Malaysia Work Visa - Definitive Guide

The Malaysian work visa is an endorsement that lets individuals enter the country to take part in employment opportunities for a long duration. Only a few nationals have visa-free entry for this purpose. A Malaysia work visa for Indians is a mandatory requirement if you are an Indian passport holder. Something to note is that being a type of the ‘Visa with Reference’ (VDR), your dependee or sponsor will have to procure a letter of approval from the Immigration Department in Malaysia first. There are 3 categories under which these are issued, namely - 

• Employment pass - This is granted if you are travelling to work in a highly-skilled position such as technical or managerial jobs. These can be issued for a duration up to 5 years depending upon the duration of the work.
• Social visit pass (temporary employment) - This is granted for a duration of up to 2 years and issued for people working in specific sectors such as manufacturing, construction, domestic help, agriculture, etc. 

• • Professional visit - This is issued for people who are visiting Malaysia for a temporary work of fewer than 12 months. In this case, the employer is not a Malaysian company. 

Applications for the Malaysia work visa for Indian citizens have to be made through a Visa Application Centre (VAC). However, before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for the work category, You can then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Malaysian Visa Application Centre (VAC).
2. Download the application form and fill in all the details. 
3. Proceed to book an appointment at the VAC for the application submission. 
4. Visit the appointment centre with the application form, documents, and the fees. 
5. Submit your application at the VAC.

Ensure that you provide true information and genuine documents. Providing false information and fake documents can lead to visa rejection. In case you are facing difficulties in the process or if you are confused about the requirements, you may use the services of a travel agency.

To apply for the Malaysia work visa from India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• You must possess an approval from the Immigration Department in Malaysia. The request for approval will be made by your employer.
• Employment pass - Your monthly salary must be a minimum of RM3000, and at least RM10,000 in certain specific cases. (RM- Malaysian Ringgit)
• Social visit pass - You must be between the ages of 18 and 45 and must be from one of the approved countries. 
• Professional visit - You must be employed by a non-Malaysian organization. In this case, your sponsor in Malaysia will have to apply for approval.

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. 

As per the Malaysia work visa photo requirements, the photographs submitted must meet the following specifications -

• 35mm X 50mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Thin framed and prescription glasses only
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time for processing of the work visa depends on the volume of applications at the embassy, the number of entries, your previous travel history, staff availability at the VAC, and so on. Normally, it can take up to 7 days to process the application. It can also take quite a lot of time getting the letter of approval. As a result, ensure that you apply well in advance. 

The fees for the work permit depends on the foreign exchange rates as well as the country of application. It also includes other service charges levied by the VAC, as well any delivery charges if you choose that option. You must check the exact amount before starting the application.

After submitting your work visa application at the respective VAC, it is then forwarded to the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi or to the Consulate General of Malaysia in Mumbai or Chennai as per the jurisdiction. The respective mission will then process your application. Note that the VAC or the embassy has no influence over the decision making of the visa. These visas are approved by the Immigration Department in Malaysia. The embassy/consulate simply process your entry visa.  

Once your application has been successful, you can collect your passport from the VAC, or have them deliver it to you for an additional charge. 

You can check the status of your application by entering your passport number and date of birth here. Alternately, you can simply contact the travel agency you have applied through

On successfully obtaining your work pass approved, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey -

Before you travel - 

• Note the validity and stay duration mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 

At the border

• You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. Your entry stamp will be stamped on the passport.
• You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the basic details of your visit including details on the nature of your work. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

When you enter Malaysia

• On entering Malaysia, take your passport to the Immigration Department or to the respective employer to get the work permit sticker stamped.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay. 
• Follow the laws in the country. Drug trafficking and use in Malaysia is a death penalty offence. 
• You may be subjected to pay taxes in Malaysia. 
• You may be able to bring your family on respective dependent visas.