The beautiful country of Malaysia is nothing short of a metropolitan dream. With its marvelous skyscrapers and modern amenities, this bustling country attracts digital nomads from all over the globe. In addition to that, the vibrant culture and rich history also play a significant role in its popularity.
With the availability and popularity of the digital nomad visa, Malaysia is one of the many countries that allow remote workers to live in their territory while simultaneously operating their business.
This ultimate guide covers everything regarding visa policies so keep reading to learn about the Malaysia digital nomad visa.
Does Malaysia have a Digital Nomad Visa?
The Malaysian government aims to improve its local economy and tourism industry. Hence, they offer several visa benefits and an easy visa policy. Citizens and long-term settlers can look at various visa options and choose one that seems suitable. Luckily for remote workers, the government also introduced the Malaysia digital nomad visa (de rantau program) in 2022.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) offers a digital nomad visa and allows remote workers to work in Malaysia for 3-12 months. Here are the visa requirements for a Malaysia nomad visa:
- A valid passport
- Passport photo
- Latest resume
- Proof of income
- Bank statements
- Letter of good conduct
- Personal bond form
Other visa alternatives include a student visa, professional visit pass, social visa, visa on arrival, and visa for employment or long stay. Keep reading to learn about the application process and eligibility requirements of each.
Who can Apply for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?
There are a few factors to consider while evaluating your eligibility for this visa. If you fulfill the checklist given below then you can easily get the new Malaysian digital nomad visa.
- Must be a national of a foreign country
- Independent contractors or people working in digital fields including IP, digital marketing, digital content creation, digital freelancers, cyber security, digital currencies, and software development.
- Remote workers, employed by foreign companies
- Must have an active employment contract with a foreign employer
- A business owner in a foreign country
- Meet the minimum income requirements (discussed below)
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Malaysia?
It is not all that difficult to apply for a Malaysian digital nomad visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the procedure.
- Check Eligibility
First and foremost, you need to find out if you are eligible to apply for a Malaysia digital nomad visa (de rantau digital nomad visa) online. You can do so by going to the MDEC website and seeing if your home country is permitted to apply online. If it is, you can continue with your application, make an account, fill in the details, and apply. However, most foreign nationals will need to go to a local Malaysian embassy for the application process.
- Gather the documents
Now is the time to gather all the documents required for a Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa. Make sure to double-check them before submitting. The required documents are listed below.
- Fill out the application form
This step includes a lot of intricate details. Hence, the necessary amount of attention should be given. The DE Rantau Nomad Pass form will appear amidst the process if you’re applying online. The Embassy or consulate can provide it too.
- Make an appointment
You’ll need to contact the nearest Malaysian consulate in the country of your residence. Although you can visit directly too, it is advised to set a time beforehand. This will help you avoid any delays and get the necessary information about the next steps.
- Submitting the application
The Malaysian government and authorities allow you to submit applications through accessible means. You can submit it online on the official website and It’ll reach an adequate authority. If you are applying via the embassy, make sure to attend your appointment and bring the necessary documents.
- Pay the fee
Once you have applied, you’ll have to pay the visa application fee of 52$. You can pay via credit card in case of online application. Cash or bank transfers will be eligible as well.
- Wait for feedback
Now that you have done everything on your part, all you need to do is wait. The relevant Malaysian authorities will process your application at their earliest convenience and send feedback. Upon receiving approval, you can enter Malaysia and acquire your visa.
How Much Does it Cost?
The visa application process for a Malaysia digital nomad visa is around $221. This fee can be paid through different means including but not limited to bank transfer, PayPal, and card payment.
However, please keep in mind that this is the application fee for just the principal applicant. You’ll need to pay an additional amount of $110 per dependent if you are bringing any.
Immediate family members will incur additional visa fees including spouses and children.
Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
If you’re someone who is thinking about applying for a Malaysian digital nomad visa then these are the applications and documentation you should start gathering.
Required Documentations
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.
- Proof of employment: applicants must submit proof that they are digital professionals working in relevant fields. This could be proved by the submission of an employment contract, an updated resume, or a letter from the employer.
- Valid health insurance or travel insurance: medical/ travel insurance that will remain valid and cover all medical expenses for the duration of your entire stay.
- Clean criminal record certificate: you must be able to prove that you have not been convicted of any crimes in your home country or current country of residence. You can easily get a copy of the criminal record check certificate from a local police station.
- Bank statements.
- Proof of sufficient means: you can submit proof in the form of payslips or bank statements.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Yearly income statement.
- Proof of relationship to the dependants: birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.
Financial requirements
Luckily for remote workers, the minimum income requirement for a Malaysian digital nomad visa is not that outrageous. As long as you can prove that your minimum annual income is above $24000, you are deemed eligible to apply for this visa.
You’ll also need to prove that your source of income is stable.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomads and remote workers would be happy to learn that the visa processing time for a Malaysia digital nomad visa doesn’t take a long time. Your application will be processed within 4 weeks of submission and you’ll receive an email as soon as possible. As for the process, you can complete it within 30 minutes online and 1-2 days with the embassy.
This is the standard time. However, it can change depending on the competency of the station or diplomatic mission in charge. It can also extend if your case worker or counselor finds that they need more details or documents.
Make sure to send an accurate application so it can be processed quickly.
Benefits of the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
Affordable cost of living
Malaysia promises a high quality of life and a true “big city” life experience but it is way cheaper than cities like New York. You can access daily facilities at cheap rates. This country has a low cost of living compared to other digital nomad hotspots. However, please note that these conditions may change over time due to economic situations and currency fluctuations.
Fast internet
Remote workers would be happy to learn that Malaysia has extraordinary internet connectivity. The country has a median download speed of 112 Mbps which is great for remote work. You can stay up to date with your employer, stay in contact with your team, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
There are plenty of decent providers in the country but Celcom and Hotlink are arguably the best. You can get it at the airport or convenience stores.
Make sure to compare data packages before purchasing the SIM card.
Rich culture
Malaysia’s rich culture is a mix of various nationalities and religions including but not limited to Muslim, Buddhist, and Hinduism. This religious mix adds diversity to the region and makes the country even more inviting. The locals celebrate all national, religious, and cultural holidays with equal enthusiasm. From Eid and Ramadan to Holi and the Chinese New Year, each festival brings vibrancy to the country!
Natural beauty and good food
Even though Malaysia is a metropolitan country that is the epitome of urbanism, there is still a lot of natural beauty. The country is home to high-scale recreational parks, botanical gardens, and scenic landscapes You can engage in various outdoor activities as well.
Much like its culture, the food here is also a mix of different regions. You’ll find a lot of diversity and richness in the local food. There are tons of local and international food chains to keep you well-fed and happy.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Malaysia?
Malaysia has a flexible tax policy that varies based on specific circumstances. Whether you are a tax resident or not is defined by the amount of time you spend in the country.
In simple words, anyone who spends more than 182 days will be subject to Malaysian taxes. After that period, you’ll have to pay taxes on local income. However, your international income (generated from a foreign source) won’t be taxed.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Malaysia
A de rantau digital nomad pass is originally designed to last for a period of 12 months. However, you can re-apply and extend the term as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements. It can be renewed for an additional year and it’s a multiple-entry visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place for digital nomads in Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur, the national capital of Malaysia, is one of the best places for digital nomads. This well-developed metropolitan city is a good place that offers the ultimate “big city” experience. Not only is it family-friendly but affordable as well. You can expect to find democracy and a decent political situation here.
Do US citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
United States citizens don’t need a visa to enter Malaysia as long as they are planning to stay for less than 90 days. Any longer than that, citizens will need to explore alternative visa options to validate their stay.
When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
Malaysia has warm weather all year long and it’s safe to say that the temperatures are pretty consistent. You can come at any time and expect sunny days and breezy evenings. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, this country is cooler than its neighboring countries and it experiences a tropical climate.
Which countries are easiest to get a digital nomad visa?
List of countries with the easiest digital nomad visa:
- Anguilla
- Antigua
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Curacao
- Romania
- Croatia
- Malta
- Sri Lanka
- Greece
- Norway
- Spain
- Republic of Korea
- Hungary
Is the Malaysia digital nomad visa fee refundable?
Since Malaysia has accommodating policies, they offer a 75% refund to the applicants whose visa application is denied.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up, it’s safe to say that Malaysia has one of the best digital nomad visas in all of Southeast Asia. This Asian country is a great place for digital nomads that promise a contemporary, convenient, and unique experience. In short, this urban country is the cultural, commercial, and transportation center of the country.
If you are ready to explore it, make sure to learn about its visa policies. This article discussed Malaysia’s digital nomad visa program and the process that concerns it. We hope it answered all your questions, provided the list of necessary documents, and helped you evaluate the visa policy of this country. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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