Whether you’re hiring your first foreign manager or moving to Malaysia for a new role, the Employment Pass is usually the visa you’ll be dealing with. And in 2026, the rules changed in a big way.
From 1 June 2026, the salary thresholds went up, new time limits were introduced and some employers now need a succession plan. In this guide, we break down the current employment pass requirements Malaysia employers and applicants need to meet, explain what “DP10” actually means, and walk you through the application step by step.
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What is the DP10 visa Malaysia employers talk about?
If you’ve searched for Malaysian work visas, you’ve probably seen the term DP10 visa Malaysia. It isn’t a separate visa. DP10 is the reference code long used for the Employment Pass, Malaysia’s main work pass for skilled foreign professionals, taken from the original application form.
Today, Employment Pass applications are made online through the Immigration Department’s Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal, and you may see some agencies refer to the online version by a newer code. Whatever the label, the pass, the requirements and the process are the same, so if someone mentions a DP10 visa Malaysia application, they mean an Employment Pass.
The three Employment Pass categories in 2026
Your category depends on your basic monthly salary. Allowances, bonuses and benefits don’t count. These are the thresholds that apply from 1 June 2026:
Employment Pass categories (from 1 June 2026)
| Category | Basic monthly salary | Maximum duration | Succession plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category I | RM20,000 and above | Up to 10 years | Not required |
| Category II | RM10,000 to RM19,999 | Up to 10 years | Required |
| Category III | RM5,000 to RM9,999 | Up to 5 years | Required |
Category III roles in manufacturing have a higher minimum of RM7,000. Each application can cover a contract of up to five years. Renewals made from 1 June 2026 must meet the new thresholds. We confirm the latest rules before you agree a salary.
The succession plan is new. For Category II and III, employers must show how they’ll train local staff to take over the role over time. Failing to follow an approved plan can affect future applications.
Employment pass requirements Malaysia sets for the applicant
The person being hired needs to show they have the skills the role calls for. Typically, that means:
- A degree with at least three years’ relevant experience, a diploma with five years, or a technical certificate with seven years
- A basic salary that matches the category applied for
- An employment contract with a Malaysian company, stamped with LHDN
- A passport valid for the length of the pass, with blank pages
- Certified copies of education certificates, translated where needed
The role itself must also be genuine and match the applicant’s background. A senior job title on a junior salary, or an unrelated degree, is a common reason for queries.
Requirements for the sponsoring company
An Employment Pass is sponsored by a Malaysian company, so the company has to qualify first. Most delays we see come from this side. The company usually needs:
- To be a registered Sdn Bhd or LLP, up to date with its SSM filings
- Minimum paid-up capital of RM250,000 if 100% Malaysian-owned, RM350,000 for a joint venture, or RM500,000 if 100% foreign-owned
- A verified employer account on the ESD portal
- A business premise license and any industry licence, such as a WRT license for foreign-owned trading companies
- Audited accounts, a tenancy agreement and a working company bank account
If you’re a foreign founder planning to sponsor yourself through your own company, our page on the employment pass for foreign directors covers the extra conditions, such as holding at least 30% of the shares.
How to apply, step by step
1. Register the company with ESD
The company creates an employer account on the ESD portal and uploads its documents for verification. This usually takes around 14 working days, sometimes longer.
2. Set up the position
The company sets up the role on the portal. Depending on the category, the job may need to be advertised locally first.
3. Prepare the applicant’s documents
Collect the passport copy, photo, CV, certificates, stamped contract and job description.
4. Submit the application
Submit online and respond quickly to any queries. Once the company is verified, a complete application can often be decided within days or a few weeks.
5. Endorse the pass
After approval, pay the fees, collect any visa reference letter needed for entry and have the pass endorsed in the passport in Malaysia.
Good to know: most of the work for a DP10 visa Malaysia application happens before submission. Getting the company’s capital, licences and ESD account in order first is what keeps the approval on track.
Bringing your family
Eligible Employment Pass holders can apply for passes for their spouse and children, and in some cases parents. Historically, this has been allowed for Category I and II, while Category III has been more limited, so check the current rules for your category. Our dependent pass team can apply for family passes together with yours.
Final thoughts
The 2026 changes have made the employment pass requirements Malaysia sets stricter, especially on salary. The good news is that the process is the same as before: get the company ready, match the salary to the right category, prepare complete documents and apply through ESD.
If you’d like a team to handle it, from ESD registration to passport endorsement, our employment pass application service can help.
