Friendly for Chinese remote earners, with 3-12 months and one renewal path.
Route overview
Remote work or freelancing
Typical timeline / duration: 3-12 months; renewable for up to 12 more months (24 months total)
Important notes
Apply as a digital freelancer, independent contractor, or remote employee whose work can be performed remotely from Malaysia.
Provide an active project or employment contract lasting more than three months; freelancers may use multiple contracts and remote employees must work for a non-Malaysian employer.
Show annual income above US$24,000 for tech work or US$60,000 for non-tech work. Remote employees submit the foreign-employer contract and three recent payslips; freelancers submit active contracts, invoices and three months' bank statements.
Submit every passport page (passport valid at least 14 months with six empty pages), CV, good-conduct letter, highest education certificate, personal bond, medical-insurance enrolment certificate and Malaysian tax-registration slip. Contracts must have started at least three months before filing.
The Digital Nomad Pass allows a stay from three to twelve months and can be renewed for up to another twelve months; dependants may be included under the published conditions.
The programme covers both tech and non-tech digital professionals, but it is a remote-work pass rather than a general Malaysian employment permit; working for a Malaysian employer requires a different route.
Preparation checklist
Prepare route evidence: Show annual income above USD 24,000 and provide the required proof of work, passport, good-conduct evidence, and supporting documents requested by MDEC.
Prepare route evidence: Apply for the Professional Visit Pass through the MDEC process, with the applicable fee, passport validity, insurance, and bond or personal-bond requirements checked for the applicant's nationality.
Save submitted files and track the next application, reporting, or renewal date.