DE Rantau Nomad Pass

Learn more about the Nomad Pass

Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass lets eligible foreign digital nomads live and work remotely in Malaysia for 3–12 months, renewable for another year, while meeting income requirements. For more information, contact us at mfcci@mfcci.com

Nomad Pass

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES ?

Promote digital professional mobility and tourism in Malaysia.
Offer a thriving environment for digital nomads through the creation of DE Rantau hubs.
Create a community, network and ecosystem connecting digital nomads with local talents and businesses.
Offer the DE Rantau Nomad Pass to qualified foreign digital nomads and remote professionals.
Allow eligible digital nomads to live and work remotely in Malaysia for up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 12 months, subject to approval.
Attract international IT, digital and other qualified professionals to Malaysia.
Benefit both local talents and foreign nomads through the development of a vibrant digital ecosystem.

MFCCI ROLES

MFCCI acts as a Sponsoring Organisation for the MDEC programme.
MFCCI is the organisation responsible for delivering the Nomad Pass.
MFCCI takes care of the stay, maintenance and repatriation of the sponsored individual.

Applicants must be over 18 years old and meet MDEC's documentation and due-diligence requirements.

NOMAD PASS APPLICATION PROCESS

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass application must be submitted online through the MDEC platform:
MDEC – DE Rantau Nomad Pass
The application is generally processed within 6–8 weeks after receipt of a complete submission. Additional time may be required if MDEC requests further information or documents.
Once approved, the approval is valid for 6 months and is non-extendable. Applicants must follow MDEC and Malaysian Immigration instructions for issuance and endorsement of the pass.

NOMAD PASS BENEFITS

Stay in Malaysia for 3 to 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 12 months, subject to approval.
Access to DE Rantau hubs and nomad-ready accommodation and working facilities.
Access to selected local services, discounts, promotions and community activities.
Opportunities to connect with other digital nomads, local talents and businesses.
Ability to bring eligible dependants, including spouse/common-law partner, children and parents of the main applicant, subject to the applicable requirements.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

A. Digital Freelancer / Independent Contractor

Passport – all pages, with at least 6 blank pages and 14 months validity.
Latest CV.
Contracts, purchase orders or other evidence of active freelance work, with the relevant work relationship commenced at least 3 months before application.
Last 3 months' invoices, proof of payment and bank statements.
Portfolio or website, where applicable. A Marketing Report/Portfolio is required for Digital Marketing applicants.
Letter of Good Conduct.
Personal Bond.
Highest education certificate.
Medical insurance valid in Malaysia and covering dependants, if applicable.
LHDN / Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia tax registration slip.
Additional documents may be requested by MDEC.

B. Remote Worker

Passport – all pages, with at least 6 blank pages and 14 months validity.
Latest CV.
Valid employment contract showing the remote-working arrangement, role, salary, duration and foreign employer details. The contract should preferably be valid for at least 6 months from the application date. Employment must have commenced at least 3 months before application, and the employer must not be registered in Malaysia.
Last 3 months' payslips and corresponding bank statements.
Latest income statement or tax return.
Employer confirmation letter, where available.
Portfolio or professional evidence, where applicable. A Marketing Portfolio/Performance Report is required for Digital Marketing applicants.
Letter of Good Conduct.
Personal Bond.
Highest education certificate.
Medical insurance valid in Malaysia and covering dependants, if applicable.
LHDN / Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia tax registration slip.
Additional documents may be requested by MDEC.

Document requirements: Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation, and files must be clear, legible and submitted in PDF format. Applicant information and income details should be consistent across all documents. MDEC may request additional information or documents during the assessment.

HOW MUCH DOES A MALAYSIA DIGITAL NOMAD VISA COST ?

The MDEC programme fee is:

RM1,000 for the main applicant.
RM500 for each dependant.

Including 8% SST, the amounts are RM1,080 and RM540 respectively.

Additional Immigration fees may apply, including the Professional Visit Pass fee of RM90 every 3 months or RM360 for one year, as well as applicable Multiple Entry Visa charges depending on nationality.

If MDEC acts as the sponsoring organisation, a security bond may also be required. The amount depends on the applicant's nationality and is subject to the applicable MDEC requirements.

Applicants should verify the final amount payable and applicable requirements with MDEC at the time of application.

No. The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is issued to the approved applicant and is not transferable.

Malaysia offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared with many other international destinations. Actual costs vary depending on the city, accommodation and lifestyle. Kuala Lumpur generally offers a wide range of accommodation, coworking and transportation options suitable for digital nomads.

A digital nomad is a professional who performs work remotely using digital technology and is able to work independently of a fixed physical workplace.

Yes. Eligible dependants may include:

Husband/wife or common-law partner;
Child, adopted child or stepchild under 18;
Disabled child, subject to the applicable requirements;
Parent/parents of the main applicant.

Dependants may enter Malaysia together with the main applicant or separately after the main applicant has entered Malaysia. The spouse/common-law partner is not permitted to work in Malaysia under the dependant status.

The programme is open to citizens of all nationalities, subject to Malaysian immigration, security and visa requirements. Israeli citizens require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to enter Malaysia.

A DE Rantau dependant pass does not by itself confer an unrestricted right to study in Malaysia. Children wishing to attend school must obtain the appropriate education-related immigration authorisation. Depending on the child's circumstances, this may involve a Student Pass or the applicable Permission to Study procedure. Parents should confirm the applicable requirements with the school and the Malaysian immigration authorities.

The standard DE Rantau Nomad Pass applies to Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan. Sarawak has a separate DE Rantau Sarawak programme with its own eligibility, application process and fees. Applicants intending to reside in Sabah or Sarawak should verify the applicable immigration requirements before making arrangements.