Quick answer: A Key Post is a permanent post for an expatriate essential to safeguarding the company's interests and investments, a high-level managerial post in tier 1 or 2 of a foreign-owned company. A Term or Time Post is a temporary post for a specified period, mainly to transfer technical know-how to local talent, and is either executive (intermediate managerial and professional) or non-executive (technical). Under MIDA's guidelines, a Key Post needs at least RM20,000 basic monthly salary and a Term Post at least RM5,000, or RM7,000 in manufacturing.
- Key Post: permanent, high-level managerial, essential to protect investment.
- Time or Term Post: temporary, for knowledge transfer to local talent.
- Time posts are executive or non-executive.
- Immigration pass issuance fee: RM300 for Key Post, RM200 for Term Post.
- A localisation plan is required, except for managerial Key Post positions.
Definitions
| Post | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Key Post | Permanent post for an expatriate essential to safeguarding the company's interests and investments, a high-level managerial post in tier 1 or 2 of foreign-owned companies |
| Term or Time Post | Temporary post for a specific period, mainly to transfer technical know-how to local talent |
| Executive time post | Intermediate managerial and professional post requiring professional qualifications and related experience |
| Non-executive time post | Technical post requiring specific technical or practical skills |
Requirements Under MIDA's Guidelines
| Item | Key Post | Term Post |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum basic monthly salary | RM20,000 | RM5,000 for selected services, RM7,000 for manufacturing |
| Qualification and experience | No such requirement listed | Certificate, diploma or degree with 7, 5 or 3 years of related experience |
| Localisation plan | Not required for managerial posts | Required |
| Immigration pass issuance fee | RM300 | RM200 |
Why the Difference Matters
The post type affects the fee, the supporting documents and the level of scrutiny. A company that labels a role as a Key Post must be able to show that the role is permanently held by an expatriate and essential to protect the investment. A Term Post should come with a plan to train local staff to take over.
Choosing the Post Type
| If the role is | Likely post |
|---|---|
| Regional or country head in a foreign-owned company | Key Post |
| Senior specialist with a fixed assignment and a local successor | Term Post, executive |
| Technical installer or engineer for a defined period | Term Post, non-executive |
Need a pass sorted out? WhatsApp us. We will check your case before you apply.
Mistakes
Labelling every senior role as Key Post
Show why it is permanent and essential.
No localisation plan for a Term Post
It is required.
Ignoring the salary floor
Key Post needs RM20,000 under MIDA's guidelines.
How We Help
What we handle for you
Before you apply
- Check that your company meets the requirements and that the post and salary fit the right category.
- Prepare your business plan and financial plan from your company idea or business model, where the application needs one.
Application
- Prepare and submit the pass application and respond to Immigration's queries.
Why companies choose us
End-to-end under one roof
- We handle company incorporation, accounting and payroll as well as expatriate pass applications, so your structure, payroll and hiring plan stay aligned.
- The company is set up correctly from day one.
We check before you invest
- We confirm eligibility, including whether you can hire the expatriates you need, before a foreign investor decides to incorporate in Malaysia.
- Neutral Consulting PLT is a Kuala Lumpur firm led by a Managing Partner who is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers.
What is a Key Post in Malaysia?
A permanent high-level managerial post for an expatriate essential to safeguarding the company's interests and investments.
What is a Time Post?
A post filled for a specified period, either executive or non-executive.
What is a Term Post?
MIDA's term for a temporary post mainly to transfer technical know-how to local talent.
What is the difference between executive and non-executive?
Executive is intermediate managerial and professional. Non-executive is technical work needing specific skills.
What is the minimum salary for a Key Post?
RM20,000 basic monthly under MIDA's guidelines.
What is the minimum salary for a Term Post?
RM5,000 for selected services and RM7,000 for manufacturing.
What does Immigration charge?
RM300 for Key Post and RM200 for Term Post pass issuance, plus the process and visa fees.
Is a localisation plan needed?
Yes, except for managerial Key Post positions.
What experience does a Term Post need?
A certificate, diploma or degree with 7, 5 or 3 years of related experience.
Who decides the post type?
The approving agency or Expatriate Committee classifies the post.
Can a Time Post become a Key Post?
A new classification needs a new approval.
Can you classify our post?
Yes. We review the role, salary and documents before you apply.
Sources
Official sources
- MIDA, Employment Pass guidelines (1 June 2026)
- MIDA, Employment of Expatriate Personnel
- Immigration Department (ESD), Guidelines for the entry of expatriates
This page is general information, not legal advice. Agencies change their requirements, so confirm the current rules with the Immigration Department (ESD) and MIDA, or with us, before you act. Checked November 2026.
Talk To Us Now
Hiring or relocating an expatriate? We will check your case first. All consultations are by video call.