Moving to Malaysia
6 routes for people from the US, Canada and the UK, each checked against official sources. Find the one that fits, then check it with the source before you apply.
Keep your job, work remotely
Malaysia digital nomad visa
DE Rantau Nomad Pass (Professional Visit Pass), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
Remote workers and freelancers for foreign clients earning at least USD 36,000 a year in tech or digital roles (USD 60,000 for listed non-tech roles).
- What you need
- Tech and digital talent (software, data, cybersecurity, digital marketing, content creation and similar): at least USD 36,000 a year. Raised from USD 24,000 in FAQ version 11 (1 Nov 2026). (USD 36,000 a year)
- Listed non-tech roles (CEO, finance, sales, HR, legal, consultant, customer service and similar): at least USD 60,000 a year. (USD 60,000 a year)
- Remote employees: employment contract with a non-Malaysian employer, started at least 3 months before applying, plus 3 months of payslips and bank statements. Freelancers: up to 3 foreign client contracts, 3 months of invoices and proof of payment.
- Health insurance valid in Malaysia for the whole pass period.
- Over 18. (18)
- Passport valid more than 14 months when applying.
- Not for
- Working for Malaysian employers or clients
- Living in Sabah or Sarawak (pass covers Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan only)
- Israeli citizens
- Where you apply
- Online. Apply online at mdec.my/derantau from anywhere. After approval, enter Malaysia (US, UK and Canadian citizens enter visa-free) and complete endorsement within 1 month. A tourist pass cannot be converted.
- How long it takes
- 6-8 weeks, plus about 1 week for the e-Pass after endorsement (MDEC FAQ).
- First permit
- 3 to 12 months.
- Renewal
- Up to three 12-month renewals, for a maximum total stay of 48 months. Outstanding Malaysian tax must be settled to renew.
- Family
- Spouse or common-law partner, children under 18, special-needs children and parents can join as dependants; spouses cannot work.
- Your passport
- Security bond differs: RM 2,000 for US and Canada; UK appears to fall under 'Europe' (RM 1,500).
Retire or live on savings
MM2H
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme: Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers
Retirees and wealthy long-stayers aged 25+ who can place a USD 150,000 fixed deposit (Silver tier) and buy a home worth at least RM 600,000.
- What you need
- Aged 25 or over (Silver, Gold, Platinum). (25)
- Fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank: Silver USD 150,000; Gold USD 500,000; Platinum USD 1,000,000. Up to 50% can be withdrawn after approval for a home, education, medical or tourism spending in Malaysia. (USD 150,000)
- Must buy a residence after approval: minimum RM 600,000 (Silver), RM 1,000,000 (Gold), RM 2,000,000 (Platinum), or the state minimum if higher. Cannot be sold for 10 years except to upgrade. (MYR 600,000)
- Principals under 50 must spend at least 90 cumulative days a year in Malaysia. (90 a year)
- Compulsory medical check-up at a panel clinic after approval.
- Not for
- People wanting to work in Malaysia on Silver or Gold (Platinum allows work or business)
- Buyers on a small budget: state property minimums in KL, Selangor, Penang and Johor are often RM 1 million or more
- Where you apply
- Online. Through a licensed MM2H agent to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC); see mm2h.gov.my.
- How long it takes
- Not stated on the official pages read.
- First permit
- Social Visit Pass of 5 years (Silver), 15 years (Gold) or 20 years (Platinum), tied to passport validity.
- Renewal
- Pass renewed every 5 years or with passport validity; RM 500 pass fee per year.
- Family
- Spouse; children under 21 (21-34 if unmarried and not working); disabled children; parents and parents-in-law. Platinum may bring domestic helpers.
Retire or live on savings Rules need confirming
Sarawak MM2H
Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H)
People aged 30+ who want a cheaper MM2H-style pass in Sarawak (Borneo), with a RM 500,000 fixed deposit and a 30-day-a-year stay rule.
- What you need
- Aged 30 or over. (30)
- Fixed deposit of RM 500,000 per application (covering spouse and dependants) at a Sarawak bank, under rules effective 1 January 2025. (MYR 500,000)
- Monthly offshore income of RM 10,000 (single) or RM 15,000 (with dependants) reported by a 2026 guide; not confirmed officially. (MYR 10,000 a month)
- Must stay at least 30 days a year in Sarawak to be considered for renewal. (30 a year)
- Not for
- People who want to live in Peninsular Malaysia
- Anyone wanting to work
- Where you apply
- Online. Through the Sarawak Tourism Board's S-MM2H programme and approved agents.
- How long it takes
- Not verified.
- First permit
- 5 years.
- Renewal
- Renewable for another 5 years.
- Family
- Spouse and dependants covered by the single RM 500,000 deposit.
No official Sarawak page read; sources conflict and some still show RM 150,000 and RM 7,000/month.
A job offer
Malaysia work visa
Employment Pass (Category I, II or III)
Professionals with a Malaysian job paying at least RM 5,000 a month basic salary (RM 10,000 for Category II, RM 20,000 for Category I).
- What you need
- Basic monthly salary from 1 June 2026: Category I RM 20,000+; Category II RM 10,000-19,999; Category III RM 5,000-9,999 (RM 7,000 in specified manufacturing). Allowances do not count. (MYR 5,000 a month)
- Employer sponsorship and approval through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). Categories II and III need a succession plan.
- Not for
- Remote work for foreign employers (use DE Rantau)
- Where you apply
- From home or inside the country. Employer applies via ESD; employee then enters on a Visa with Reference if needed.
- How long it takes
- Not verified.
- First permit
- Reported up to 5 years (Cat I), 2 years (Cat II), 1 year (Cat III).
- Renewal
- Renewable; reported total caps of 10 years (Cat I-II) and 5 years (Cat III) per employer from June 2026.
- Family
- Dependants allowed for Categories I and II; reports say Category III gains dependant rights under the 2026 rules.
Study Rules need confirming
Malaysia student visa
Student Pass (via Education Malaysia Global Services, EMGS)
People admitted to an accredited Malaysian university or college.
- What you need
- Offer from an accredited Malaysian institution, which applies through EMGS for a visa approval letter.
- Passport valid at least 18 months (reported).
- Not for
- Working beyond limited part-time rules
- Where you apply
- Online. Institution applies through EMGS; Student Pass issued after arrival and medical check.
- How long it takes
- Reported 4-6 weeks.
- First permit
- Length of the course, usually renewed yearly (not verified).
- Renewal
- While enrolled.
- Family
- Not verified.
Secondary sources only; EMGS official page not read.
Treaties and special cases
Malaysia visa-free entry
Visa-free social visit (up to 90 days)
Long scouting trips: up to 90 days visa-free for US, Canadian and UK citizens.
- What you need
- Up to 90 days per visit; Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) required before arrival; onward ticket may be asked for. (90)
- Not for
- Living or working in Malaysia
- Where you apply
- From inside the country. Granted at the border.
- How long it takes
- On arrival.
- First permit
- Up to 90 days.
- Renewal
- Extensions are not normally available; leave and re-enter (immigration officers may question repeated entries).
- Family
- Each traveller in their own right.