Quick answer: The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is MDEC's digital nomad pass. Tech talents need a minimum annual income of USD24,000 and non-tech talents USD60,000, and the main holder must be over 18, from any country except Israel. The application fee is RM1,080 per applicant and RM540 per dependant, including 8% SST, plus an Immigration pass fee. The initial pass is 3 to 12 months and can be renewed once for 12 months, up to 24 months in total. Applications are made online through MDEC, and processing takes 6 to 8 weeks.
- Income: USD24,000 a year for tech talents, USD60,000 for non-tech talents.
- Fees: RM1,080 per applicant and RM540 per dependant, including 8% SST.
- Initial pass 3 to 12 months, renewable once for 12 months, 24 months maximum.
- Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Appeals are no longer accepted from 1 August 2026.
- Spouses cannot work, and the pass covers Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan.
Eligibility
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tech talents | IT and digital professionals, minimum annual income USD24,000 |
| Non-tech talents | Listed management and professional roles, minimum annual income USD60,000 |
| Work type | Digital freelancers, independent contractors or remote workers |
| Age | Main holder over 18 |
| Nationality | All except citizens of Israel |
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application processing fee, per applicant | RM1,080 including 8% SST, non-refundable |
| Application processing fee, per dependant | RM540 including 8% SST, non-refundable |
| Immigration pass fee | RM90 per 3 months or RM360 for one year |
| Multiple entry visa | Varies by country |
| MDEC bond, if MDEC is the sponsor | Refundable at expiry, RM200 to RM2,000 by nationality |
Steps
Apply online
At MDEC's DE Rantau page. Documents must be in English.
Track the status
On MDEC's platform. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks, and may be extended.
Get the visa if needed
eVISA or Visa With Reference. The approval letter is valid for six months and cannot be extended.
Enter Malaysia
Clear immigration at a normal counter, not e-gates.
Endorse within one month of entry
Upload documents, submit and pay. The e-Pass is issued in about a week.
Key Conditions
| Point | Position |
|---|---|
| Validity | 3 to 12 months, one renewal of 12 months, maximum 24 months |
| Renewal | Apply up to 3 months before expiry. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks |
| Dependants | Spouse or common-law partner, children under 18, disabled children and the holder's parents |
| Spouse work | Spouses cannot work under this pass |
| Location | Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. Sabah and Sarawak entry uses a tourist pass |
| Conversion | Converting a tourist pass to this pass is not permitted |
| Insurance | Health insurance covering Malaysia, valid at least three months and through the pass period |
| Banks | Most Malaysian banks do not accept this pass for opening an account |
Need a pass sorted out? WhatsApp us. We will check your case before you apply.
Mistakes
Booking travel and housing early
MDEC does not compensate for losses before approval and endorsement.
Mismatched income documents
Names and income details must be consistent.
Applying on a tourist stamp
Conversion is not permitted.
Appealing a rejection
Appeals are no longer accepted as of 1 August 2026.
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 the DE Rantau Nomad Pass?
MDEC's digital nomad pass for remote workers, freelancers and contractors.
What income is required?
USD24,000 a year for tech talents and USD60,000 for non-tech talents.
How much does it cost?
RM1,080 per applicant and RM540 per dependant including 8% SST, plus an Immigration pass fee of RM90 per 3 months or RM360 per year.
How long is the pass valid?
3 to 12 months, renewable once for 12 months, up to 24 months.
How long does processing take?
6 to 8 weeks, which may be extended.
Can I appeal a rejection?
Appeals are no longer accepted as of 1 August 2026.
Can my spouse work?
No.
Who counts as a dependant?
A spouse or common-law partner, children under 18, a disabled child and the holder's parents.
Is there a bond?
If MDEC is your sponsor, a refundable bond of RM200 to RM2,000 by nationality applies.
Can I convert from a tourist pass?
No.
Does the pass cover Sabah and Sarawak?
No. It covers Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan.
Is tax payable?
Remote workers who stay 60 days or fewer are not taxed in Malaysia. Longer stays may be taxable. Seek tax advice.
Sources
Official sources
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.