What are the eligibility requirements for an Employment Pass?
Last updated: May 15, 2026
The Immigration Department of Malaysia evaluates Employment Pass applications based on several criteria. While the exact requirements can vary by industry and role, the general eligibility conditions are:
- Minimum salary — RM3,000/month for Category III, RM5,000/month for Category II, RM10,000/month for Category I
- Relevant qualifications — a recognised degree or professional qualification relevant to the role is typically required
- Job scope — the role must require specialised knowledge or skills not readily available locally; Malaysia has localisation policies that affect certain sectors
- Clean immigration record — the applicant must not have a history of immigration violations in Malaysia
- Valid passport — at least 18 months validity at the time of application
MalayHire will review the candidate's profile before initiating an EP application to flag any potential issues early. Applications submitted without meeting these thresholds are typically rejected without refund of government fees.