Malaysia updates Employment Pass: important updates for work visas in 2025

Malaysia has updated its Employment Pass (EP) program for 2025, making it more modern, transparent, and focused on economic development. The new changes are designed to simplify the process for obtaining permits for foreign professionals and increase the efficiency of the labor migration system, in line with global digitalization trends.

Malaysia Employment Pass — this is a work visa, intended for foreign professionals who have received a job offer from a Malaysian company. It allows them to legally live and work in one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.

As part of the updates, starting in 2025, physical approval stickers are replaced with electronic permits — ePASS, which can be downloaded and printed independently. This approach speeds up the processing, enhances security, and reduces bureaucratic burden. 

Furthermore, the EP program has become more structured: three categories are distinguished depending on the salary level and the duration of the permit. Category I involves salary over 10,000 ringgits and is valid for up to five years, category II — from 5000 to 9999 ringgits with a term up to two years, and category III — from 3000 to 4999 ringgits with a term up to 1 year and the possibility of two renewals.

Also in 2025, visa fees for work visas and related permits for dependents will increase. Specialists changing positions or EP category within the country are now required to cancel the previous pass and submit a 'Change of Category' letter for a new application. An important innovation was the requirement for companies to hire Malaysians at a ratio of 1:3 when providing internships for local workers — a measure in effect until the end of 2025.

The application process is now fully automated: employers independently register the company, approve positions, and submit applications through the relevant authorities. Once approved, the candidate receives a digital ePASS, which needs to be printed and presented when necessary.

These updates make the Malaysian Employment Pass system more efficient, digital, and competitive at the international level. They highlight the government's commitment to transparency, development of the local workforce, and attracting foreign talents to strategic sectors of the country.

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