Destination guide
🇲🇾 Employment in Malaysia
Malaysia uses different entry and employment pathways for sector-based foreign workers and professional expatriates. Confirm which category applies before collecting documents.
Requirements depend on nationality, occupation, employer and permit category. Confirm the latest checklist with the relevant authority before applying or travelling.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport and clear copies of identification pages
- Updated CV or résumé with accurate employment history
- Passport-size photographs in the format requested
- Educational, trade, training and professional certificates relevant to the position
- Experience certificates or references, when requested
- Written employment offer or contract showing employer, job title, salary and conditions
- Medical fitness certification when required for foreign-worker recruitment
- Approval letter or Visa With Reference (VDR), where applicable
- Qualifications for skilled/professional Employment Pass roles
Employment visa and work authorization
For sector-based foreign workers, employers secure applicable quota approval and apply for a Visa With Reference and employment pass/temporary employment visit pass. Professional hires may use the Employment Pass process instead.
Employer or sponsor documentation
- Employer quota/permission where required
- VDR approval or Employment Pass application via the appropriate authority
- Employer supporting letter, contract and immigration forms
Before travelling from India
- Check whether your passport is ECR or non-ECR and whether emigration clearance applies.
- Verify the employer, job title, salary, benefits and written employment terms.
- Confirm medical, police clearance, translation and attestation requirements for your application.
- Keep copies of your passport, contract, visa or permit approval and emergency contacts.
From checklist to conversation
Ask for a checklist
for your actual role.
Use this guide to prepare questions. Ask which documents apply to your passport, occupation and employer. Confirm the sequence, accepted formats and whether originals, translations or attestations are needed before arranging them.
Discuss your preparation ↗