Digital Nomad Visa in Malaysia: Application and Requirements (2023 Guide)

With more and more of us working exclusively online, the number of digital nomads has never been higher. One huge benefit of remote working opportunities is that you can work from anywhere with an internet connection - which means the world is your oyster if you want to explore.

Many countries are now recognising the rise of digital nomads and launching specific visas to support remote workers, freelancers and any location independent employees - including Malaysia. If you’re wondering what exactly the new Malaysian digital nomad visa is, this guide is for you. Plus, we’ll introduce Wise as a simple and flexible way to hold, exchange, receive, send and spend multiple currencies - perfect for digital nomads the world over.

What is the Malaysia digital nomad visa?

The digital nomad visa Malaysia is offered though Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and officially called the DE Rantau programme¹.

The DE Rantau Malaysia digital nomad pass was launched in October 2022², and allows foreigners to get a visa for 3 to 12 months, to work remotely or as a freelancer in Malaysia. You’ll need to be doing a job that can be completed anywhere, so this visa is mainly aimed at IT professionals, content creators and people in related fields. To apply you need to have ongoing employment to show you can pay your way once you’re in Malaysia, and submit a full set of supporting documents. We’ll cover what’s needed and the process later.

One great thing about the DE Rantau programme is that it is more than just a visa. MDEC aims to create a range of services to support digital nomads, including accommodation, offices, networking events and more³. That can make life easier and make Malaysia a support attractive destination for digital nomads from all over the world.

Digital nomad visa Malaysia requirements

You can apply for a digital nomad visa for Malaysia as a remote worker with a contract from a single company, or as a freelance worker. You’ll need to be able to prove you’ve got ongoing employment for at least the first 3 months of your stay, by submitting your contract or contracts along with a full suite of supporting documents. It’s helpful to know that if you’re applying as a freelance worker you can fulfil this requirement using a combination of contracts from multiple companies if you choose to.

Once you’ve applied you can also submit applications to bring close family members, including your spouse and dependent children, to Malaysia. Visas can be issued for up to 12 months in the first instance, and may be renewed for a further 12 months upon request.

Documents needed for the digital nomad visa Malaysia

Here’s a full rundown of the documents needed for your Malaysian digital nomad visa application:

• Copy of your passport (all pages)
• Your CV
• Your most recent 3 months of bank statement​s
• Your most recent 3 months income statement or latest tax returns​​
• A valid project or employment contract lasting for another 3 months or more
• Personal bond
• A letter of good conduct from an authority body in your home country or country of residence)​
• Your highest education certificate​
• Proof of valid medical insurance
• Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia tax registration slip​​

It’s important to note that your passport must have a minimum of 6 empty pages and at least 14 months remaining validity​ at the point that you apply for your Malaysian digital nomad visa.

Malaysia digital nomad visa tax

Before you apply for your digital nomad visa for Malaysia you’ll need to make sure you understand the tax implications. Because the tax you need to pay, and the income you need to report, depends on where you’re considered tax resident over the course of the year, and where your income originates, your obligations as a digital nomad can be somewhat confusing.

As part of your application for your digital nomad visa for Malaysia you’ll need to register with the local tax authorities who can advise you on your obligations in Malaysia. However, you’ll also need to check if you’re liable to pay tax or report income in any other country, based on your residence and where you’re employed - get professional advice if you’re unsure to avoid potential penalties.

How to apply for digital nomad visa Malaysia

You can apply for your Malaysia digital nomad visa online by registering and submitting soft copies of all the required documents. There’s information on the MDEC website which covers the account creation process, and your application is then managed through on screen prompts.

If you have any questions of run into problems, you can also get in touch with WDEC directly on:

• MDEC phone number within Malaysia: 1800 88 8338
• MDEC phone number outside Malaysia: 603-8315 3000
• MDEC email: clic@mdec.com.my

Fees for the digital nomad visa Malaysia

When you apply for your Malaysia digital nomad visa you’ll need to pay a fee. You can apply for your visa yourself, online, or go through an agency which can support you in submitting the application.

If you use an agency, there will be an extra fee to pay, but you’ll then get support and guidance on what documents are required, which can be reassuring. Bear in mind that the Malaysian government does not endorse any specific agent, and has created the process to be simple enough for applicants to manage independently. If you’re considering using an agent for your application make sure you’re very clear on the costs and the service you’ll receive.

If you’re applying independently without an agent the fees for the digital nomad visa Malaysia are:

• Main applicant - 1,000 MYR
• Dependent applicants - 500 MYR

Planning on living in Malaysia? Manage multiple currencies easily with the Wise account

If you’re a digital nomad already, you’ll know that one of the trickiest things to figure out is managing your money across currencies. How can you be sure you’re not losing out by getting stuck with a bad exchange rate? What about fees for international transactions? And do you really need to stand in line at a money changer to get the currency you need, every time you travel?

Make life easier with Wise. You can open an account online or in the Wise app, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and send payments conveniently to and from Malaysia with the mid-market exchange rate and low transparent fees⁴.

Order your linked Wise international debit card to make it simple to spend and make cash withdrawals in Malaysia and around 150 other countries. Just add money in any of the 20 or so supported currencies for top ups, and the card automatically exchanges your money to the currency you need for spending with the mid-market exchange rate.

Plus, if you’re a remote worker or freelancer getting paid from overseas, it’s good to know that your Wise account comes with free bank details for 9 currencies so you can get paid by local transfer conveniently.

Manage 40+ currencies with Wise

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Use this guide to the Malaysian digital nomad visa to help you decide if it’s the right one for you - and no matter where your digital nomad journey takes you next, get Wise to make spending that little bit easier and cheaper.

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Sources:

1. MDEC - DE Rantau
2. Malaysian government press release
3. MDEC De Rantau media page
4. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Sources checked on 09/10/2023