Malaysia Visa & Policy Updates
Malaysia is implementing stricter residency requirements, including a new RM20,000 monthly salary floor for Category I Employment Passes and a 10-year maximum stay limit effective June 1, 2026. The MM2H program now operates on a three-tier system requiring mandatory property purchases and 90-day annual stays. Additionally, the MIDA Expatriate System has become the mandatory digital platform for manufacturing visas, while the appeal window for rejected applications has been reduced to 14 days.
Malaysia mandates DPP registration for 4,000 detained refugees as UNHCR role shifts
The Malaysian Immigration Department clarified that UNHCR cardholders do not have special immunity and remain subject to national laws. For expats and nomads, this reinforces Malaysia's strict stance on documentation and the requirement for valid, government-issued visas for legal stay.
Malaysia refreshes entry rules for 90-day visa-free stays
The Malaysian Immigration Department has released an updated master list of visa requirements, exemptions, and health certificate mandates by nationality. These rules clarify entry durations and stay conditions for foreign tourists, digital nomads, and expats planning to enter the country.
Malaysia mandates MES for all manufacturing Employment Pass filings June 1
The MIDA Expatriate System (MES) is now the mandatory single digital platform for all new and renewal expatriate applications within the manufacturing and selected services sectors. This shift aims to streamline the Employment Pass process by centralizing submissions through a single online portal.
RM20,000 monthly floor set for Malaysia Employment Pass holders June 1
The Expatriate Services Division confirmed that new salary thresholds and sponsorship conditions for employment-based residence will take effect in mid-2026. These changes will impact eligibility for foreign professionals and expats seeking to maintain or apply for work-based residency in Malaysia.
Malaysia launches $7 CAD eTA for air travelers with US or Canadian visas
Eligible Malaysian passport holders can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) instead of a full visitor visa when flying to Canada. This change simplifies the application process and reduces paperwork for Malaysian nomads and expats planning outbound travel.
Malaysia cuts Employment Pass appeal window from 6 months to 14 days
Expats and digital nomads facing rejection for Employment Pass or Professional Visit Pass applications must now act faster. The window to file an appeal has been slashed from six months to just 14 days, requiring immediate legal or administrative response.
Indian nationals can skip visa fees for 30 day Malaysia stays through Dec. 31
The Malaysian Immigration Department has confirmed that Indian nationals can continue to enter the country visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. This extension remains in effect until the end of 2026, simplifying regional travel for expats and nomads based in South Asia.
Malaysia extends PRM 2.0 amnesty for undocumented migrants through May 31
Malaysia has extended its Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0, allowing undocumented foreigners to leave the country voluntarily without facing legal penalties. This provides a critical window for overstaying travelers or expats with lapsed permits to regularize their status or exit safely.
Malaysia’s EP salary floors and stay caps
Effective June 1, Malaysia is increasing the minimum salary thresholds for all Employment Pass categories and imposing a 10-year maximum stay per employer. These changes make it more difficult for expats to qualify for work permits or maintain long-term residency under a single company.
Malaysia’s MM2H rules now hinge on age and stay length
The revamped Malaysia My Second Home program introduces Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers with mandatory 90-day annual residency requirements. New rules also include stricter property purchase mandates and higher financial thresholds for retirees and long-term expats.
Malaysia’s 30-Day Pass Endorsement Rule Tightens
On April 17, 2026, the Malaysian government reinforced strict rules on pass endorsement (for employment passes and similar work visas). Payment for pass endorsement must now be completed within one month from the applicant’s date of entry into Malaysia or the date of approval for a pass renewal, new application, or change in category/employer. Failure to meet this can result in cancellation of the approved application, requiring a full resubmission and potentially delaying processing. Applicants must remain in Malaysia throughout the entire endorsement process (until the sticker is issued); leaving the country at any stage may lead to cancellation. Once submitted, applications cannot be amended—any changes require cancellation and refiling. These rules directly affect expats and foreign workers on passes by increasing compliance burdens and risks of status disruption.
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.
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.