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Guide: Visa & Immigration in Malaysia

February 3, 2026
Hiring foreign talent in Malaysia involves more than just recruitment—it’s a multi-step immigration process governed by licensing, labor market testing, regulatory approvals, and ongoing compliance. Since 2023, new requirements have added complexity to how companies secure work permits for expatriates, making it essential to understand the full pathway from business licensing to post-arrival obligations. This article outlines the seven key stages of Malaysia’s immigration process for employers—from securing the right licenses to managing work permit endorsements and long-term compliance.

Overview of Immigration Process

STEP 1 : OBTAIN RELEVANT LICENSE
The locally incorporated company applies to the relevant government agency(s) for the appropriate license(s) applicable for the company to operate its business in Malaysia. Every license requirement and processing time differs.

STEP 2: LABOUR MARKET TESTING
This is a new requirement effective on 1st February 2023 where companies are required to apply a Certificate to Hire Foreigners from the Department of Labour.

Effective 1st January 2021, the Ministry of Human Resource (MOHR) mandated that all companies must prioritize the hiring of Malaysian. Job openings must be advertised to locals for a minimum of 30 days. Automatic exemption applies for C-suite and Top Management level OR positions with a basic salary of MYR15,000 per month and above.

STEP 3: REGISTRATION WITH IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT
Company needs to be registered with the Immigration Authority to sponsor work permits. This is not an auto-approval. Company needs to fulfil the requirement set by the authority. If licensing is needed, refer to Step A. Quota is needed for every new and renewal of work permit.

STEP 4: XPAT GATEWAY
This is a centralized platform to apply for a Support Letter. Currently, companies requiring a Support Letter from the relevant approving agencies or regulatory bodies must apply directly to the respective authorities, with required documents and processing time varying depending on each regulatory body. This new initiative to streamline the process.

STEP 5: WORK PERMIT
Once the work permit is approved, the foreign employee will be notified via email. Instructions will be given on how to apply the eVisa to enter Malaysia for employment purpose. OR, Once the work permit is approved, the foreign employee will be notified via email. Instructions will be given on how to apply the eVisa to enter Malaysia for employment purpose.

STEP 6: ENDORSEMENT
This is the stage where the Immigration Authority affixes the work permit sticker unto the foreign employee’s passport. This stage must be done when foreign employees arrives in Malaysia.

STEP 7: ONGOING COMPLIANCE
Permission to work in a 2nd location
Monthly payroll
Annual Personal Income Tax Filing
Accompanying family members/ Newborn
Accompanying parents
Permission to study for children and/ or spouse

Conclusion

Malaysia’s immigration process is structured to ensure that foreign talent complements the local workforce. From labor market testing to post-arrival obligations, each step requires precision, documentation, and regulatory alignment. Employers who treat immigration as a strategic process are better positioned to onboard talent smoothly and avoid costly delays.

How XpatMobi Team can help

XpatMobi provides end-to-end immigration support for foreign companies and professionals. We help you:

  • Secure business licenses and meet sector-specific requirements
  • Manage labour market testing and obtain Certificates to Hire Foreigners
  • Register with the Immigration Department and apply for quotas
  • Coordinate Support Letters via Xpats Gateway
  • Handle work permit approvals, eVisa applications, and endorsements
  • Ensure ongoing compliance for payroll, dependents, and tax filings

Whether you’re hiring a single executive or scaling a regional team, we make sure your immigration pathway is compliant, efficient, and friction-free.

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