Malaysia is rapidly gaining popularity as a top destination for digital nomads due to its affordable prices, resort climate, proximity to beaches, unique culture and modern infrastructure. Learn more about the requirements for digital nomads in Malaysia and how to get a DE Rantau permit in 2025

The Malaysian DE Rantau Digital Nomad Program is becoming increasingly popular among remote workers, as the country can offer a high quality of life for a fairly reasonable price. The country also attracts foreigners with its rich culture, delicious cuisine and interesting traditions. We will talk about the requirements for digital nomads and the procedure for obtaining a Malaysian DE Rantau visa in 2025 later in this article.

What is a Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa?

The Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa (or DE Rantau Nomad Pass) allows foreign digital workers whose work is not dependent on their place of residence to stay in Malaysia for up to 12 months with the possibility of extension provided that they meet the minimum income requirements, which must be at least $ 24,000 per year.

To obtain a visa, candidates must provide proof of their employment and income, as well as a criminal record or a letter of voluntary responsibility.

The visa is open to citizens of all other countries as long as they work in fields such as IT, digital marketing and content creation, software development, cybersecurity and digital currencies.

In addition to obtaining a visa to Malaysia, holders receive a DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which provides privileged access to coworking and other services for digital nomads.

Who among the digital nomads is eligible for a DE Rantau visa in Malaysia in 2025?

To be eligible for a Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa or DE Rantau Pass, you must meet the following requirements:

- Be a digital freelancer or independent contractor with a valid contract from local or foreign companies.

- Be a remote worker with a valid employment contract from local or foreign companies.

- Work in the IT industry, including digital marketing, digital content development and digital creative content.

Important! Starting in 2024, the DE Rantau program will not only cover IT talent, but also talent from other industries. The following professions can apply for a permit:

1. Company founders;

2. Chief Executive Officers;

3. Chief Operating Officers;

4. Tax professionals;

5. Accountants;

6. Legal consultants;

7. Technical writers;

8. Business development managers;

9. Public relations specialists;

10. Other related professionals.

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Requirements for IT professionals to obtain a DE Rantau visa in Malaysia

You will be eligible for a Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa if you meet the following requirements:

- You are over 18 years old.

- You are a digital freelancer.

- You are an independent contractor.

- You are a remote worker, meaning you are an employee of a company with flexible working hours.

- You have one of the following professions: digital marketing, digital creative content, digital content development, software development, UX, user interface, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI, machine learning, data-related, etc.

- Your annual income is $24,000 per year.

- You have evidence of remote work.

DE Rantau Visa Application Rules for Other Categories of Highly Qualified Professionals

According to the 2024 rules, professionals whose activities are not related to the IT and digital technologies sector can obtain a DE Rantau Nomad Pass visa, provided that certain requirements are met:

1. Minimum allowable income is US$60,000 (RM281,000) per year or US$5,000 (RM23,000) per month;

2. Availability of a place to live in the host country (own/rented housing; hotel room/hostel bed, etc.);

3. Availability of medical insurance;

4. Absence of criminal records in the countries of citizenship and previous long-term residence.

Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Application Package

If you meet the requirements mentioned above and wish to apply for a Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa, here are the documents you need to prepare:

- Passport with at least 6 blank pages.

- Passport Copy – You must provide copies of all pages of your passport.

- Passport-sized photo.

- Employment contract indicating an active project lasting more than three months. This can be multiple contracts, and the company or client can be located in Malaysia or other countries.

- Income Certificate – You will need to provide an income certificate that proves that you earn more than USD 24,000 per year ($ 60,000 for other talent categories).

- Latest Resume – You will need to upload a copy of your latest resume.

- Bank Statements – Submit a copy of your bank statement for the last three months and your annual income statement.

- Criminal Clearance Certificate – Request a clean criminal record certificate from the relevant authority in your country.

- Personal Undertaking Form – Download the Personal Undertaking Form online, complete the form and upload the signed form.

- Medical Insurance – You will need to provide a valid medical insurance certificate valid in Malaysia that will cover your medical expenses in the event that you and your dependents fall ill.

Is it possible to move with your family to Malaysia under the DE Rantau program?

The main applicant can move with their family to Malaysia. You can add your dependents to your application: spouse, children and parents.

If you include your dependents in your application, you must provide proof of family relationship. Submit your marriage certificate if you plan to bring your spouse or children’s birth certificates.

How to apply for a Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

The Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa must be applied for online through the DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass website.

Step 1 – Go to the DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass website and register an account – enter your full name, email address and password. Wait for an email with a verification code. Enter the verification code to proceed with your account registration.

Step 2 – Select your profession. Before you proceed to the application page, you will need to select your profession type: Digital Freelancer, Remote Worker, Independent Contractor, etc.

Step 3 – Fill out the application form – On the next page, upload your passport photo and fill out the application form. Enter your personal details, passport details and other required information.

Step 4 – Submit Documents – After completing the online application form, upload all the required documents. You must have a digital copy of these documents as you will be uploading them online. All documents must be in English or translated into English.

Step 5 – Make Payment – ​​The final step is to pay the visa fee. This will cost 1000 MYR or around 218 USD. If you have dependents, you will pay an additional fee of 500 MYR or around 109 USD for each dependent.

How long does it take to apply for a digital nomad visa to Malaysia?

The application process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. However, the exact time frame may depend on the workload of immigration services and the completeness of the submitted documents.

Can the DE Rantau Nomad Pass be extended?

After the two-year validity period of the initial digital nomad visa expires, foreigners can choose one of two paths to extend their stay in Malaysia:

- The first path involves applying for the Malaysian Technology Entrepreneur Program, which allows you to obtain a five-year Residential Pass.

- The second path involves obtaining Malaysia Digital status after opening a company in Malaysia, which allows you to stay in the country in accordance with the rules for foreign professionals employed by Malaysian companies.

Tax for DE Rantau visa holders

Any income earned by Malaysian citizens and residents within the country is taxed.

Holders of a Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa are not required to pay tax on income earned outside the country. However, those whose clients are located in Malaysia and those who work for a Malaysian company may be subject to income tax.

Since the program was launched in 2022, Malaysia has become a popular destination for digital nomads. This is confirmed by numerous studies. For example, Remote, a company specializing in creating and supporting a globally distributed workforce, raised Kuala Lumpur to 22nd place in its annual list of the best destinations for remote work for 2023, compared to 84th in 2022.

In December 2023, nomadlist.com recognized Malaysia as the country most respected among digital nomads. Experts have noted a significant increase in interest in Malaysia after the introduction of immigration benefits, which made the country even more attractive for professional freelancers and remote workers.

Let's remind you! Malaysia attracts expats with moderate prices, a developed social sphere, rich culture and picturesque landscapes. We have already talked about the prices of housing rental, food, utilities and transport, as well as the monthly budget in Malaysia in 2025.

Contact a migration lawyer to get detailed advice on obtaining a digital nomad visa in Malaysia. The help of a highly qualified specialist will significantly simplify the procedure for moving to Malaysia.

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