How to Apply for the Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa in 3 Easy Steps

Remote workers can now take advantage of the Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa, allowing them to live in this vibrant Southeast Asian country for up to a year, with the option to renew for an additional year. Known as the Professional Visit Pass and released under the DE Rantau Nomad Pass program, this visa is perfect for digital nomads looking for a tropical climate, low cost of living, and a rich cultural experience. Here’s how you can apply for the Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa in just three steps.

‍

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in a foreign country while working for employers or clients outside that country. Typically, these visas grant temporary residence permits lasting from six months to two years, with the possibility of renewal. Digital nomads must earn their income remotely and cannot participate in local economic activities.

‍

Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

‍

Digital Domain Industry Digital Nomad Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 14 months at the time of applying.
• Remote Work: Must work remotely as an employee, business owner, or freelancer for companies or clients located outside of Malaysia for at least three months.
• Digital Domain Work: Must work in IT, digital content creation, digital marketing, or other digital domain roles.
• Income Requirement: Must earn at least $24,000 per year.
• Clean Criminal Record: Must have a clean criminal record.
• Health or Travel Insurance: Must have insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Malaysia.

‍

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

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 14 months at the time of applying.
• Remote Work: Must work remotely as an employee, business owner, or freelancer for companies or clients located outside of Malaysia for at least three months.
• Approved Positions: 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.
• Income Requirement: Must earn at least $60,000 per year.
• Clean Criminal Record: Must have a clean criminal record.
• Health or Travel Insurance: Must have insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Malaysia.

There are no nationality restrictions for the visa, making it accessible to citizens of any country.

‍

Steps to Apply

The entire application process is conducted online and can be completed in about 15 minutes.

‍

Step 1: Gather Documents

Before beginning your application, gather the necessary documents:

• 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 the last three months and a yearly income statement.
• Current Resume
• Certified Criminal Background Check
• Health or Travel Insurance Policy
• Proof of Relationship with Dependents (if applicable)

Ensure all documents are digitized and submitted in English.

‍

Step 2: Submit Application

Register your account on the DE Rantau Nomad Pass portal. After receiving a verification code via email, begin the application process. Select the “DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa” option. The application includes various questions and sections for uploading your documents and those of any dependents.

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

The processing time for the Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa is up to four weeks. You will receive notification of your application status via email.

‍

Malaysia for Digital Nomads

Malaysia is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, tropical climate, and beautiful landscapes. Digital nomads can choose to live in major cities like Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, or in smaller towns like Penang or Kuching. The country offers numerous coworking spaces and cafes with free Wi-Fi, making it easy for digital nomads to find a comfortable workspace.

Malaysia also boasts a large remote worker and expat community, providing a supportive environment for new digital nomads. When not working, you can explore Malaysia’s hiking trails, sandy beaches, and vibrant cities.