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Malaysia Employment Pass from Pakistan

The Employment Pass lets foreign professionals work in Malaysia for one named employer. The employer, not you, applies through the Immigration Department's Expatriate Services Division (ESD) once its company is registered there. Because Pakistani citizens need a visa for Malaysia, you also need a Visa with Reference (VDR) letter and an eVISA before you travel.

Last reviewed 8 October 2026

At a glance

Who applies
Your Malaysian employer, through ESD Online
Who it is for
Expatriates in managerial, professional and technical roles
Tied to
One employer; a new employer means a new application
Where valid
Peninsular Malaysia
Entry visa
VDR letter from ESD, then an eVISA on the MYVISA portal
Family
Depends on your pass category and salary

Who this is for

  • Managers, engineers, IT specialists and other professionals with a job offer from a Malaysian company.
  • Expatriates whose post has been approved by the Expatriate Committee or the relevant regulatory agency.
  • Professionals whose degree and experience match a role the employer cannot readily fill locally.

When another route fits better

  • Semi-skilled jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, construction or plantations: the Visitor's Pass (Temporary Employment) for foreign workers applies instead.
  • Short assignments for a company outside Malaysia: the Professional Visit Pass may fit better.
  • Meetings or conferences only: a visit visa (eVISA) is the right route.

Documents to prepare

You give your employer

  • Valid passport
  • Photo meeting ESD photo requirements
  • Degree certificates and transcripts
  • Detailed CV
  • Experience letters
  • Signed employment contract

Your employer handles

  • Company registration with ESD
  • Approval of the post by the Expatriate Committee or regulatory agency
  • Employment Pass application through ESD Online

Before you travel

  • VDR approval letter from ESD
  • eVISA from the official MYVISA portal
  • Protector of Emigrants registration, which for Malaysia includes a police certificate and medical report

Step by step

  1. 1

    Employer registers with ESD

    Your employer must register its company with the Expatriate Services Division before it can apply for any expatriate.

  2. 2

    The post is approved

    The employer gets the position approved by the Expatriate Committee or the relevant regulatory agency.

  3. 3

    Employer applies for the Employment Pass

    The employer submits your application through its ESD Online account, with your documents and the contract.

  4. 4

    VDR letter issued

    When the pass is approved, ESD issues a Visa with Reference letter for nationals who need a visa, which includes Pakistani citizens.

  5. 5

    Apply for your eVISA

    Use the approval and VDR letters to apply for your entry visa on the official MYVISA portal.

  6. 6

    Register, travel and collect your pass

    Register with the Protector of Emigrants in Pakistan, travel to Malaysia and complete the pass endorsement as your employer instructs.

Costs to plan for

  • Employment Pass fees, paid through the employer's ESD account.
  • VDR and eVISA fees.
  • Degree attestation and document translations.
  • Protector registration, police certificate and medical report in Pakistan.
  • Flights and living costs until your first salary.

Why applications get refused

  • Basic salary below the level required for the pass category. Since June 2026 allowances do not count.
  • Qualifications or experience that do not fit the post.
  • A post that has not been approved by the Expatriate Committee or regulatory agency.
  • Incomplete documents, or a photo that does not meet the requirements.
  • Previous immigration offences in Malaysia.

Tips before you apply

  • The Employment Pass is applied for by the employer. Anyone in Pakistan who offers to 'get you' a pass without a Malaysian employer is not genuine.
  • Track your application on the official ESD portal and apply for your visa only on the official MYVISA website.
  • A revised expatriate salary policy applies to applications from 1 June 2026. Ask your employer which pass category you fall into.
  • Check whether your category allows dependants before you plan to bring your family.

Questions people ask

No. A Malaysian employer registered with ESD applies on your behalf.

Spouses, children and in some cases parents can get dependant or long-term passes if your pass category and salary allow it. Check with your employer before you apply.

Your pass is tied to your employer. A new employer has to submit a fresh application for you.

A revised expatriate salary policy applies to applications from 1 June 2026. Salary is assessed on basic pay only, and employers are expected to have a succession plan to train local staff. Check the current figures on the ESD website.

Official sources

Fees, fund requirements and processing times change. Check the current figures on the official site before you apply.

Last reviewed 8 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. VisaWala is not affiliated with any embassy or government, and only the issuing authority decides a visa application.