Quick answer: After an Employment Pass is approved, the company moves to the endorsement stage in ESD Online. If the employee is abroad, they obtain a Visa With Reference where applicable and enter Malaysia using the approval letter. The pass must be endorsed within 30 days, counted from approval if the person is inside Malaysia or from arrival if outside. With ePASS no sticker is attached to the passport, and the ePASS reflects in ESD Online one working day after payment. Work starts only once the pass is issued for the named employer.
- The company starts the endorsement stage after approval.
- An employee abroad enters with the approval letter and a Visa With Reference if needed.
- Endorsement must be done within 30 days.
- ePASS reflects in the system one working day after payment.
- An uncollected sticker is cancelled after 30 days with no refund.
Steps After Approval
Receive the approval email
The company is notified and moves to the endorsement module.
Upload the endorsement documents
Passport ID page, visa sticker if applicable and flight ticket for an employee abroad.
Immigration verifies
The company gets the payment email and the approval letter for endorsement.
Employee travels
With the original passport, the approval letter and the entry approval letter if required.
Endorse the pass
At ESC KLIA or the MYXpats Centre, within 30 days.
Start work
After the pass is issued for the named employer.
Where to Endorse
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| ESC KLIA Terminal 1 or 2 | No appointment needed, for an employee arriving from abroad |
| MYXpats Centre, Surian Tower | ePASS generated via ESD Online |
| ePASS | No sticker is attached to the passport |
Time Limits
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Endorsement | Within 30 days |
| Uncollected sticker | Cancelled after 30 days, no refund |
| ePASS after payment | One working day |
| Corrected ePASS after an error | 3 to 5 working days |
| Sticker delivery | One working day in Klang Valley, three outside it, five in Labuan |
If You Change Your Passport
After a new passport is issued, ESD's FAQ says the company must apply through the Sub-Product module, which is compulsory. Changing passport or visa details after approval needs an official letter.
Need a pass sorted out? WhatsApp us. We will check your case before you apply.
Checklist
- Approval email received and endorsement module opened.
- Visa With Reference obtained if the employee needs one.
- Employee has the original passport and approval letters for entry.
- Endorsement booked within 30 days.
- ePASS payment completed.
- Employee has not started work before the pass is issued.
Mistakes
Missing the 30-day endorsement window
The approval may lapse.
Entering on the wrong visa
Use the approval letter and visa where required.
Starting work early
Work only after the pass is issued.
Not collecting the sticker
It is cancelled after 30 days with no refund.
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 happens after an Employment Pass is approved?
The company starts endorsement in ESD Online, the employee obtains any visa and enters, and the pass is endorsed within 30 days.
How long do I have to endorse the pass?
30 days, from approval if inside Malaysia or from arrival if outside.
What is ePASS?
An electronic pass record, so no sticker is attached to the passport.
Where can I endorse?
At ESC KLIA Terminal 1 or 2, or at the MYXpats Centre.
Do I need an appointment at KLIA?
ESD's FAQ says no appointment is needed.
What documents do I need to upload?
Passport ID page, visa sticker if applicable and a copy of the flight ticket for an employee abroad.
What if the ePASS has an error?
Email the helpdesk or walk in with documents. The updated ePASS is available within 3 to 5 working days.
What if I do not collect the sticker?
It is cancelled after 30 days with no refund.
Can the employee start work right away?
Only after the pass is issued for the named employer.
Do dependants go through the same steps?
Dependants are assessed with or after the principal and use ePASS.
What if the passport is renewed?
Apply through the Sub-Product module, which is compulsory.
Can you handle endorsement?
Yes. We prepare the endorsement stage and brief the employee.
Sources
Official sources
- Immigration Department (ESD), Endorsement procedure at ESC KLIA
- Immigration Department (ESD), MYXpats FAQs
- Immigration Department (ESD), MYXpats Centre FAQ
- Immigration Department (ESD), ESD Online Guidebook V5 (September 2024)
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.