Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Documents, Fees, Renewal

Who it is for

MDEC's DE Rantau Pass FAQ (Version 11.0) says the pass is open to applicants of all nationalities, with the exception of citizens of Israel. The main pass holder must be over eighteen years old. The FAQ says the pass is for tech talent (IT and digital professionals such as software engineers, cybersecurity, AI, data, digital marketing and digital content creation) and for non-tech talent in listed roles such as chief executive officer, chief financial officer, marketing manager, finance manager or accountant, legal counsel and consultant, or an equivalent position. For freelancers, the FAQ describes working independently with foreign-based clients. For remote employees, it describes being employed by a foreign-based company that is not registered in Malaysia and working remotely outside of any physical office setting.

mdec.my: DE Rantau Pass FAQ, Version 11.0 (1 Nov 2026)

Income and work evidence

MDEC's DE Rantau Pass FAQ (Version 11.0) sets a minimum annual income of USD36,000 per year for tech talent and USD60,000 per year for non-tech talent. MDEC's Enhanced DE Rantau Nomad Pass Framework FAQ says the tech threshold will increase from USD24,000 to USD36,000, that the non-tech requirement remains unchanged at USD60,000, and that the revised threshold applies to new and renewal applications submitted from 1 December 2026 onwards. For freelancers, the Version 11.0 FAQ lists bank statements for the last three months reflecting consistent income above the required threshold, signed client contracts or freelance agreements with foreign clients (a maximum of three contracts per application) that state the scope of work, duration and payment terms, invoices issued in the last three months, and proof of payment from platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Wise, or bank transfers; a portfolio, website or client testimonials are optional but helpful. For remote employees, it lists a signed employment contract (the employer must not be registered in Malaysia, and the contract should preferably be valid for at least six months from application), three months of payslips reflecting regular monthly income, and three months of bank statements showing matching income deposits. The FAQ says all contracts must have started at least three months before submission, and that a pass holder may be engaged by up to a maximum of three overseas clients and/or employers at any one time, subject to maintaining eligibility throughout the validity period of the pass.

mdec.my: DE Rantau Pass FAQ, Version 11.0 (1 Nov 2026) mdec.my: Enhanced DE Rantau Nomad Pass Framework FAQ (PDF)

Documents and language

The FAQ says applications and supporting documents must be in English; its general notes say documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. The FAQ says passport validity, for the applicant or for dependents, must be more than fourteen months upon submission. A letter of confirmation from the employer is optional but strongly recommended, and should confirm remote work status. After approval, the endorsement checklist says applicants may be required to submit: a signed personal bond agreement or declaration form (mandatory if MDEC acts as local sponsor, otherwise where applicable), a copy of all passport pages, the latest immigration entry stamp, an eVISA or Visa with Reference (VDR) where applicable, a valid health insurance policy covering Malaysia (minimum three-month validity and valid throughout the pass period), an income tax e-registration slip from the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN), and any additional documents requested by MDEC or the Immigration Department.

mdec.my: DE Rantau Pass FAQ, Version 11.0 (1 Nov 2026)

How to apply and enter Malaysia

MDEC's DE Rantau page says that, as part of the transition to the enhanced framework, the submission window for new DE Rantau Nomad Pass applications will be temporarily closed from 1 November to 30 November 2026, that new applications will resume on 1 December 2026 under the enhanced framework, and that renewal applications for eligible first-time renewals will continue to be accepted and processed during this transition period. MDEC's Enhanced Framework FAQ says this applies only to existing pass holders whose initial 12-month pass expires on or before 31 January 2027. The FAQ (Version 11.0) says all applications must be made online at https://mdec.my/derantau, and application status is available at https://malaysiadigital.mdec.my. Applicants are not required to be in Malaysia to apply, and conversion from a tourist pass is not permitted. For new applications, endorsement must be completed within one month from the date of entry into Malaysia, based on the entry stamp, and the e-Gate/Autogate facility must not be used for the first entry. The FAQ says the application will be processed within six to eight weeks upon receipt of the completed submission, and that this may be extended if further information or documents are required. The Approval Letter is valid for six months and is non-extendable. The e-Pass is generally issued within one week upon submission of a complete endorsement application and payment of the applicable fees, subject to the approval and discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

mdec.my: DE Rantau, notice on the Enhanced DE Rantau Nomad Pass Framework mdec.my: DE Rantau Pass FAQ, Version 11.0 (1 Nov 2026) mdec.my: Enhanced DE Rantau Nomad Pass Framework FAQ (PDF)

Fees, bond and rejected applications

The FAQ lists a non-refundable processing fee of RM1,080.00 per applicant and RM540.00 per dependent, payable when the application is submitted; its fee table shows these amounts as including 8% SST, and the FAQ says all fees are subject to 8% SST. Separately, an Immigration Pass Fee per applicant of RM90 (every three months) or RM360 (one year) is paid during the endorsement process. The FAQ says that for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, MDEC shall be the sponsoring organisation; a personal or security bond is paid at the rates in the FAQ's bond table, and the FAQ says you will be refunded the full amount when your pass expires. The FAQ also says the processing fee applies to all outcomes, including rejection, cancellation or withdrawal after submission, and that no appeals will be accepted for rejected applications.

mdec.my: DE Rantau Pass FAQ, Version 11.0 (1 Nov 2026)

How long it lasts, renewal and where you can stay

MDEC's DE Rantau Pass FAQ (Version 11.0) says the pass is valid for an initial stay of 3 to 12 months, with up to three 12-month renewals, for a maximum total stay of 48 months, subject to continued eligibility and approval. MDEC's Enhanced Framework FAQ says the enhanced framework takes effect from 1 December 2026 and applies to all renewal applications submitted on or after that date, that applications for a second renewal (third year) and third renewal (fourth year) open from 1 December 2026, and that renewal is not automatic: each renewal application is assessed separately and, if approved, is granted for up to twelve months at a time. On timing, the Version 11.0 FAQ encourages applicants to submit their renewal application at least three months before the expiry date of their current pass, to allow sufficient time for processing and endorsement; the Enhanced Framework FAQ repeats that wording in its answer on when to apply, but elsewhere says renewal applications may be submitted within three months prior to the expiry date of the current pass. The Version 11.0 FAQ says applicants must ensure that all outstanding tax liabilities have been fully settled and provide proof of tax payment as part of the renewal application, and the Enhanced Framework FAQ says a second renewal requires a Renewal Eligibility Report (RER). The FAQ says renewal applications are generally processed within six to eight weeks upon receipt of a complete application and all required supporting documents. Applicants must remain in Malaysia until endorsement is completed and the e-Pass has been issued, which also applies to renewal applications. For renewals, endorsement must be completed within one month from the approval date. The pass allows multiple entries. The FAQ says the pass currently covers stays only in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan; entry to Sabah or Sarawak uses a tourist pass.

mdec.my: DE Rantau Pass FAQ, Version 11.0 (1 Nov 2026) mdec.my: Enhanced DE Rantau Nomad Pass Framework FAQ (PDF)

Family members

The FAQ lists these family categories: a husband, wife or common-law partner; a child, adopted child or stepchild under the age of eighteen; a special needs child with no age limit, verified by experts; and the main pass holder's parent or parents only. The FAQ adds that, at the time of renewal, biological children, adopted children and stepchildren aged above 18 years old are not eligible for renewal under the dependant category; the Enhanced Framework FAQ makes an exception for children with special needs. A dependent may either enter Malaysia together with the main pass holder or enter individually after the main pass holder is in Malaysia. Dependant applications are assessed separately, and approval of the principal applicant does not automatically guarantee approval of dependants. Asked whether a spouse can work in Malaysia under this pass, the FAQ answers No.

mdec.my: DE Rantau Pass FAQ, Version 11.0 (1 Nov 2026) mdec.my: Enhanced DE Rantau Nomad Pass Framework FAQ (PDF)

What this page does not cover

This page does not cover the bond amount for each nationality, Multiple Entry Visa charges, renewal fees, moving from an Employment Pass or Student Pass, tax treatment, opening a local bank account or schooling for children. Check the official pages for them.