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MY · Visas

Malaysia digital nomad visa

Malaysia offers the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, a professional visit pass for digital nomads of any nationality except Israel. It requires an annual income of at least USD 24,000 if you work in tech or digital content, and USD 60,000 for other roles. It lasts 3 to 12 months, renewable to a total of 24, and you apply online through MDEC.

Kuala Lumpur · Penang · Langkawi

A central Kuala Lumpur avenue between tall buildings
Nomad Hub editorial teamEditorial update: Next review: 11 November 2026

General guidance · not legal or tax advice

General information based on cited official sources, to help you get oriented and prepare questions. It does not replace the competent authority or a professional: confirm requirements and amounts at the source before applying.

Financial amounts in this edition refer to 2026; historical figures in the text are not automatically updated.

Financial reference
USD 24,000 a year (tech)
Duration
3 to 12 months · up to 24
Family
Partner, children and parents

Roles and income

There are two categories. Tech and digital roles (development, UX, cloud, cybersecurity, data, marketing and digital content creation) need an income of at least USD 24,000 a year. Non-tech roles (management, finance, sales, HR, legal, consulting and similar positions) need USD 60,000. Employees of foreign companies not registered in Malaysia, freelancers and independent contractors can apply; freelancers may also have Malaysian clients.

Employees submit the signed contract showing remote work and salary, started at least three months earlier, plus the last three payslips and bank statements. Freelancers submit client contracts, invoices and proof of payment for the last three months, and statements showing income above the threshold. Everything must be in English.

Application, approval and arrival

You apply online and do not need to be in Malaysia. MDEC states six to eight weeks of processing and charges a non-refundable fee of MYR 1,080 per applicant and MYR 540 per dependant; Immigration also charges for the pass (MYR 90 every three months or MYR 360 a year). With the approval letter, valid for six months, you enter on the visa your nationality requires and complete the endorsement, which asks for health insurance covering Malaysia and tax registration with the LHDN.

A tourist pass cannot be converted into DE Rantau: if you are approved while in Malaysia, you must leave and re-enter. The pass allows multiple entries and covers Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan; you enter Sabah and Sarawak as a tourist.

Family

Your spouse or common-law partner, your children under 18 (with no age limit for a certified disabled child) and your parents can join you as dependants. Your partner cannot work in Malaysia on this pass, and children attending school need a student pass arranged through the school.

Taxes and tax residence

MDEC's own guide explains the tax treatment under the Income Tax Act 1967. If you work remotely for an employer abroad, you are not taxed if you spend 60 days or fewer in Malaysia; from day 61, that income can be taxed, depending on your residence status and your country's treaty. If you are a freelancer, a 10% withholding (or the treaty rate) applies for the first 182 days, and after that you are taxed as a resident carrying on a business.

Taxes and tax residence: Malaysia ↗

Things to keep in mind

These points vary with your situation, your home country or the consulate. They are worth confirming with the official source before you take the next step.

  • Which category your role fits: tech (USD 24,000) or non-tech (USD 60,000).
  • Whether your nationality needs a Visa with Reference (VDR) to enter after approval.
  • The deposit MDEC asks for if it acts as your sponsor, which varies by nationality.

Health and travel insurance

Travel and health insurance

Medical cover for long stays.

What to compare before choosing ↗

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Sources and scope

Dates record editorial consultation, not professional approval. Consular, nationality and profile conditions are checked separately.