application details
Category 1 Employment Pass
Note: Skip the reading and get in touch with our team directly! Our AI assistant is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
What's a Category 1 EP?
A Category 1 Employment Pass (EP) caters to employers hiring expatriates for key senior roles, including directors and C-suite positions. It is also used by foreign Sdn Bhd shareholders who want to reside in Malaysia to better manage their business.
Key details
- It offers a maximum validity period of 60 months
- Applications typically take 2 - 3 weeks to approve
- Holders are allowed to bring dependents and hire maids
- Exclusively for roles paying M10,000 / month minimum
- It is a required supporting document for other license applications
Purpose
- Regulate foreign talent involvement in Malaysia's workforce
- Ensure positions are filled by local talents where possible
- Prevent abuse of lower category EPs
- Facilitate skill transfer to local talents
Requirements
Requirements are imposed on both Malaysian employer and expatriate, with approvals granted when there is alignment across role, candidate, salary, and EP category.
Paid-up capital
Minimum paid-up capital requirements depend on foreign shareholding percentage:
- – 100% local owned: RM250,000
- – Joint venture (minimum 30% foreign equity): RM350,000
- – 100% foreign-owned: RM500,000
ESD account registration
Companies that meet their paid-up capital requirements must register an employer account on the Expatriate Services Division portal, through which applications are submitted and tracked.
Role & background
Exclusively for top leadership positions in a company including directors, C-level executives, and equivalent technical roles. The candidate’s resume must demonstrate they fit the role.
Skilled talent / shareholder
Expatriate must meet one of the following to qualify as skilled talent:
- – Degree and above with at least 3 years’ experience
- – Diploma with at least 5 years’ experience
- – Technical Certificate or equivalent, with at least 7 years’ experience
If applying as a shareholder, expatriate must meet the follwing:
- – have minimum 30% equity in the company, and
- – hold a key position in the company
Minimum salary
Category 1 Employment Passes require a non-negotiable RM10,000 monthly salary minimum.
Application steps
Step-01
Consultation
We schedule a meeting (online or physical based on your preference) to assess your eligibility.
Step-02
Document prep
With your help, we compile required paperwork, justification letters, and supporting documents.
Step-03
Submission
We submit your application through your ESD account then monitor and follow-up with officers as needed.
Step-04
Visa endorsement
We guide you through the visa endorsement and collection process with Immigration.
0
+
Successful applications
FAQs
If you are reading this as an employer in Malaysia, you absolutely can, provided you meet your paid-up capital threshold.
If you are reading as an expatriate, then no, as the application must be submitted by an employer.
We have years of experience helping businesses navigate Immigration guidelines and are familiar with what is needed for a successful application.
In short, if this is your first time applying, you'll have a much better chance of success through us (but of course there's no guarantee).
Yes, one of our primary services is company incorporation and provision of Company Secretarial services.
A Category 1 Employment Pass (EP) is a Malaysian work visa designed for expatriates hired into senior or strategic roles such as directors, senior managers, or high-level specialists. It requires a minimum monthly salary of RM10,000 and offers the longest validity period of up to 60 months, making it suitable for long-term employment arrangements.
There's no way to objectively compare them as they serve different purposes.
Category 1 EPs offer longer validity periods, but require monthly salaries of RM10,000 or more and are exclusively for senior leadership positions.
Category 2 EPs offer shorter validity periods, but require monthly salaries of RM5,000 or more and are for non-senior leadership positions.
Both categories allow the holder to bring dependents to Malaysia.
The application may be returned for amendment by ESD. In some cases, if rejected, the application can only be appealed or resubmitted after one year.
ESD charges RM2,000 for each Employment Pass application regardless of category.
This doesn't include third party charges if you choose to engage a service provider like MISHU.
Follow Us
E-MAIL: hi@mishu.my
PHONE: +60-175159832
ADDRESS:
Bukit Jalil Office, Kuala Lumpur
A-3-3, Aurora Place, Plaza Bukit Jalil, No.1, Persiaran Jalil 1, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.
Iskandar Puteri Office, Johor
R45, B-02-01, Pusat Perdagangan Ion Akses, Persiaran Medini Sentral 6, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor.