Yes, it is possible for foreigners to find employment in Malaysia. However, there are some requirements and restrictions in place for hiring foreign workers that you need to be aware of.
What types of jobs can foreigners get in Malaysia?
Some of the common jobs and industries that regularly hire foreign workers in Malaysia include:
- Teaching – Subjects like English, math, science etc. Teachers are in demand at international schools and language centers.
- Engineering – Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical etc. engineers are recruited for infrastructure and construction projects.
- Oil and gas – Foreign technical experts and engineers find jobs in Malaysia’s oil and gas sector.
- Financial services – Foreigners can get jobs in banking, insurance and accounting in Malaysia.
- Information Technology – There is demand for IT professionals, like software developers, system admins, network engineers etc.
- Healthcare – Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are able to practice in Malaysia’s healthcare sector.
- Hospitality and tourism – Hotels, resorts and restaurants regularly hire foreigners.
- Sales and marketing – Foreigners can find job opportunities in these fields in Malaysia.
In general, Malaysia tends to lack skilled professionals in certain fields, creating job opportunities for foreigners with in-demand qualifications and experience.
What are the requirements to work in Malaysia as a foreigner?
To legally work in Malaysia as a foreigner, you need to have a valid work visa or work permit. Here are the key requirements:
- Employer sponsorship – Your employer in Malaysia needs to sponsor and apply for your work visa/permit. You can’t independently apply for it.
- Fixed employment contract – You must have a concrete job offer and an employment contract for at least 1-2 years with a Malaysian company.
- Minimum salary – You must earn above a minimum salary threshold amount, typically RM5,000 per month.
- Relevant experience and qualifications – You need to have suitable work experience, educational qualifications and skills for the specific job you are applying for.
- Clearance letter – A clearance letter/certificate of good conduct from the police in your home country.
- Medical checkup – You will need to clear a medical examination in Malaysia.
- Fees – Application and visa processing fees apply, which the employer usually pays for.
So in summary, to get a work visa as a foreigner in Malaysia, your potential employer needs to sponsor you, and you need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the government.
What types of work visas are available in Malaysia?
There are several different types of work permits and employment passes for foreigners in Malaysia:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass | For foreign professionals, managers and executives earning over RM5,000 per month. Valid for up to 5 years. |
| Personalized Employment Pass | A flexible work permit for eligible expatriates without an employer tie-up. Must earn over RM10,000 per month. |
| Professional Visit Pass | Short-term work visa for up to 12 months for foreign professionals. |
| Temporary Work Visit Pass | Short-term visa for semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers. Valid for 6-12 months. |
| Expatriates Term Pass | For senior executives earning over RM10,000/month. Granted for up to 10 years. |
The most commonly used work visa for mid-level to senior foreign professionals is the Employment Pass. The Personalized Employment Pass is suitable for very highly qualified expatriates.
What are the quota and cap for foreign workers?
Malaysia imposes certain quotas and restrictions on foreign worker approvals to prioritize local employment:
- Companies with more than 50 employees can hire foreign workers only up to 15% of their total workforce.
- For companies with 50 or fewer employees, they can hire up to 5 foreign workers.
- Certain sectors like oil and gas, IT and education have higher caps for foreigners ranging from 30-50%.
- Highly skilled and professional expats with minimum salary of RM15,000 per month are not subject to quotas.
- Foreign labor is restricted in clerical, domestic service, plantation, agriculture and construction sectors.
Therefore, the foreign worker quota applies more strictly to mid-level skilled workers and manual labor jobs. Highly qualified professional expats have more flexibility.
What documents do I need to apply for a work visa in Malaysia?
To apply for a Malaysian work visa, these are the key documents required:
- Recent passport sized photographs
- Certified copies of educational qualifications and transcripts
- Letters of experience from previous employers
- Updated resume or curriculum vitae
- Offer letter or employment contract from the Malaysian company
- Cleaning criminal record from your home country
- Medical exam results from an approved clinic in Malaysia
- Processing fees for the visa application
You will also need to provide your original passport with validity of at least 12 months. The employer will file the visa application on your behalf with the relevant government authorities in Malaysia.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Malaysia?
It can take between 1 to 6 months to secure a Malaysian work visa for foreigner workers. The processing time depends on:
- Type of work visa applied for
- Which government agency is processing the application
- Whether all documents submitted are complete
- Employer’s responsiveness to queries
- Current visa application backlogs
For an Employment Pass, the application is generally processed within 1 to 3 months. Faster processing can be requested for an additional fee in some cases. The Temporary Work Visit Pass can be issued within 1 month.
Can I work part-time on a social visit visa?
Foreigners entering Malaysia on a tourist Social Visit Pass are strictly not allowed to engage in any kind of employment paid or unpaid. Doing so is considered a violation of visa conditions.
The Social Visit Pass is a tourist visa that does not make you eligible to work, even if it is part-time remote or freelance work. You must have a proper work visa like the Employment Pass to legally work in Malaysia.
Do I need to obtain a work visa before arriving in Malaysia?
It is not mandatory to obtain the actual work visa or work permit before entering Malaysia. The standard process is:
- Get in-principle visa approval letter before arrival
- Enter Malaysia on a Social Visit Pass
- Convert social visit visa to work visa within Malaysia
However, you can only start working after the work visa approval process is fully completed. The employer usually applies for your in-principle visa approval before your arrival.
Can I apply for jobs in Malaysia from overseas?
Yes, you can certainly apply for jobs in Malaysia while still overseas. Here are some tips:
- Active job search online – Browse popular Malaysian job sites and connect with recruiters on LinkedIn.
- Network locally – Connect with contacts who are working in Malaysia to learn about openings.
- Highlight skills and experience – Cater your resume and application to match Malaysia’s job requirements.
- Be open to fly down for interviews – Try to schedule multiple job interviews for single Malaysia trip.
- Discuss relocation plans – Assure employers about your relocation and work visa plans.
- Consider freelancing first – Freelance remotely for Malaysian firms to gain local experience.
With some persistence and preparation, you can successfully land a Malaysia job while living abroad. Just factor in the requirements to relocate and obtain the necessary work visa.
What income tax will I pay as a foreigner worker?
As a foreigner working in Malaysia, you will be subject to paying income tax. The income tax rates are progressive based on income slabs:
| Annual Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| First RM20,000 | 0% |
| RM20,001 to RM70,000 | 1% |
| RM70,001 to RM100,000 | 3% |
| RM100,001 to RM250,000 | 8% |
| RM250,001 to RM400,000 | 14% |
| RM400,001 to RM600,000 | 21% |
| RM600,001 to RM1,000,000 | 24% |
| Over RM1,000,000 | 30% |
There are certain deductions and rebates available as well. Your tax residency status also affects how you are taxed in Malaysia.So you need to calculate your tax liability based on your specific income situation.
What are the best cities in Malaysia for foreigners to find jobs?
Some of the most popular cities for expats to live and work in Malaysia include:
- Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s capital and largest city with the most job opportunities across sectors.
- Penang – Major business hub with many MNCs and manufacturing companies.
- Iskandar Puteri – Fast growing city located in Iskandar economic zone.
- Cyberjaya – Technology and IT hub with many multinational companies.
- Petaling Jaya – A vibrant satellite town next to Kuala Lumpur.
- Malacca – A historical city with tourism, services and manufacturing jobs.
- Subang Jaya – Strategic location within Klang Valley region.
Factors like your industry, lifestyle preference, proximity to workplace etc. should be considered when deciding on which Malaysian city to live and work in as an expat.
Conclusion
It is certainly possible for foreigners to obtain employment and work legally in Malaysia, if all the visa conditions are met properly. IT, engineering, finance and education are some of the top sectors hiring foreign talent into the country. Securing the job first along with an employment contract is a critical prerequisite before getting the necessary work visa to start working in Malaysia as an expat. The major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Iskandar and Cyberjaya offer the best job opportunities across industries.
