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Employment Pass for Foreign Director Malaysia

Set up a company in Malaysia and want to run it on the ground? Your own Sdn Bhd can sponsor you. We get the company ready, then handle your employment pass for foreign director Malaysia application, so you can live and work here legally.

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Foreign director managing a company in Malaysia
Founders discussing their Malaysian company
Preparing a director's employment pass application

The basics

Can a foreign director sponsor their own Employment Pass?

Yes. A foreign shareholder who is also a director of their own Malaysian company can be sponsored by that company for an Employment Pass. The company acts as your employer, so it has to meet the same sponsorship rules as any other employer.

The authorities look at whether the business is real and active, and whether your role genuinely needs your expertise. Getting the company side right first is what makes the application work.

  • Your company is the employerIt registers with ESD and sponsors your pass
  • Your role must need youA genuine senior role matched to your experience
  • The business must be activeReal premises, a bank account and actual operations

Requirements

Employment pass for foreign director Malaysia: requirements

You need to meet conditions as a person, and your company needs to meet conditions as a sponsor.

Employment Pass categories (from June 2026)

CategoryBasic monthly salaryLocal hiring steps
Category IRM20,000 or moreNo local job advert or succession plan
Category IIRM10,000 to RM19,999Local job advert and succession plan
Category IIIRM5,000 to RM9,999Local job advert and succession plan

Only basic salary counts, not allowances or bonuses. Most founders apply under Category I. We confirm the latest figures before you set your salary.

  • At least 30% of the sharesAnd registered with SSM as a director of the company
  • Relevant qualifications and experienceFor example, a degree with 3 years' experience, or a diploma with 5 years, in a related field
  • A salary that fits your categoryPaid by the Malaysian company, matching the role and contract
  • Enough paid-up capitalRM500,000 for a 100% foreign-owned company, or RM1 million where a WRT license is needed
  • The right licencesPremise licence, plus industry licences such as WRT for trading companies
  • Active operationsA registered office, a tenancy agreement and a working company bank account

Documents

Documents you'll need

We'll send you an exact checklist. Most director applications include the following.

From you as the director

  • Full copy of your passport
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Updated CV
  • Certified copies of your academic certificates
  • Employment contract with your company, stamped with LHDN
  • Job description on company letterhead

From your company

  • SSM documents showing shareholding and directors
  • Proof of paid-up capital
  • Tenancy agreement for the office
  • Company bank statements
  • Premise licence and any industry licence, such as WRT
  • Latest audited accounts, for existing companies

Step by step

Step by step: employment pass for foreign director Malaysia

First-time applications take longer, because the company has to be set up and registered before the pass itself.

  1. Set up the company

    We incorporate your Sdn Bhd, inject paid-up capital and open a bank account.

    We handle this

  2. Licences and premises

    We secure the premise licence and any industry licence, such as WRT.

    We handle this

  3. Register with ESD

    We register and verify the company as an employer on the ESD portal.

    We handle this

  4. Apply for your pass

    We prepare your documents and submit your Employment Pass application.

    We guide you

  5. Approval and endorsement

    Once approved, your pass is endorsed and we can apply for your family's passes.

    We guide you

Avoid delays

Common mistakes we help directors avoid

Wrong category

A salary or job description that doesn't match the category applied for.

Capital not in place

Paid-up capital declared but not actually paid into the company.

Missing licences

Applying before the WRT or other industry licence is approved.

Document problems

Uncertified or inconsistent certificates and records.

How we help

Everything a foreign director needs, in one place

  • Company incorporation

    Your Sdn Bhd registered with SSM, with us as company secretary.

  • Licences

    Premise, signboard and WRT licences where your business needs them.

  • ESD registration

    Your company registered and verified as an employer.

  • Employment Pass application

    Your documents prepared, submitted and followed up.

  • Family passes

    Passes for your spouse and children, applied for together.

  • Ongoing compliance

    Accounting, audit, tax and pass renewals as your company grows.

FAQ

Foreign director EP: frequently asked questions

Can I get an Employment Pass through my own company?
Yes. If you hold at least 30% of the shares and are a registered director, your Malaysian company can sponsor your Employment Pass, provided the company meets the sponsorship requirements.
Which Employment Pass category will I be in?
It depends on your basic monthly salary. Most founders apply under Category I, which from June 2026 needs a basic salary of RM20,000 a month or more and doesn't need a local job advert or succession plan.
How much paid-up capital does my company need?
Generally RM500,000 for a 100% foreign-owned company. If your business also needs a WRT license, the minimum is usually RM1 million.
How long does it take?
It depends on how ready your company is. If the company still needs to be set up, licensed and registered with ESD, the first application takes longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline once we know your situation.
Can my family come with me?
Eligible Employment Pass holders can apply for passes for their family. We can handle these together with your own application.
Do I need a Malaysian partner?
Not for most businesses, which can be 100% foreign-owned. Some sectors are restricted to Malaysian ownership, so we'll check your business type first.
ServiceEmployment pass application GuideCompany registration for foreigners ServiceWRT license Malaysia ServiceDependent pass application

Ready to run your business from Malaysia?

Tell us about your company and we'll map out your employment pass for foreign director Malaysia application, from company set-up to approval.

Check My Eligibility +6012 964 3681

Information on this page is a general guide as of October 2026. Immigration requirements, salary thresholds and processing times may change. Contact us to confirm the requirements for your case.