Eligibility Requirements
- Job offer from a Malaysian employer registered with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
- Monthly salary of at least MYR 5,000 for Employment Pass Category I or MYR 3,000+ for Category II
- Relevant degree or professional qualification for the position
- Minimum 3-5 years relevant work experience for most roles
- Passport valid for at least 18 months
- No criminal record and good health
Required Documents
7 mandatory documents Β· 0 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredPassport with at least 18 months validity. Previous passports also needed.
Job Offer Letter / Employment Contract
RequiredFormal offer specifying role, salary (must meet minimum MYR 5,000/month for EP Category I), and duration.
Academic Certificates
RequiredDegree and professional certificates with certified translations if not in English.
Resume / CV
RequiredDetailed professional resume showing relevant work experience.
Company Registration Documents
RequiredMalaysian employer SSM registration, business profile, and authorization to employ foreigners.
Medical Report
RequiredFrom a registered medical clinic. Required after approval for health screening.
Biometric Photo
RequiredRecent passport-size photograph.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Employer Applies via ESD System
Your Malaysian employer applies for the Employment Pass on your behalf through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online portal at esd.imi.gov.my. The employer submits your documents and pays the processing fee.
Immigration Department Reviews
Malaysia Immigration reviews the application, employer levy status, and your qualifications. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. The employer receives approval or rejection notification via ESD.
Receive Approval Letter (VAL)
Upon approval, the employer receives a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). The employer sends you the VAL so you can apply for the actual Employment Pass at the Malaysian High Commission or Embassy.
Apply for Employment Pass at Malaysian High Commission Dhaka
Visit the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka with your original documents and the VAL. The Employment Pass endorsement is stamped in your passport. Pay the sticker fee.
Travel to Malaysia and Register
Travel to Malaysia. Within 30 days of arrival, complete medical screening at an approved FOMEMA clinic. Collect your Expatriate Card (I-Kad) which is your work permit document.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change β confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass Application Fee (employer-paid) | ৳ 11,500 |
| Employment Pass Sticker Fee | ৳ 2,800 |
| Expatriate Levy (annual, employer-paid) | ৳ 138,000 |
| FOMEMA Medical Screening (in Malaysia) | ৳ 5,700 |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
ESD processing takes 4-6 weeks after complete submission. After employer receives VAL, Employment Pass endorsement at Malaysian High Commission Dhaka typically takes 1-3 working days. Total process from job offer to Malaysia arrival is typically 2-3 months.
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
Your Malaysian employer initiates the application through the ESD online portal. You obtain the Employment Pass stamp at the Malaysian High Commission Dhaka. Malaysia has a dedicated expatriate services system to streamline the process.
Interview Tips
Employment Pass applications are an employer-driven administrative process with no personal interview at the embassy for most cases. The Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka handles the visa endorsement quickly once the employer has the VAL. Bring all originals and certified copies of your academic and professional documents.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- Employer quota for foreign workers exhausted
- Salary below the minimum threshold (MYR 5,000/month for EP Category I)
- Qualifications not matching the job role
- Employer levy unpaid or company not in good standing
- Medical issues discovered during FOMEMA screening
Frequently Asked Questions β Malaysia Work Visa
Q1. What are the different categories of Malaysia Employment Pass?
Category I: Monthly salary MYR 10,000+, up to 5 years validity. Category II: Monthly salary MYR 5,000-9,999, up to 2 years validity. Category III: Monthly salary MYR 3,000-4,999, for specific skills/industries, up to 12 months. Most professional Bangladeshi expats qualify for Category II.
Q2. Can my family come with me on a Malaysia Employment Pass?
Yes. Employment Pass holders (Category I and II) can bring spouse and children under 18 as dependants (Dependent Pass). Spouses of EP holders can also apply for a Visit Pass for Temporary Employment (Long Term Social Visit Pass) to work.
Q3. Is Malaysia a good destination for Bangladeshi workers?
Malaysia is one of the top destinations for Bangladeshi workers at multiple skill levels. For professionals (IT, engineering, finance), the Employment Pass route is straightforward. Malaysia has a large Bangladeshi community, Bengali-friendly environment, halal food, relatively low cost of living, and English is widely spoken.
Related Visa Guides
Other Malaysia Visas
Work Visa for Other Countries
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