Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply in 3 Steps 

Remote workers can apply for the new Malaysia digital nomad visa and call the Southeast Asian country home. 

The Malaysian government introduced legislation for a new digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to live in the country for three to 12 months with the ability to renew for a second year. 

Known as the Professional Visit Pass, the visa is released by DE Rantau Nomad Pass. The application process is done all online, making it one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for.

This is excellent news for remote employees and independent contractors that work in the digital field. Malaysia hopes to attract these kinds of digital nomads to boost the local economy and further digitalize the country. 

Applicants may bring spouses and immediate dependents with them on their visa.

Through the DE Rantau program, Malaysia digital nomad visa holders will have access to unique and helpful resources. They can take advantage of digital nomad accommodations, discounts, networking events, and more while living in Malaysia.

A destination that is growing in popularity as a digital nomad destination due to its tropical climate and low cost of living, Malaysia joins other digital nomad hubs in the area, such as Thailand and Indonesia. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in a foreign country. This visa grants a temporary residence permit, typically lasting from six months to two years, with the ability to renew. 

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must earn an income remotely either as an employee, business owner, or freelancer. Holders of the digital nomad visa may not participate in local economic business opportunities. All income must be earned from an entity outside of the country they reside in. 

A digital nomad visa is perfect for those remote workers who simply want a change of scenery or have constantly been traveling and would like to settle down somewhere for a bit. 

Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

As with every digital nomad visa, there are certain requirements you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for it. Below are the requirements for the Malaysia digital nomad visa.  

Digital Domain Industry Digital Nomad Requirements

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 14 months at the time of applying
• Work Remotely – You must work remotely as an employee, business owner, or freelancer for companies or clients located outside of Malaysia for at least three months
• Work in the Digital Domain – You must work in the digital space of IT, digital content creation, digital marketing, and other digital domain work
• Earn $24,000/year – You must meet the minimum income requirement
• Clean Criminal Record – Your criminal record must be clean
• Health or Travel Insurance – You must have insurance coverage for the duration of your time in Malaysia

Non-Tech Industry Digital Nomad Requirements (Introduced June 2024)

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 14 months at the time of applying
• Work Remotely – You must work remotely as an employee, business owner, or freelancer for companies or clients located outside of Malaysia for at least three months
• Work in One of the Following Positions – You must hold one of the following approved positions: CEO, Founder, Managing Director, COO, Business Development, Marketing Manager, CFO, Finance Manager, Accountant, Sales Manager, Customer Success Manager, Human Resources Manager, Consultant, Customer Service Manager/Representative, Communications & Public Relations Manager, Administration Manager, Technical Writer, Tax Specialist or Accountant, Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager, or a related position equivalent to the above
• Earn $60,000 per year – You must prove that you meet the income requirement
• Clean Criminal Record – Your criminal record must be clean
• Health or Travel Insurance – You must have insurance coverage for the duration of your time in Malaysia

There are also currently no nationality restrictions for the visa. Therefore, citizens of every country may submit an application.

If you meet the requirements, you may be eligible to apply for the Malaysia digital nomad visa!

Steps to Apply

The entire application process is done online in just 15 minutes.

Step 1: Gather Documents

Before you begin your application, it’s a good idea to gather the necessary documents. You’ll need the following to apply:

• Copy of Passport (all pages with at least six empty ones)
• Digital Passport Photo
• Proof of Remote Work (current, past, or future contracts)
• Proof of Income (Bank statements from last three months and yearly income statement)
• Current Resume
• Certified Criminal Background Check
• Health or Travel Insurance Policy
• Proof of Relationship with Dependents (if applicable)

All of these documents must be digitized and submitted in English.

Step 2: Submit Application

As mentioned, the entire application is done online. You will register your account here and begin the process after receiving a verification code to your email.

Make sure to choose the option for “DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa” option.

The application consists of numerous questions and places where you can upload your and your dependents’ documents.

You must also pay a visa fee of MYR 1,000 (about $220 USD) for individual applicants and MYR 500 (about $110 USD) per dependent. 

Step 3: Wait for Approval

It will take up to three months to receive an answer about your Malaysia digital nomad visa application. The program will notify you via email.

After receiving approval, you have six months to enter the country on your digital nomad visa.

If you require an e-visa to enter the country along with the digital nomad visa, you will have three months to enter Malaysia.

The visa term will commence at the time of entry into Malaysia.

Malaysia for Digital Nomads

With a low cost of living, tropical climate, and some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, it’s no surprise that digital nomads flock to Malaysia. Just imagine opening your laptop at a cafe in Penang or Kuala Lumpur and watching the hustle and bustle of mopeds and pedestrians on the street. 

Digital nomads have the option to live in a major city, such as Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, or in smaller towns, such as Penang, considered one of the best digital nomad cities in Asia, or Kuching. There are many coworking spaces and cafes with free wifi where digital nomads can set up their workspaces for the day. 

There is a large remote worker and expat community in Malaysia, offering a sense of comfort to new digital nomads who move to the area. You can connect with and meet people from all over the world and learn how to navigate a new lifestyle in Malaysia together. 

When you aren’t taking Zoom calls or completing tasks, you can find gorgeous hiking trails in the rain forests, sandy beaches to relax on, and plenty of cities to explore. Malaysia is most definitely a digital nomad-friendly destination that shouldn’t go unnoticed. 

FAQ

While you’ll find articles like this helpful and informative, you may still have some questions about the Malaysia digital nomad visa. 

Below are answers to the most common questions we receive. 

How Much is the Application Fee for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

The main applicant’s fee is MYR 1,000, or around $220 USD. For each additional family member, the application fee is MYR 500, or around $110 USD. 

What Jobs in the Digital Domain Qualify for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

To be eligible for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa, you must work in the digital domain. These jobs include IT specialist, digital marketing, content creation, software development, programming, web development, etc. 

Are Certain Nationalities Restricted from Applying for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

No, there are no nationality restrictions in place for the Malaysia digital nomad visa. Nationalities that require an e-visa to enter Malaysia must also apply for this along with the digital nomad visa.

What is the Processing Time for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

The processing time of your Malaysia digital nomad visa application can take around 90 days. However, there could be delays depending on the volume of applications. 

How Long Do I Have to Enter Malaysia After Visa Approval?

For approval of the digital nomad visa, you have six months to enter Malaysia.

If you require an e-visa, you have three months to enter Malaysia.

When Does the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Term Begin?

The term of validity for your Malaysia digital nomad visa begins when you enter Malaysia.

Will I Owe Taxes in Malaysia with the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you will be considered a tax resident in Malaysia and owe local taxes after being in the country for 183 days.

How Long is the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Valid?

The Malaysia digital nomad visa is valid for one year and renewable for an additional year. 

Can I Include Family Members on My Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, applicants may include family members on the Malaysia digital nomad visa application. 

Can I Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa While Already in Malaysia?

Technically, you can apply for the digital nomad visa while you are in Malaysia. However, you must leave the country while the application is processing and reenter with your approved digital nomad visa. 

Will I Have to Visit a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate?

No, the application for the Malaysia digital nomad visa is done online. 

Does the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

No, the Malaysia digital nomad visa does not lead to permanent residency. 

Should I Work with an Immigration Lawyer to Apply for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

While it isn’t required to work with an immigration lawyer to apply for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa, it is extremely helpful and increases your chances for approval.

Working one-on-one with an immigration lawyer ensures you meet the eligibility requirements, have all of the necessary documents, and have someone to communicate with authorities to follow your application through the process.

Relocating to another country can be intimidating and overwhelming when you do it alone. Having a legal professional on your side provides reassurance that your application is completed correctly.

Let Us Help You Apply for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for a visa and relocating to a new country can feel overwhelming and stressful when doing it on your own. 

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads has changed that! 

With our hand-selected immigration lawyers in Malaysia, our readers can experience an easy and stress-free digital nomad visa application and relocation with our Malaysia Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa service.

With our innovative platform, you can securely upload your sensitive documents and applications for your lawyer to review.

Are you ready to connect with an immigration lawyer and discuss applying for the Malaysia digital nomad visa?

Simply complete the contact form in this article to request a consultation today!