What is the difference between the MDEC Employment Pass track and the standard Employment Pass?
The MDEC track is for employers holding Malaysia Digital status and is processed through MDEC eXpats. The standard Employment Pass is processed through the Expatriate Services Division for employers without that status. Both use the same revised salary categories.
What are the current Employment Pass salary categories?
As of the revised thresholds effective 1 June 2026, Category I is RM20,000 and above, Category II is RM10,000 to RM19,999, and Category III is RM5,000 to RM9,999, with a RM7,000 floor for manufacturing and related services.
What does the Residence Pass-Talent require?
The minimum criteria reported are at least 3 consecutive years already employed in Malaysia under an Employment Pass, a basic monthly salary of at least RM15,000, 2 years of Malaysian income tax paid, a recognised qualification, and at least 5 years of total work experience. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee approval, which is at the discretion of the RP-T panel.
Can a freelancer or independent contractor get an Employment Pass?
Generally not. An Employment Pass requires a sponsoring Malaysian-incorporated employer. Independent or freelance work without an employer is usually addressed through a separate pass, which this tool does not cover.
Does this tool guarantee that I qualify for a pass?
No. This tool never states that an applicant qualifies. It shows whether each pass is worth exploring based on minimum published criteria. Final eligibility is decided by the Expatriate Services Division, MDEC, or TalentCorp, as applicable, based on documents this tool cannot see.
