🇲🇾 How to Apply for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
The Malaysian government has introduced their own Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the ‘Professional Visit Pass’, released as a part of the DE Rantau Nomad Pass Program.
This multiple-entry visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for three to twelve months with the option to renew for an additional 12 months, allowing a total of 24 months of stay in the country.
This article will share the three most important steps when applying for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa.
Before you depart make sure you're covered...
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is a particular type of visa tailored for individuals who want to live and work in a foreign country. It gives them the unique opportunity to experience different cultures, build international connections, and grow professionally whilst earning an income online.
They are also becoming increasingly popular as more countries recognize the associated economic opportunities digital nomads can bring.
Requirements for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
📄 Valid Travel Document
Your passport must be valid throughout your visa’s validity.
💶 Proof of Remote Income
You must be able to prove sufficient income from either:
- Valid working contract with a foreign company
- Owning a business with clients outside the country
- Becoming an independent freelancer and earning an income through providing services to international customers.
🔞 Meet the Age Requirement of 18
You must be 18 or older.
💻 Work in the Digital Domain
You must work as either a digital freelancer, independent contractor, or remote worker in the domain of IT (all types – software dev, UX, UI, cloud, cybersecurity, blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data-related etc.), digital marketing, digital content creation, digital content development etc.
💰 Meet the Minimum Monthly Income
You must earn at least $24,000 annually (€22,367).
This can be proven through bank statements from the last three months or a yearly income statement.
🏴☠️ Clean Criminal Record
Your home country’s government must certify a clean criminal background check.
🚑 Medical Insurance
You must have proof of health insurance during your entire stay in Malaysia.
3 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
💥 Step 1: Gather all the required documents
❗️ Required Documents
- Copy of all Pages of a Valid Passport
- A Passport-Sized Photograph
- Proof of Income with Certified Bank Statements
- Remote Work Verification
- Document of Health Insurance Protection
- Certified Criminal Background Check
- Proof of Relationship with Dependents (if applicable)
✔️ Step 2: Submit an online application
Submit your application form online via the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) website.
Your documents must be digitalized and in English. You will have to register your account, and upon successfully completing the process, you’ll receive a verification code in your email. Be sure to select the choice “DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa”.
During your online application, you also must pay a visa fee of 1,000 MR ($230 / € 215) for individual applicants and 500 MR ($115 / €107,-) per dependent.v
⏳ Step 3: Wait for Approval
Once your application is completed, MDEC will process it within six to eight weeks. Nevertheless, the application processing time may be extended if additional information or documents are needed.
You will be notified via email if your new digital nomad visa is approved or declined.
Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information of Malaysia's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement $2,000 per month ($24,000 annually) Duration of Visa One year (possible to extend a further year) Cost of Visa $230 for individuals + $115 per dependent Processing Time 45-60 days Family Allowed on Visa Yes Ease of Applying 8/10 Tax Obligations None Global Peace Index Ranking 18/163
🐒 Why Malaysia is a great place for Remote Workers
Malaysia has quickly become one of the most popular digital nomad destinations due to its low cost of living, beautiful tropical climate and incredible beaches.
Digital nomads can take their pick from spending time in big cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru or seeking out smaller towns like Penang or Kuching.
Coworking spaces, cafes and fast wifi make it possible for digital nomads to create a realistic workspace anywhere they go. Also, Digital nomads in Malaysia benefit from being surrounded by a large digital nomad and expat community. Malaysia truly is a digital nomad-friendly destination that any digital nomad should consider.
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
Does Malaysia have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, the digital nomad visa of Malaysia is called the Professional Visit Pass and allows digital nomads to live and work remotely in the country from 3-12 months.
Where in Malaysia is best for digital nomads?
While most major cities in Malaysia are great for digital nomads, the best places to live and work remotely would be Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Malacca and Kuching. Those urban areas boast vibrant digital nomad communities.
Who qualifies for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa?
Malaysia’s digital nomad visa is available to foreign nationals aged 18 and up working remotely in a digital field. Applicants must also show that they can financially support themselves while staying in the country and have a clear criminal record and health insurance for their entire stay.
How much is the visa fee?
You must pay a visa fee of MYR 1,000 ($230 / € 215) for individual applicants and MYR 500 ($115 / €107,-) per dependent.