malaysia work visa

Malaysia Work Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Summary: Malaysia Work Visa for Indian Citizens

  • Visa Types: Employment Pass (EP), Temporary Employment Pass (TEP), and Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

  • Key Requirements:

    • Job offer from a Malaysian employer
    • Valid Indian passport
    • Relevant qualifications and work experience
    • Medical certificate and police clearance

  • Application Process:

    • Employer applies for approval and submits EP application through Expatriate Services Division (ESD)
    • Applicant (if required) applies for Single-Entry Visa at the Malaysian Embassy/Consulate in India
    • Post-arrival medical screening and fingerprinting in Malaysia

  • Timeline & Fees:

    • Processing time: Typically 5-14 working days
    • Fees: MYR 700 - MYR 1,800 (approx. ₹12,000 - ₹30,000) for EP, plus other costs

  • Post-Arrival & Employer Responsibilities: Registration, integration, and compliance with Malaysian labor laws.



Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Malaysia Work Visas
  2. Types of Malaysia Work Visas for Indians
  3. Eligibility Criteria
  4. Document Requirements
  5. Step-by-Step Application Process
  6. Timeline and Fees
  7. Post-Arrival Requirements in Malaysia
  8. Employer's Responsibilities
  9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  10. Useful Contacts and Resources
  11. Additional Tips for a Smooth Application

1. Introduction of Malaysia Work Visas

Malaysia offers various work visa categories to attract foreign talent. For Indian citizens, obtaining a work visa involves several steps, including securing a job offer from a Malaysian employer, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting required documents.

2. Types of Malaysia Work Visas for Indians

Malaysia Work Visa


a. Employment Pass (EP)

  • Duration: Up to 3 years (renewable)
  • Minimum Salary: MYR 5,000 (approx. ₹85,000) per month
  • Eligibility: Typically for managerial, technical, or professional roles
  • Categories:

    • Category I: MYR 10,000/month (approx. ₹170,000), for top-tier positions
    • Category II: MYR 5,000 - MYR 9,999/month (approx. ₹85,000 - ₹169,000)
    • Category III: Below MYR 5,000/month (approx. ₹85,000), subject to stricter conditions

b. Temporary Employment Pass (TEP)

  • Duration: Usually up to 12 months (may vary)
  • Salary Threshold: Below MYR 5,000 (approx. ₹85,000) per month or for shorter employment
  • Eligibility: For lower-skilled jobs or temporary positions

c. Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

  • Duration: Short-term, usually up to 12 months
  • Eligibility: For foreigners providing specific, temporary services (e.g., consultants, trainers)

3. Eligibility Criteria

For the Applicant (Indian Citizen):

  • Valid Indian Passport (at least 12 months' validity)

  • Passport-Sized Photos (recent)

  • Copies of Academic Qualifications (certified by MQA or the issuing university)

  • Work Experience Certificates

  • Medical Certificate (from an approved panel clinic in India)

  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) (issued by the Regional Passport Office or the concerned authorities in India)

  • Copy of Job Offer Letter or Employment Contract

For the Malaysian Employer:

  • Business License

  • Company Registration Documents

  • Latest Financial Reports

  • Approval from Relevant Authorities (if required for the sector, e.g., Ministry of Human Resources)

4. Document Requirements

As per the Malaysia work visa requirements from India, the following documents are necessary for the application - 

  • Fully filled and signed application form.

  • 2 photos as per the specifications. 

  • Educational documents such as degree copy, transcripts, etc. 

  • Employment contract.

  • If you are applying at a VAC outside your jurisdiction, you must also provide Aadhar card, rent agreements, Marriage certificates, etc. 

  • Approval letter from the Immigration Department in Malaysia.

  • Confirmed flight tickets. 

5. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Employer's Application

1.1 Foreign Worker Employment Projection (FWEP)

 

  • Applicability: Required for certain sectors (e.g., manufacturing, construction, plantation, and agriculture) as part of the Malaysian government's labor market testing to ensure no qualified Malaysian citizens are available for the role.

  • Submission Platform: Through the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) website or designated portals.

  • Required Documents:

    • Company Registration Documents

    • Business License

    • Latest Financial Reports

    • Job Description and Requirements

    • Proof of Advertisement for the Job in Malaysia (if applicable)

  • Processing Time: Typically 3-7 working days, but may vary.

  • Outcome: Approval or Rejection of the FWEP application. If approved, proceed to the next step.

 

1.2 Employment Pass Application

 

  • Submission Platform: Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online portal (esd.imi.gov.my).

  • Required Documents:

    • Approved FWEP (if required for the sector)
    • Company Registration Documents
    • Business License
    • Latest Financial Reports
    • Job Offer Letter/Employment Contract with the Indian Citizen
    • Indian Citizen's Passport Copy
    • Educational Certificates and Work Experience Documents of the Indian Citizen (certified by MQA or the issuing university)

  • Processing Fee: MYR 700 - MYR 1,800 (approx. ₹12,000 - ₹30,000), depending on the Employment Pass category and duration.

  • Processing Time: Typically 5-14 working days, but can vary.

  • Outcome: Receive a Valuation Reference Number (VRN) if the application is successful. This is crucial for the next steps.

 

1.3 Receive Valuation Reference Number (VRN)

  • Purpose: The VRN is a reference number assigned to the successful Employment Pass application, necessary for the Indian citizen to proceed with their part of the application process.

  • What to Do Next: Inform the Indian citizen of the VRN, as they will need it for their Single-Entry Visa application (if required) and other subsequent processes.

 

Step 2: Applicant's (Indian Citizen's) Actions

2.1 Single-Entry Visa (SEV) Application (if required)

 

  • Applicability: Check with the Malaysian Embassy/Consulate in India to see if an SEV is required for the Employment Pass application. Some nationalities are exempt.

  • Submission Location: Malaysian Embassy or Consulate in India. Find the nearest location on the official Malaysian government website.

  • Required Documents:

    • Valid Indian Passport (at least 12 months' validity)

    • Valuation Reference Number (VRN)

    • Employment Contract/Job Offer Letter

    • Recent Passport-Sized Photos

    • Payment for SEV Fee (if applicable)

  • SEV Fee: MYR 30 - MYR 100 (approx. ₹500 - ₹1,700), if applicable.

  • Processing Time: Typically 2-5 working days, but may vary.

  • Outcome: Receive a Single-Entry Visa sticker on your passport, if approved.

 

2.2 Medical Examination

 

  • Location: Approved Panel Clinics in India. Check the Malaysian Immigration Department's website for a list of approved clinics.

  • Required Documents:

    • Valid Indian Passport

    • Valuation Reference Number (VRN)

  • Medical Examination Fee: Varies depending on the clinic.

  • What to Expect: A comprehensive medical check-up, including tests for infectious diseases.

  • Outcome: Receive a Medical Certificate, which is usually valid for 3 months.

 

2.3 Post-Arrival in Malaysia

2.3.1 Medical Screening

 

  • Location: Approved Clinics in Malaysia. Your employer may recommend a clinic.

  • Required Documents:

    • Valid Indian Passport

    • Employment Pass Approval Letter

    • Medical Certificate from India (if not expired)

  • Medical Screening Fee: Varies depending on the clinic.

  • What to Expect: Another medical check-up to ensure you're fit to work in Malaysia.

 

2.3.2 Fingerprinting (Biometric Data Collection)

 

  • Location: Immigration Department of Malaysia (various locations, typically where your Employment Pass is processed).

  • Required Documents:

    • Valid Indian Passport

    • Employment Pass Approval Letter

  • Process: Biometric data (fingerprints) collection as part of the Employment Pass endorsement process.

  • Outcome: Your Employment Pass will be endorsed on your passport, marking the final step in the work visa application process.

6. Timeline and Fees

  • Processing Time: Typically 5-14 working days for the Employment Pass, but can vary.

  • Fees:

    • Employment Pass Application: MYR 700 - MYR 1,800 (approx. ₹12,000 - ₹30,000), depending on the category and duration.

    • Single-Entry Visa (if required): MYR 30 - MYR 100 (approx. ₹500 - ₹1,700).

    • Medical Examination Fees: Vary depending on the clinic.

    • Security Bond (if applicable): Varies.

7. Post-Arrival Requirements in Malaysia

  • Register with the Local Authorities

  • Obtain a Malaysian SIM Card or Update Your Phone Plan

  • Open a Malaysian Bank Account (for salary purposes)

  • Explore Housing Options

8. Employer's Responsibilities

  • Apply for the Necessary Approvals

  • Submit the Employment Pass Application

  • Provide Required Company Documents

  • Ensure Compliance with Malaysian Labor Laws

  • Facilitate the Employee's Integration into Malaysia

9. Useful Contacts and Resources

  • Malaysian Immigration Department: www.imi.gov.my

  • Expatriate Services Division (ESD): esd.imi.gov.my

  • Malaysian Embassy/Consulate in India: Check the official government website for locations and contact details.

  • Approved Panel Clinics in India for Medical Examinations: Listed on the Malaysian Immigration Department's website.

10. Additional Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Verify the Latest Requirements: Policies can change; always check official sources.

  • Ensure Documents are Certified/Authentic: To avoid application delays.

  • Plan Ahead: Considering processing times, apply well in advance of your intended employment start date.

  • Seek Professional Advice: If the application process seems overwhelming.


Need more clarity on the Malaysia Work visa? Check out helpful resources below

 

Malaysia Visa Requirement

Malaysia Tourist Visa Requirement

Malaysia Business Visa Requirement

Malaysia Visit Visa Requirement

Malaysia Dependent Visa Requirement

Malaysia Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

11. Additional Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Verify the Latest Requirements: Policies can change; always check official sources.

  • Ensure Documents are Certified/Authentic: To avoid application delays.

  • Plan Ahead: Considering processing times, apply well in advance of your intended employment start date.

  • Seek Professional Advice: If the application process seems overwhelming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer?

5-14 working days, but can vary.

Do I need to learn Malay to work in Malaysia?

While beneficial, it's not always a requirement. English is widely spoken in business environments.

Do I need to learn Malay to work in Malaysia?

While beneficial, it's not always a requirement. English is widely spoken in business environments.

How Much Bank Balance is Required to Get a Malaysia work permit?

As per the requirements, there is no need to submit any bank statements for this category. As a result, you do not have to possess any funds. Since you are going as a an employee, it is expected that your salary will cover your expenses. However, you are expected to meet the necessary minimum salary criteria as per the category. 

How many months before the trip should I apply for a work visa for Malaysia?

Since the processing time for the Malaysian work permit is around 7 working days, you may apply accordingly. As per the recommendation, it will be best if you apply at least 14 days before your intended date of travel. However, since you will need an approval letter from Malaysia, that can take a lot of time. As a result, it is suggested that you start the entire process about a month in advance. 

 

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