View the full digital nomad guide for Malaysia
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
The Small Print in the Schengen Entry/Exit System for Remote Workers
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 2026-04-10 across the external border crossing points of the countries using it, replacing passport stamping with digital records for non-EU short-stay travelers. For travelers from Southeast Asia, this affects short trips to the Schengen area by making border checks more automated and adding biometric registration requirements at entry and exit.
The small print in Malaysia's 3 day MDAC rule for foreign arrivals
Foreign travelers must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arriving in the country. This mandatory pre-arrival registration applies to all visitors except Singaporean citizens and those with permanent residency or long-term passes.
Malaysia targets scam syndicates with stricter 187-arrest border screening
Malaysian authorities are reporting an increase in transnational crime syndicates exploiting the country's visa-exemption policies. Travelers and expats should expect stricter scrutiny at border checkpoints and potential enforcement shifts for visa-free arrivals.
What to Know About Malaysia's MM2H Residency Program
Coverage of the revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program continued, noting 2026 tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with fixed deposits, property purchase requirements in certain categories, and a 90-day annual stay minimum for some applicants. The program targets longer-term expats and has seen strong approvals in prior periods, tied to Visit Malaysia 2026 promotion. No brand-new policy announcement occurred in the window, but updated guidance on requirements was published.
Malaysia Updates Employment Pass Salary and Tenure Rules
Starting June 2026, Malaysia will raise the Category I salary threshold to RM20,000 and limit employment durations to 5-10 years. These changes aim to reduce the foreign workforce to 5% by 2035, potentially impacting long-term residency prospects for skilled professionals.
Malaysia Streamlines Visas with MIDA Expatriate System
The new MIDA Expatriate System (MES) is a one-stop digital platform designed to streamline visa applications for the manufacturing and services sectors. This update aims to reduce administrative complexity and increase transparency for foreign professionals moving to Malaysia.
Lufthansa Returns to Malaysia With Allegris Cabin
Introduces a new long-haul route between Kuala Lumpur and Frankfurt with advanced cabin features, improving flight options for nomads moving between Europe and Southeast Asia.
Malaysia Enhances Air Connectivity with China
Expanded air links between Malaysia and China improve regional mobility and reduce travel costs for nomads using Southeast Asia as a home base.
Malaysia Updates Employment Pass Rules for Expats
Effective June 2026, Malaysia will increase minimum salary requirements for Employment Pass holders, with Category I rising to RM20,000. The policy also introduces a 10-year maximum tenure for most roles and requires employers to implement local talent replacement plans.
Malaysia Updates Stay Limits for Chinese Nationals
Starting mid-February 2026, Chinese nationals visiting Malaysia under the visa exemption program will be limited to a cumulative 90-day stay within any 180-day period. This shift from 'per entry' limits to a rolling window affects long-term travelers and regional nomads who rely on visa runs to maintain residency.
Inside Malaysia’s Tiered Residency Program
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program has attracted over 14,000 applications since its policy revision in June 2024, contributing RM3.87 billion to the economy. This surge indicates strong interest in the updated residency tiers and suggests a stable environment for long-term expat investment.