Malaysia
Malaysia offers several types of visas depending on the duration and purpose of the visit. Here is a summary of the primary visa categories:
- Visa Exemptions: Most nationalities are exempt from requiring a visa for short business visits to Malaysia. This facilitates easier access for business travelers from numerous countries.
- e-Visa: For those who do require a visa, Malaysia offers an e-Visa option—an online visa application platform that simplifies the process of obtaining a visa to enter Malaysia. The e-Visa is designed to make it more convenient for non-nationals to visit Malaysia for business or tourism purposes.
- Purpose: The e-Visa allows business travelers to enter Malaysia for meetings, negotiations, and other related business activities.
All foreign nationals working in Malaysia, including those working remotely as digital nomads, must obtain a work visa or permit.
Foreign workers are permitted entry into Malaysia only through designated entry points with a Visa with Reference (VDR), which is issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia after approval. Additionally, an Entry Visa must be obtained from the Malaysian Representative Office in the applicant's home country.
Employment Pass: This is a specific category of work visa for foreign nationals who are employed or contracted by a company in Malaysia. The Employment Pass is tied directly to the specific employment and is usually required for specialized or skilled positions.
Application and Quota system: Applications for foreign workers must be submitted by employers or companies to the One Stop Centre (OSC) at the Ministry of Human Resources. These applications are subject to approval based on quotas set by the Malaysian government, which regulate the number of foreign workers in various sectors.
There may be various ways in which citizenship can be obtained depending on the circumstances. Please reach out to Hudson McKenzie for an assessment to determine the best route.
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