Division (ESD)

3. Submit Required Documents

For Employment Pass:

• Academic certificates and diplomas

• Employment contract

• Passport copies

• Medical examination results

• Company registration documents

For Temporary Employment Pass:

• Valid passport (18+ months validity)

• Medical certificate from home country

• Immigration Security Clearance (ISC)

• Foreign Worker Compensation Scheme (FWCS)

• Health Insurance Protection Scheme (SPIKPA)

4. Visa With Reference (VDR) Application

Once approved, apply for VDR at Malaysian embassy in your home country. This allows entry into Malaysia.

5. Arrival and Final Processing

Upon arrival:

• Report to Immigration Department within 24 hours

• Complete FOMEMA medical examination within 30 days

• Obtain ePASS digital endorsement

• Collect i-Kad (foreign worker identification)

Malaysia Foreign Worker Salary and Cost of Living

Minimum Wage Updates 2025

Malaysia implemented new minimum wages in 2025:

• RM1,700 per month (approximately USD 378)

• Applies to both local and foreign workers

• Phased implementation (February and August 2025)

Average Salaries by Sector

Manufacturing Industry:

• Production workers: RM1,700-2,500

• Skilled technicians: RM2,500-4,000

• Supervisors: RM3,000-5,000

Construction Sector:

• General workers: RM1,700-2,200

• Skilled workers: RM2,200-3,500

• Site supervisors: RM3,000-4,500

Service Industry:

• Restaurant staff: RM1,700-2,000

• Hotel workers: RM1,700-2,500

• Retail associates: RM1,700-2,200

Plantation/Agriculture:

• Field workers: RM1,700-2,000

• Machine operators: RM2,000-2,800

• Supervisors: RM2,500-3,500

Monthly Living Expenses

Major Cities (Kuala Lumpur, Penang):

• Accommodation: RM300-500 (shared)

• Food: RM400-600

• Transportation: RM100-200

• Utilities: RM100-150

• Total: RM900-1,450

Smaller Cities/Rural Areas:

• Accommodation: RM200-350 (shared)

• Food: RM300-450

• Transportation: RM80-150

• Utilities: RM80-120

• Total: RM660-1,070

Jobs in Malaysia for Expats: Approved Sectors

Manufacturing Sector (39% of foreign workers)

The manufacturing industry actively recruits foreign workers for:

• Electronics assembly

• Textile production

• Automotive manufacturing

• Food processing

• Medical device production

Key locations: Selangor, Penang, Johor

Construction Industry (19% of foreign workers)

High demand exists for:

• General construction workers

• Skilled tradespeople (welders, electricians)

• Heavy equipment operators

• Site supervisors

Major projects: Infrastructure development, commercial buildings, residential complexes

Plantation and Agriculture (14% of foreign workers)

Opportunities include:

• Palm oil plantation workers

• Rubber tappers

• Farm laborers

• Harvesting crews

Primary areas: Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang

Services Sector (10% of foreign workers)

Approved sub-sectors:

• Restaurants and food service

• Cleaning services

• Hotel and resort operations

• Retail and wholesale

• Security services

Domestic Help (12% of foreign workers)

Requirements:

• Female workers only

• Age 21-45 years

• From approved countries

• Live-in positions

Finding Accommodation Near Your Workplace

Employer-Provided Housing

Most employers must provide accommodation meeting government standards:

Minimum Requirements:

• Maximum 6 workers per room

• Minimum 3.7 square meters per person

• Separate male and female quarters

• Basic amenities (electricity, water, toilets)

• Kitchen and dining facilities

Typical Costs:

• Employers can deduct RM50-100 monthly

• Includes utilities and maintenance

• Located within reasonable distance from workplace

Purpose-Built Workers' Accommodation

Professional dormitory operators like Westlite Accommodation offer:

• Modern facilities with recreational areas

• Locations near industrial parks

• Compliance with Act 446 standards

• Monthly rental: RM100-200 per person

Private Rental Options

For higher-income workers:

• Shared apartments: RM300-600 per room

• Studio units: RM800-1,500

• Consider proximity to workplace

• Factor in transportation costs

Housing Locations by Industry

Manufacturing Workers:

• Selangor: Shah Alam, Klang, Subang

• Penang: Bayan Lepas, Bukit Minyak

• Johor: Senai, Pasir Gudang

Construction Workers:

• Temporary on-site accommodation

• Centralized Labour Quarters (CLQ)

• Project-specific housing

Service Industry:

• Urban areas near hotels/restaurants

• Shared accommodation in city centers

• Budget hostels: RM50-100 per night

Malaysia Work Visa Process for Indonesians

Special Considerations

Indonesian workers form the largest foreign workforce in Malaysia (50.9%). Specific requirements include:

Male Workers:

• Limited to manufacturing sector

• Age 18-45 years

• Valid Indonesian passport

Female Workers:

• Can work in all approved sectors

• Popular in manufacturing and domestic help

• Same age requirements

Required Documents from Indonesia

1. Valid passport (minimum 18 months)

2. Medical certificate from approved clinic

3. Police clearance certificate

4. Educational certificates (if applicable)

5. Immigration Security Clearance (ISC)

   
   

Application Process

1. Find Malaysian employer willing to hire

2. Employer applies for quota approval

3. Obtain calling visa from Malaysian embassy

4. Complete medical examination in Indonesia

5. Travel to Malaysia with approved documents

6. Complete FOMEMA medical in Malaysia

   
   

Tips for Expats Working in Malaysia

Cultural Adaptation

• Malaysia is multicultural (Malay, Chinese, Indian)

• Respect religious practices and customs

• Learn basic Bahasa Malaysia phrases

• Understand workplace hierarchies

Banking and Finance

• Open local bank account upon arrival

• Minimum deposit: RM20-250

• Popular banks: Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank

• Send money home through registered channels

Healthcare Access

• Mandatory FOMEMA medical examinations

• SPIKPA health insurance required

• Public clinics available for basic care

• Private healthcare for serious conditions

Legal Compliance

• Always carry i-Kad or passport

• Report address changes to Immigration

• No job changes without new permit

• Avoid overstaying visa validity

Safe Ways to Find Jobs in Malaysia for Foreigners

Official Channels

1. Registered Employment Agencies

   • Licensed by Ministry of Human Resources

   • Verify agency credentials

   • Avoid illegal brokers

2. Direct Company Applications

   • Apply through company websites

   • Attend job fairs in Malaysia

   • Contact Malaysian employers directly

3. Government Programs

   • One Stop Centre (OSC) system

   • Malaysian representative offices abroad

   • Bilateral agreements (G2G programs)

Red Flags to Avoid

• Agencies demanding large upfront fees

• Promises of guaranteed employment

• Requests for passport surrender

• Unclear contract terms

• Unrealistic salary promises

Malaysia Employment Pass for Foreigners: Latest Updates

2025 Policy Changes

1. Increased Minimum Wages

   • RM1,700 monthly (from RM1,500)

   • Affects all foreign workers

   • Phased implementation ongoing

2. Enhanced Accommodation Standards

   • Stricter enforcement of Act 446

   • Regular inspections by authorities

   • Higher penalties for violations

3. Digital Transformation

   • ePASS replaces physical stickers

   • Online application systems

   • Digital i-Kad implementation

4. Sector Restrictions

   • Focus on construction, plantation, agriculture

   • Reduced quotas for service sector

   • Priority for local employment

Future Outlook

The Malaysian government aims to:

• Reduce foreign worker dependency

• Increase automation in industries

• Improve worker welfare standards

• Strengthen bilateral agreements

Conclusion

Understanding how to work in Malaysia as a foreigner requires careful planning and compliance with regulations. From securing employment to obtaining proper visas and finding suitable accommodation, each step is crucial for a successful work experience in Malaysia.

Remember to always use official channels, verify employer credentials, and understand your rights as a foreign worker. With proper preparation and documentation, Malaysia offers rewarding opportunities for international workers seeking career advancement in Southeast Asia.

Need Professional Help with Your Malaysia Relocation?

Planning to work in Malaysia? Our experts can guide you through visa applications, accommodation arrangements, and settling into your new life. Take our free assessment to get personalized advice for your situation.

Get Your Free Malaysia Relocation Assessment →

For more insights about living and working in Malaysia, explore these helpful resources from LivinMalaysia:

• Malaysia Relocation Guide

• Latest Malaysia News and Updates

• Working Visa Information

This guide provides general information about working in Malaysia as a foreigner. Always verify current requirements with official Malaysian government sources or consult with immigration professionals for your specific situation.