application details
Category 3 Employment Pass
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What's a Category 3 EP?
A Category 3 Employment Pass (EP) is used to hire expatriates for junior level roles that require specific technical or industry expertise.
Key details
- It offers a maximum validity period of 12 months
- Applications typically take 2 - 3 weeks to approve
- Holders are not allowed to bring dependents or hire maids
- Requires roles to pay M3,000 / 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
- 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
For junior-level technical and professional roles within a company.
Skilled foreign talent
Expatriate must meet one of the following to qualify as a skilled foreign 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
Minimum salary
Requires non-negotiable RM3,000 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.
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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 3 Employment Pass is only appropriate if the role is a junior position with a contract lasting no more than 12 months.
If the candidate wants a longer contract or to bring over their family members, a Category 3 EP is no longer appropriate as it does not allow dependents.
Generally, yes.
Both can be used for non-key roles, and Category 2 EPs offer longer validity periods and allow dependents, but require monthly salaries of RM5,000 or more.
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.
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PHONE: +60-175159832
ADDRESS:
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