Quick answer: For companies under MIDA's purview, MIDA charges RM2,000 per Employment Pass application, excluding 8% SST. Immigration then charges a RM125 process fee, RM200 for a Term Post or RM300 for a Key Post for pass issuance, and a visa fee of RM6 to RM50. For Malaysia Digital companies, MDEC lists RM2,160 per applicant, or RM3,024 for non-MD ICT companies. ESD's own guidebook does not state its fee amounts, so confirm the current figure in ESD Online.
- MIDA route: RM2,000 per application, excluding 8% SST.
- Immigration: RM125 process fee, RM200 Term Post or RM300 Key Post, plus a RM6 to RM50 visa fee.
- MDEC route: RM2,160 for MD companies and RM3,024 for non-MD ICT companies per applicant.
- ESD's guidebook does not list fee amounts.
- Rejected applications can be refunded in part, but not once an appeal starts.
Fees by Route
| Fee | Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| MIDA fee per Employment Pass application | RM2,000 plus 8% SST | Companies under MIDA's purview |
| Immigration process fee | RM125 | MIDA guidelines route |
| Immigration pass issuance, Term Post | RM200 | MIDA guidelines route |
| Immigration pass issuance, Key Post | RM300 | MIDA guidelines route |
| Visa fee | RM6 to RM50 | MIDA guidelines route |
| MDEC fee per Employment Pass applicant | RM2,160 | Malaysia Digital companies |
| MDEC fee per Employment Pass applicant | RM3,024 | Non-MD ICT companies |
What ESD Does Not Publish
Immigration's ESD guidebook refers only to the applicable fee and the Immigration e-payment site and gives no amounts. Older ESD procedure documents quote different figures, so do not rely on a figure from an old PDF or article. Check the amount shown in ESD Online before you pay.
Other Costs to Budget
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Dependent Pass or Long-Term Social Visit Pass | Separate applications with separate fees. MDEC lists RM540 for a Dependent Pass or Social Visit Pass under its route |
| Pass sticker re-delivery | A re-attempt delivery for an uncollected sticker costs RM50, excluding 5% SST |
| Contract stamping | The employment contract must be stamped by IRB |
| Certified translations | Needed for non-English documents |
Refunds
| Situation | Position |
|---|---|
| Rejected at approval stage | ESD's FAQ says 75% of the expatriate processing fee is refunded |
| Refund request after rejection | The refund button is unavailable after 14 days from the rejection date |
| Appeal started | No refund, and the application fee is non-refundable once an appeal is initiated |
| Appeal fee | ESD imposes no additional fee for an appeal |
Need a pass sorted out? WhatsApp us. We will check your case before you apply.
Mistakes
Budgeting from an old article
Fees change. Confirm in the system.
Forgetting SST
MIDA's RM2,000 excludes 8% SST.
Missing the refund window
Request within 14 days of rejection.
Ignoring uncollected stickers
An uncollected sticker is cancelled after 30 days without 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.
How much does an Employment Pass cost in Malaysia?
Through MIDA it is RM2,000 plus 8% SST, then Immigration's RM125 process fee, RM200 or RM300 for pass issuance and a RM6 to RM50 visa fee.
What is the Immigration fee for a Key Post?
RM300 for pass issuance, plus the RM125 process fee and visa fee, under MIDA's guidelines.
What is the Immigration fee for a Term Post?
RM200 for pass issuance, plus the RM125 process fee and visa fee.
How much does MDEC charge?
RM2,160 per applicant for MD companies and RM3,024 for non-MD ICT companies.
Does ESD list its fee?
Not in its guidebook. Check ESD Online for the current amount.
Is SST charged?
MIDA's RM2,000 excludes 8% SST. MDEC's RM2,160 and RM3,024 are as listed by MDEC.
Is a rejected application refunded?
ESD's FAQ says 75% of the expatriate processing fee is refunded for rejection at the approval stage.
Is the application fee refunded if I appeal?
No. It is non-refundable once an appeal is initiated.
Is there a fee to appeal?
ESD imposes no additional fee for an appeal.
What does a Dependent Pass cost?
MDEC lists RM540 under its route. Check the current fee for other routes.
Who pays the fee, the employer or the employee?
The application is made by the company. Who bears the cost is a matter for the employment contract.
Can you give me a full cost estimate?
Yes. We estimate government fees and preparation costs for your route.
Sources
Official sources
- MIDA, Employment Pass guidelines (1 June 2026)
- MDEC, Expatriate Services FAQ
- Immigration Department (ESD), ESD Online Guidebook V5 (September 2024)
- Immigration Department (ESD), MYXpats FAQs
- Immigration Department (ESD), MYXpats Centre FAQ
- Immigration Department (ESD), Updated appeal application FAQs
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.