Quick answer: An Employment Pass is the long-term work pass in Categories I, II and III. A Professional Visit Pass is capped at 12 months with no extension. An MDEC expat pass is an Employment Pass that MDEC's Expats Service Centre processes for Malaysia Digital or MSC Malaysia Status companies, with its own pre-approvals and fees.
- Employment Pass: long-term, three categories by salary.
- Professional Visit Pass: 12 months maximum, no extension.
- MDEC expat pass: only for Malaysia Digital or MSC Malaysia Status companies.
- MDEC lists RM2,160 per Employment Pass applicant, with Immigration's fee separate.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Employment Pass | Professional Visit Pass (PVP) | MDEC expat pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Long-term work pass in Categories I, II and III | A shorter-term pass | An Employment Pass processed by MDEC for Malaysia Digital companies |
| Maximum period | Up to 10 years overall for Category I and II, up to 5 years for Category III | 12 months. No extension beyond 12 months. | MDEC lists 12 to 60 months, depending on the nature of employment |
| Where to apply | ESD Online, or the MIDA Expatriate System for MIDA companies | ESD Online | MDEC's Expats Service Centre |
| Who applies | Companies meeting the capital requirement | Companies meeting the capital requirement. A bond is required. | Malaysia Digital or MSC Malaysia Status companies |
| Dependants | Allowed for all categories from 1 June 2026 | Not stated in the guidebook | A spouse and children under 18 can get a Dependent Pass |
MDEC’s salary tiers in its FAQ may not yet reflect the revised Employment Pass salary policy of 1 June 2026. Check the category thresholds with MDEC.
Not sure which pass fits? We will compare the routes for your hire.
Which Pass Suits You?
Choose an Employment Pass if
- The employee will be hired for the long term.
- The salary reaches the minimum for Category I, II or III.
- Your company meets the paid-up capital requirement.
Consider a Professional Visit Pass if
The assignment is short and fits within a single 12-month period. The pass cannot be extended beyond 12 months.
Use the MDEC route if
- Your company holds Malaysia Digital or MSC Malaysia Status.
- The role falls within the activities approved in your approval letter.
- The role fits MDEC's knowledge worker criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers on pass types.
What is the difference between an Employment Pass, a PVP and an MDEC expat pass?
An Employment Pass is the long-term work pass in Categories I, II and III. A Professional Visit Pass is limited to a maximum of 12 months with no extension. An MDEC expat pass is an Employment Pass processed by MDEC's Expats Service Centre for Malaysia Digital companies.
How long can a Professional Visit Pass last?
A maximum of 12 months. No extension is allowed beyond 12 months.
Who can use the MDEC expat service?
Malaysia Digital or MSC Malaysia Status companies that are in operation and meet the conditions of that status. The work must fall within the activities in the approval letter.
What passes does MDEC process?
MDEC's Expats Service Centre processes Employment Pass, Dependent Pass, Permission to Study, Social Visit Pass and Checklist for Others.
What does an MDEC Employment Pass cost?
MDEC lists RM2,160 per applicant for an Employment Pass, new and renewal, and RM540 for a Dependent Pass or Social Visit Pass. Immigration's fee is paid separately.
Does an MDEC company need JTKSM approval?
MDEC lists JTKSM approval under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955 and SOCSO approval, obtained after advertising the vacancy on MyFutureJobs, as pre-approvals.
Where is an MDEC expat allowed to work?
MDEC states that employment is limited to West Malaysia with the hiring company.
Who is eligible as a foreign knowledge worker?
MDEC lists a bachelor's degree in any field, or a multimedia or ICT diploma or certification plus two years' relevant experience, or a professional, executive, management or technical role in IT-enabled services.
Which MDEC activities do not qualify?
MDEC lists reselling hardware or software, manufacturing, telecom services, staffing or recruitment, event management, training and consultancy, advertising and certain staff augmentation arrangements.
Can an MDEC holder take another paid job?
No. The holder may not take other paid work in Malaysia without Immigration Department consent.
About This Guide
This guide was prepared by Neutral Consulting PLT, a Kuala Lumpur firm of chartered accounting and advisory professionals with 10 years in practice. We help foreign and local companies set up, stay compliant and hire talent in Malaysia. Every figure and rule here was checked against the official sources listed below in November 2026.
Sources
Official sources
- MDEC, Expatriate Services FAQ
- Immigration Department (ESD), ESD Online Guidebook V5 (September 2024)
- Immigration Department (ESD), Revised Employment Pass Salary Policy effective 1 June 2026
- MIDA, Employment Pass guidelines (1 June 2026)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Agencies change their requirements, so confirm the current rules with the Immigration Department (ESD), MIDA and MDEC, or with us, before you act. Checked November 2026.
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