13 Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Facts You Should Know

When researching different types of digital nomad visas, it’s important to understand the requirements and implications of each visa fully. If you’re considering relocating to Southeast Asia, here are some Malaysia digital nomad visa facts you probably didn’t know. 

With dozens of tabs open from different websites, each with information about the Malaysia digital nomad visa, you may feel overwhelmed trying to piece together the most important facts. 

To make your research and decision easier than ever, Nomads Embassy has compiled the most important Malaysia digital nomad visa facts that you should know before submitting your application. 

Plus, we have partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist our members with their Malaysia digital nomad visa applications. Believe it or not, this is one of the most difficult digital nomad visas to obtain on your own! 

Whether you’re still deciding which digital nomad visa to apply for or are set on moving to Malaysia, these are the surprising facts you should know. 

What is the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

The Malaysia digital nomad visa launched in October 2022 and has received a lot of attention from digital nomads. The Southeast Asia country has an affordable cost of living, a thriving tech community, and a rich culture. 

Officially referred to as the De Rantau Professional Visit Pass, the Malaysia digital nomad visa invites remote workers who work in the digital domain to live in the country for up to two years. 

While initial visa terms can vary between three and 12 months, the total stay allowance is 24 months. 

Applicants may also include immediate family members, such as a spouse and dependent children under the age of 18. 

Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the Malaysia digital nomad visa, the main applicant must meet the following criteria:

If you meet the above requirements, then you can apply for the Malaysia digital nomad visa. 

For professional legal assistance with your application, complete the contact form above to get in touch with our hand-selected local immigration lawyers. 

Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Facts You Should Know Before Applying

Knowledge is power, especially when relocating to a new country and applying for a digital nomad visa. To make your experience easier and smoother without surprises, we’ve compiled some of the most important and surprising Malaysia digital nomad visa facts. 

1. Only Select Industry Professionals Qualify

One of the most important Malaysia digital nomad visa facts to understand is that you must work in a qualified profession. 

Only professionals working in the digital domain or professional and manager positions may apply for the Malaysia digital nomad visa. These industries include:

• Software 
• Websites
• UX/UI 
• AI 
• Blockchain 
• IT 
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Marketing
• Content Creation
• CEO
• COO
• CFO
• Manager
• Tax Advisor
• Technical Writer
• Accountant
• Consultant

You can take a look at who can apply for the Malaysia digital nomad visa here.

It’s important to understand that a large portion of your application will be proving that you work in one of the mentioned digital domain industries.

2. It’s an Online Application

While the eligibility requirements make obtaining the Malaysia digital nomad visa difficult, the application process is simple in nature. 

With an entirely online application process, applicants do not have to wait months for an appointment at a Malaysian embassy, consulate, or visa center. In just 20 minutes, you can submit your Malaysia digital nomad visa application from anywhere in the world. 

3. Photo Requirements are Strict

Maybe one of the least known Malaysia digital nomad visa facts is that the photo requirements are fairly strict. Along with your application, you must submit a properly formatted passport photo. 

Some of these requirements include having a blue background, specific face positioning, and wearing dark clothing. 

4. You Must Submit Proof You Work in the Digital Domain

As mentioned before, a large part of your application will be proving that you work in an approved industry in the digital domain. 

Examples of how to prove this include:

• Motivational letter
• Employment or freelance contracts
• Screenshots of the tools you use
• Outline of tasks you perform 

This is also one of the most difficult parts of applying for the Malaysia digital nomad visa. Our immigration lawyer partners can help you structure your proof to be compliant with application regulations and accurately reflect your remote role in the digital domain. 

5. Family Members May Join You

Main applicants may include immediate family members on their Malaysia digital nomad visa applications. This means a spouse and children dependents under the age of 18. 

Children may also attend local schools in Malaysia with the proper Student Pass as well. 

It’s a great experience for the entire family living abroad! 

6. Your Spouse May Not Work While in Malaysia

Another little known Malaysia digital nomad visa fact is that spouses accompanying a digital nomad visa holder may not work while living in Malaysia. This includes working remotely. 

If they wish to work remotely while in Malaysia, then they must submit a separate digital nomad visa application from their qualifying spouse. 

7. The Minimum Income Requirement Does Not Increase with Family Members

Unlike most digital nomad visas, Malaysia does not require a minimum income increase for applicants bringing immediate family members with them. 

This is great news for those applicants who just meet the income requirement of $24,000 USD per year. 

8. You Will Become a Tax Resident

Taxes in Malaysia can be quite tricky, especially for those on the digital nomad visa. 

There are a few different laws and benefits freelancers and remote workers can take advantage of. 

For example, by law, income earned through sources located outside of Malaysia, is not taxed. This applies to freelancers and contractors who apply for the Malaysia digital nomad visa. 

However, remote employees will become tax residents after spending 60 days in Malaysia. There are additional tax benefits and laws for this, such as double taxation treaties. 

For more information about Malaysia digital nomad visa facts about taxes, refer to the last page of the official FAQ guide here.

9. It’s Common for Additional Documents to be Requested

Important Malaysia digital nomad visa facts include to expect requests for additional documentation. 

The immigration officials processing these applications commonly ask for additional proof of funds, digital domain work, and more. 

Don’t fret if you receive this request – it’s actually a good sign! 

10. You May Apply While Already in Malaysia

If you are already in Malaysia as a tourist, you may still apply for the digital nomad visa online. 

However, it’s important to note that you must leave Malaysia to pick up your visa at a Malaysian embassy or visa center and reenter the country with your valid visa. 

11. Documents Must be Submitted in English

When preparing your documents to submit with your Malaysia digital nomad visa application, they must be in English. 

If they are in another language, you must translate them into English. 

It is recommended to use a certified translator (not Google Translate) to do so to ensure authenticity and correct translations. 

12. You May Renew the Visa Once

There is one renewal allowance for the Malaysia digital nomad visa. In total, digital nomads can live in the country for 24 months. 

After the second visa renewal expires, you must leave Malaysia. 

There is no information about whether you can reapply for the digital nomad visa after the two-year term ends. 

13. Processing Time Can Take Up to Six Months

While the official website promises that the application processing time takes one month, we are seeing cases that are taking four to six months before getting approval. 

This is mostly due to the back-and-forth requests for additional documentation. 

This is one of the Malaysia digital nomad visa facts that is important to understand. Applying for a digital nomad visa is not a quick-fix solution to stay in a country. It is a huge decision that requires a lot of time, preparation, and paperwork. 

Before applying, make sure that you are committed to being patient and truly want to live in Malaysia.  

Get Personalized Professional Assistance with Your Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Application

When looking over these Malaysia digital nomad visa facts, you are either super excited and ready to submit your application or realizing that having professional legal assistance by your side could be beneficial. 

That’s where Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads, can help! 

We have partnered with English-speaking local immigration lawyers to assist our members and readers with their Malaysia digital nomad visa application through our Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa Service. 

From preparing documents to answering requests from immigration officials to assisting with the actual visa application, you can experience a personalized approach to your visa submission and relocation to Malaysia. 

Are you ready to speak with an immigration lawyer?

Request our free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment by completing the form above to get started today!