12 Required Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Documents

Last Updated on 8 October 2024 by Brittany
malaysia digital nomad visa documents

When applying for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa, also known as the Professional Visit Pass, the most important part of the process is gathering your documents. To help make this process a little easier, we’ve put together a list of the required Malaysia digital nomad visa documents you’ll need to submit with your application. 

Now, it’s important to remember that this is just a general list of documents for the Malaysia digital nomad visa application. Every case is different, and the authorities may ask for additional documents or proof of remote work status based on your situation. 

From our experience, the most time-consuming part of applying for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa is the document gathering and preparation process. The authorities are very detail-oriented and hold your documents to a very high standard. Don’t be surprised if there is a lot of back and forth after submitting your application with requests for more documents. 

For this reason, Nomads Embassy has partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist our members with their Malaysia digital nomad visa document preparation and everything else involved in applying for the visa. If you would like a tailored list of documents from our partners for your situation, begin by requesting our free eligibility assessment by completing the form in this article. 

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What is the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

Malaysia introduced its digital nomad visa in October 2022. It is a temporary permit that allows digital nomads in the digital domain and chief officer or managerial positions to live and work remotely in Malaysia with their family members for up to two years. 

While the application process is done entirely online, it can take up to six months to receive approval. However, during this time, you may stay in Malaysia as a tourist, provided your tourist visa does not expire. 

Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

There are two categories of who can apply for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa: tech and non-tech workers. 

For tech remote workers in the digital domain, such as IT, software, digital marketing, and content creation, the minimum income requirement is just $24,000 USD per year. 

For non-tech remote workers who are in chief officer or managerial positions, the minimum income requirement is $60,000 USD per year

To see if your role or position is accepted, check out our article about who can apply for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa

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What are the Required Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Documents?

Remember, this is just a general list of Malaysia digital nomad visa documents that applicants must submit with their applications. Your application may require additional documentation based on your situation. But, this list is a great place to start!

1. Copy of Your Passport

You will have to submit all of the pages in your passport. 

It must also be valid for at least 14 months at the time of applying and have at least six empty pages. 

2. Digital Passport Photo

Along with your passport, you will need a passport-sized photo that meets the Malaysia digital nomad visa photo requirements

It must meet the following criteria:

  • Size: 35×55 mm
  • Blue Background
  • Neutral Expression
  • Dark Colored Clothing
  • JPEG File Less Than 20 KB

3. Remote Work Contracts

Whether you are a business owner, freelancer, or employee, you must submit proof that you work remotely with a company or clients. You will have to submit all of the contracts, invoices, or purchases from clients you currently have. 

These remote work contracts should also be valid for at least three months from the time of applying for the Malaysia digital nomad visa. 

Also, they must state either your annual or monthly salary. 

4. Bank Statements or Payslips from Previous Three Months

To prove that you meet the minimum income requirement, you must also provide at least three months of bank statements. 

You may also be asked to provide payslips from your employer from the previous three months as well. 

You may also provide an annual tax return to further prove that you meet the income requirements. 

5. Detailed Description of Work

One of the more intensive Malaysia digital nomad visa documents you will have to submit is a detailed description of your work. This could be multiple documents, such as a motivational letter, previous projects or portfolios, and a presentation with screenshots or recordings of you doing your work. 

There is no specific documentation required for this, but it’s important to understand that you will be asked for documents describing the nature of your work to ensure it is either in the digital domain or meets the non-tech category requirements. 

6. Resume and/or CV

You will also have to submit your resume and/or CV detailing your work experience and education. This is to prove that you are a highly skilled individual and meet the qualifications for this type of visa. 

While there are no strict requirements about how your resume should be formatted or showcased for your Malaysia digital nomad visa application, it is important to include it with your application. 

7. Proof of Qualifications

To further prove that you are a highly skilled worker eligible for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa, you must also submit proof of your qualifications. This can be in the form of

  • High school diploma
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • PhD
  • Referral letters
  • Certifications

When sharing your university and postgraduate degrees, it will be helpful to also include information about the year you graduated, the field of study, and where you attended the program. 

8. Awards or Accolades (if applicable)

If you have earned professional awards or accolades, it would also be helpful for your application if you included a copy of them. 

9. Criminal Background Check 

It is mandatory to submit a criminal background check or a letter of good conduct from your country of residence. It must be a clean criminal record. 

10. International Health Insurance Policy

It is also necessary to have an international health insurance policy or travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Malaysia. There is no required coverage amount, so you can find a policy that works for you and your family members. 

We recommend requesting quotes from Genki or Safetywing.

11. Proof of Relationship to Dependents

Malaysia’s digital nomad visa allows applicants to bring their spouse, children, and dependent parents with them. If you choose to do so, you must submit official documentation to prove your relationship. 

These documents include:

  • Marriage Certificates
  • Birth Certificates
  • Adoption Certificates

12. Personal Bond Document 

If applying for the Malaysia digital nomad visa without any sponsorship in the country, then you will have to provide a personal bond document. This will look different for every applicant, but our immigration lawyers can assist you with yours! 

malaysia digital nomad visa documents
via Unsplash

Do You Have to Translate Your Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Documents?

Your Malaysia digital nomad visa documents may be submitted in English. If they are not originally in English, then you must translate them. 

We recommend using a certified translator for this. 

malaysia digital nomad visa documents
via Unsplash

Which Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Documents Require an Apostille or Certification?

Since Malaysia is not part of the Hague Convention, you do not have to legalize your documents with an apostille. However, you may be requested to notarize certain documents, depending on your situation. 

malaysia digital nomad visa documents
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Get a Personalized List of Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Documents Today

Now that we’ve shared a general list of Malaysia digital nomad visa documents you may need for your application, you may be wondering how you can get a tailored list for your specific situation. 

Look no further than Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads

We have partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to provide dedicated legal assistance through our Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa Service. We guarantee a 100% compliant application, communication on your behalf with the authorities, and professional assistance and guidance throughout the entire process. 

To get started, simply request our free eligibility assessment by completing the form in this article.

Brittany
Content created by
Brittany
When I’m not writing and teaching people how to achieve a location-independent lifestyle, you can find me globetrotting, experiencing new cultures, and working on my amateur photography skills.
At Nomads Embassy, we independently test and review digital nomad services and provide detailed insights on digital nomad visa applications and requirements using a detailed, multi-step methodology. When you use our affiliate links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our editorial process and read our full disclosure.
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