Malaysia · Nomad / Remote work
Malaysia DE Rantau nomad pass
Income needed: from $24k a year
DE Rantau Nomad Pass (Professional Visit Pass)
Checked against official sources on Change log
Key facts
DE Rantau nomad pass is a nomad / remote work route for Malaysia. Applicants need income from $24k a year. You can stay 1 yr, renewable. You can work remotely for foreign employers or clients, not for local ones. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.
- Money needed
- from $24k a year
- Government fees
- MYR 1,080 ≈ $260 · +2 more
- First stay
- 1 yr
Cost, time and long term
To apply: 2 government fees listed below; income to show from $24k/yr. No lawyer or agent fee is included.
Government feesMYR 1,080 ≈ $260 · +2 more
- MYR 1,080 (≈ $260)Non-refundable processing fee per applicant including 8% SST, paid on submission whatever the outcome.
- MYR 360 a year (≈ $88)Immigration pass fee for one year (RM 90 for each 3 months), paid at endorsement.
- MYR 540 (≈ $130)Non-refundable processing fee per dependant including 8% SST.
Shown, not spent$24k+/yr · $60k+/yr
- $24,000 a yearTech talent professions (software, data, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, digital marketing and content roles); minimum annual income of USD 24,000, also written as above USD 24,000.
- $60,000 a yearNon-tech talent professions (for example chief executive, finance, legal, consulting, managers) listed in the MDEC FAQ.
RenewalRenewable, 2 years max
The pass can be renewed once for a further 12 months, for a maximum total stay of 24 months.
ProcessingOfficial timeline
MDEC says applications and renewals are processed within six to eight weeks of a complete submission, and this is indicative.
Where to applyAbroad or in-country
Apply online through MDEC; you do not need to be in Malaysia to apply.
Why this route may not fit
Check this before you apply.
- Time on this route is capped at 2 years in total
- No local jobs: remote work for employers or clients abroad only
- Not open to passports from Israel
What you'll need
Who can apply6
- The principal applicant is over 18.
- The applicant works in an eligible tech or non-tech profession listed in the MDEC FAQ.
- Remote employees have a signed contract with a foreign-based employer not registered in Malaysia, starting at least 3 months before application.
- Freelancers and contractors have signed client contracts with foreign or Malaysian clients.
- A Malaysian company that awards work to the applicant acts as sponsor.
- Alternatively MDEC acts as sponsor, with no Malaysian sponsor needed.
What you must show7
- Tech talent professions (software, data, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, digital marketing and content roles) show income of at least USD 24,000 a year.
- The MDEC FAQ states the tech test both as a minimum of USD 24,000 and as above USD 24,000.
- Non-tech talent professions (for example chief executive, finance, legal, consulting, managers) show income of at least USD 60,000 a year.
- The non-refundable processing fee is MYR 1,080 (≈ $260) per applicant including 8% SST, paid on submission whatever the outcome.
- The processing fee is MYR 540 (≈ $130) per dependant including 8% SST.
- The immigration pass fee is MYR 360 (≈ $88) for one year (MYR 90 (≈ $22) for each 3 months), paid at endorsement.
- With MDEC as sponsor, a refundable personal bond of MYR 200 (≈ $49) to MYR 2,000 (≈ $490) applies depending on nationality.
Documents4
- Remote employees provide 3 months of payslips and matching bank statements.
- Freelancers provide invoices and proof of payment for the last 3 months.
- Freelancers also provide 3 months of bank statements showing income above the threshold.
- A health insurance policy covering Malaysia (at least 3 months, valid for the whole pass) and an LHDN income tax e-registration slip are needed at endorsement.
Steps2
- Apply online through the MDEC platform, from inside or outside Malaysia.
- An approval letter is valid 6 months, and the e-Pass is issued after endorsement.
After you arrive3
- Tax: MDEC says a remote worker paid from outside Malaysia is not taxed if the stay in Malaysia is 60 days or less, and is taxable in Malaysia from 61 days, at a rate that depends on tax residence.
- Tax: a freelancer's income from Malaysian clients has 10% withholding tax, or a tax treaty rate, for the first 182 days of stay; after 182 days it is taxed as a resident's income, with a credit for the tax withheld.
- Tax: MDEC lists a freelancer's income from outside Malaysia as taxable under the Income Tax Act 1967, subject to the tax residence rules.
What happens at day 182
How Malaysia decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.
- Stay on this route
Up to 2 years in total
- Tax residence
- At least 182 days in a calendar yearResident for tax in Malaysia if present 182 days or more in the year; linked-year and 90-day tests also exist.
- At least 182 days in a basis year (calendar year)Presence in Malaysia of 182 days or more makes an individual resident; fewer than 182 days generally means non-resident.
- Foreign-source income
Foreign-source income exempt
Resident individuals are exempt from tax on foreign-source income received in Malaysia from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2036, except income from partnership businesses.
- Special regime
Exemption for foreign-source income received by resident individuals · Tax relief
All tax rules for Malaysia Tax records checked
Household figures
| Household | Processing fees |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | MYR 1,080 (≈ $260) |
| Couple | MYR 1,620 (≈ $400) |
| Couple with one child | MYR 2,160 (≈ $530) |
The MDEC FAQ sets the income test for the applicant (USD 24,000 a year in tech roles, USD 60,000 in other roles) and adds no income amount for dependants. The fees are MYR 1,080 for the applicant and MYR 540 per dependant, including 8% SST, not refunded.
Added up from the amounts in Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation · checked 2026-10-12
Full official text
Professional Visit Pass for foreign digital nomads in listed tech and non-tech professions: remote employees of foreign-based companies, digital freelancers and independent contractors. 1
What you must show and pay
- Income of at least $24,000 a year · Tech talent professions (software, data, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, digital marketing and content roles); minimum annual income of USD 24,000, also written as above USD 24,000. 1
- Income of at least $60,000 a year · Non-tech talent professions (for example chief executive, finance, legal, consulting, managers) listed in the MDEC FAQ. 1
- A fee of MYR 1,080 (≈ $260) · Non-refundable processing fee per applicant including 8% SST, paid on submission whatever the outcome. 1
- A fee of MYR 540 (≈ $130) · Non-refundable processing fee per dependant including 8% SST. 1
- A fee of MYR 360 a year (≈ $88) · Immigration pass fee for one year (RM 90 for each 3 months), paid at endorsement. 1
Requirements
- The principal applicant is over 18. 1
- The applicant works in an eligible tech or non-tech profession listed in the MDEC FAQ. 1
- Remote employees have a signed contract with a foreign-based employer not registered in Malaysia, starting at least 3 months before application. 1
- Freelancers and contractors have signed client contracts with foreign or Malaysian clients. 1
- A Malaysian company that awards work to the applicant acts as sponsor. 1
- Alternatively MDEC acts as sponsor, with no Malaysian sponsor needed. 1
- Tech talent professions (software, data, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, digital marketing and content roles) show income of at least USD 24,000 a year. 1
- The MDEC FAQ states the tech test both as a minimum of USD 24,000 and as above USD 24,000. 1
- Non-tech talent professions (for example chief executive, finance, legal, consulting, managers) show income of at least USD 60,000 a year. 1
- The non-refundable processing fee is MYR 1,080 (≈ $260) per applicant including 8% SST, paid on submission whatever the outcome. 1
- The processing fee is MYR 540 (≈ $130) per dependant including 8% SST. 1
- The immigration pass fee is MYR 360 (≈ $88) for one year (MYR 90 (≈ $22) for each 3 months), paid at endorsement. 1
- With MDEC as sponsor, a refundable personal bond of MYR 200 (≈ $49) to MYR 2,000 (≈ $490) applies depending on nationality. 1
- Remote employees provide 3 months of payslips and matching bank statements. 1
- Freelancers provide invoices and proof of payment for the last 3 months. 1
- Freelancers also provide 3 months of bank statements showing income above the threshold. 1
- A health insurance policy covering Malaysia (at least 3 months, valid for the whole pass) and an LHDN income tax e-registration slip are needed at endorsement. 1
- Apply online through the MDEC platform, from inside or outside Malaysia. 1
- An approval letter is valid 6 months, and the e-Pass is issued after endorsement. 1
- Tax: MDEC says a remote worker paid from outside Malaysia is not taxed if the stay in Malaysia is 60 days or less, and is taxable in Malaysia from 61 days, at a rate that depends on tax residence. 1
- Tax: a freelancer's income from Malaysian clients has 10% withholding tax, or a tax treaty rate, for the first 182 days of stay; after 182 days it is taxed as a resident's income, with a credit for the tax withheld. 1
- Tax: MDEC lists a freelancer's income from outside Malaysia as taxable under the Income Tax Act 1967, subject to the tax residence rules. 1
Stay
- Pass of 3 to 12 months, renewable once for a further 12 months, for a maximum total stay of 24 months; multiple entry.
- First stay: 3 to 12 months, decided case by case.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.
Nationality
Open to all nationalities except citizens of Israel. Not open to: Israel.
Work
Remote work for foreign employers or clients only; no local employment.
Family
Spouse or common-law partner, children under 18 (disabled children of any age) and parents of the main pass holder may apply as dependants; a spouse cannot work on the pass. Your spouse or partner may not work in Malaysia on this visa.
Fine print
Work done while in Malaysia is not covered by the exemption for foreign-source income: the MDEC FAQ (version 10, 28 August 2026) says pass holders can be taxed in Malaysia once they stay 61 days or more. MDEC recommends asking the Inland Revenue Board about your own case.
Official sources
- DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 · Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-08-28
DE Rantau nomad pass and its alternatives
| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE Rantau nomad pass | Needs income from $24k a year | 1 yr, renewable | Remote only |
| DTV nomad visa Thailand | Needs savings of ฿500k+ ≈ $15k | 6 mo, renewable | Remote only |
| Digital nomad visa Japan | Needs income of ¥10M+ a year ≈ $63k | 6 mo | Remote only |
| Remote worker visa Indonesia | Needs income of $60k+ a year | 1 yr, renewable | Limited |
| Virtual Work Visa United Arab Emirates | Needs income of $3,500+ a month | 1 yr | – |
Questions people ask
How much money do I need for the DE Rantau nomad pass?
Income of at least $24,000 a year. Tech talent professions (software, data, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, digital marketing and content roles); minimum annual income of USD 24,000, also written as above USD 24,000. Income of at least $60,000 a year. Non-tech talent professions (for example chief executive, finance, legal, consulting, managers) listed in the MDEC FAQ. A fee of MYR 1,080 (≈ $260). Non-refundable processing fee per applicant including 8% SST, paid on submission whatever the outcome. A fee of MYR 540 (≈ $130). Non-refundable processing fee per dependant including 8% SST.
How long can I stay on the DE Rantau nomad pass?
Pass of 3 to 12 months, renewable once for a further 12 months, for a maximum total stay of 24 months; multiple entry.
How long does the DE Rantau nomad pass take to process?
MDEC says applications and renewals are processed within six to eight weeks of a complete submission, and this is indicative.
Can I work on the DE Rantau nomad pass?
Remote only. Remote work for foreign employers or clients only; no local employment.
Can I bring my family on the DE Rantau nomad pass?
Spouse or common-law partner, children under 18 (disabled children of any age) and parents of the main pass holder may apply as dependants; a spouse cannot work on the pass.
Who can apply for the DE Rantau nomad pass?
Open to all nationalities except citizens of Israel. Not open to: Israel.
Is there a tax break for DE Rantau nomad pass holders in Malaysia?
Malaysia: exemption for foreign-source income received by resident individuals (1 January 2022 to 31 December 2036): Resident individuals are exempt from tax on foreign-source income received in Malaysia from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2036, except income from partnership businesses. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.
Tax
Special regime
Malaysia: exemption for foreign-source income received by resident individuals (1 January 2022 to 31 December 2036)
Tax relief
Details
Resident individuals are exempt from tax on foreign-source income received in Malaysia from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2036, except income from partnership businesses. Income from work performed in Malaysia is taxed at normal resident rates.
Taxed on
Foreign-source income received in Malaysia by an individual tax resident; Malaysian-source income (including pay for work exercised in Malaysia) is taxed under normal resident rates.
Who it applies to
- The individual is a Malaysian tax resident for the basis year, normally present 182 days or more.
- The income arises outside Malaysia and is received in Malaysia by the individual.
- The income is not partnership business income.
Exclusions
- Income from work exercised in Malaysia is Malaysian-source whoever pays it and is taxed under the resident scale rates.
- Partnership business income is outside the individual exemption.
Days in the country
- At least 182 days in calendar year · Resident for tax in Malaysia if present 182 days or more in the year; linked-year and 90-day tests also exist.
Tax residence
Residence follows physical presence of 182 days or more in the basis year; linked-year and 90-day tests also exist.
Visas
No visa grants this exemption; it applies to any tax-resident individual. MM2H separately states a tax exemption on foreign funds and income.
Other taxes
Sales and service tax, employee contributions and withholding tax are separate.
Checked against official sources on Change log
More in Malaysia
Digital nomad / remote work visas elsewhere
Head to head
≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.
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How this was checked
Checked on 2026-10-12 against 1 official source. Status: verified against the official sources.
Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.
- DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 · Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) · checked 2026-10-10
Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the changes page, and the methodology page explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email contact@stayglobe.app with a link to the official source.