Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
Basic Information on Malaysia's Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad is a person who works remotely with the use of various electronic devices and travels the world at the same time. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become a primary form of employment for many people. Because of that, a special entry permit called the Digital Nomad Visa (also known as the Freelance Visa or Remote Worker Visa) has recently been getting more and more popular worldwide.
In Malaysia, the Digital Nomad Visa has been available for all eligible foreign citizens since October 2022. Its official name is De Rantau Nomad Pass, and it was introduced by the Malaysian government to boost the country's economy damaged by the global pandemic. With the permit, you are allowed a single 12-month-long entry to Malaysia, where you can work remotely.
The new Digital Nomad Visa to Malaysia is supported by MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation). It is a national agency that aims to promote the Malaysian country outside its borders and encourage more tourists to visit it. Moreover, the entry permit serves as a temporary residency permit.
It is extremely easy to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa to Malaysia. All you need to do is check if you meet all the necessary requirements and then complete the online application form. Remember to check your electronic device and the Internet connection before starting the registration procedure.
Can I apply for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?
The Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa is an entry permit issued for every foreign citizen who is a freelancer, independent contractor, or remote worker employed by a company outside Malaysia. Additionally, it is required that the digital nomad works in the IT sector (for example, as a web developer, online marketer, or content creator).
As a digital nomad temporarily residing in Malaysia, you are not allowed to take up employment in any local business. Concluding contracts with Malaysian companies is strictly forbidden.
What is more, you should know there are no nationality restrictions for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa. Every foreign digital freelancer is eligible to apply for an entry permit as long as they comply with the registration rules.
Application Process for Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa is very convenient and straightforward. The procedure is conducted online, so remember to check if your Internet connection is stable. You also need an electronic device of your choice, for example, a tablet or a laptop.
In order to obtain the Freelance Visa, all remote workers should follow these 5 steps:
- fill out the application form with relevant information
- submit all the mandatory documentation in digital form
- check the application form for any spelling mistakes and errors
- make the processing fee payment via debit card, credit card, or PayPal
- wait for the approval of your visa
You will be asked to fill in the questionnaire with your personal data, employment information, and passport details. Moreover, you are obliged to describe your profession and state whether you are a freelancer, business owner, or remote worker. Remeber to answer the questions truthfully.
Once your Digital Nomad Visa is approved, it will be sent to your e-mail address. The processing may take some time, so keep checking your inbox for any updates on your application status.
Necessary Requirements for Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
Before proceeding with visa registration, it is highly recommended that you make sure you meet all the requirements. Otherwise, you will not be able to complete the registration process.
Employment Outside Malaysia
To be given the Digital Nomad Visa to Malaysia, it is essential that you have been performing work as an independent freelancer or working under a foreign company for at least 3 months. You are also allowed to conduct your own business on the visa.
Moreover, it is important that you are employed in the IT sector while residing in Malaysia and working online.
Minimum Yearly Income
It is important to check the financial requirements for the Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa. You should provide an official yearly income statement proving your annual income is at least $24,000 (meaning your average salary should be around $2,000 per month).
Basic Visa Requirements
There are a few documents you must have ready while applying for a Remote Work Visa:
- copy of your passport (6 blank pages, valid for at least 14 months)
- recent resume
- recent biometric photo
- completed personal bond form
- proof of a clean criminal record
- proof of a valid health insurance
- proof of a sufficient annual income (for example, a bank statement)
- proof of working remotely (for example, an active employment contract)
- proof of good conduct (for example, a letter from an official authority)
Once you obtain all the necessary documents, you may start the application process. Remember that the papers should be digitalized and uploaded to the online form.
Advantages to owning Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
You should know that Malaysia is often called a digital nomad-friendly destination as the De Rantau Nomad Pass guarantees the visitors various benefits. In 2021, the Malaysian capital city - Kuala Lumpur - was named the best place for foreigners to live due to the numerous facilities it provides to travelers.
- First, there are many additional services promised to remote workers by the Malaysian government. If you are a digital nomad, you are granted numerous discounts, accommodations, and events. Moreover, there are plenty of remote work hubs available for digital nomad communities.
- What is more, Malaysia takes pride in its low crime index. According to the World Population Review, the total number of crimes is only 57 per 1,000 people.
- You do not have to worry much about your expenses while traveling to Malaysia - the average monthly cost of living in Kuala Lumpur should be around $500 (without rent). If you spend less money on the necessities, you can afford to visit tourist attractions and participate in sightseeing tours.
- Malaysia will be a perfect destination for you if you love a hot, tropical climate. Combine working remotely with sunbathing on beautiful beaches - enjoy your holidays while doing your job.
Validity Period of Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
Malaysian Digital Nomad Visas are issued for a maximum period of 12 months. Moreover, it is possible to request a visa extensionfor an additional year is possible if you wish your journey could last longer.
With the De Rantau Nomad Pass, you may enter the country only once. Multiple entries are allowed by other permits, such as the Malaysian Tourist Visa.
Additional Information on Malaysia's Digital Nomad Visa
Here, you can find additional information on traveling with the Digital Nomad Visa. There are some tips that you may find useful during your stay in Malaysia as a remote worker.
Digital Nomad Tax Policy
All foreign citizens who work remotely in Malaysia are exempt from the requirement to pay taxes. Income tax does not apply to them as long as they do not work for Malaysian companies or clients. Nevertheless, they need to comply with the tax rules of their home country or the country in which they are employed.
Traveling with Family Members
Remote workers who wish to temporarily reside in Malaysia on Digital Nomad Visa are allowed to bring their families with them. While filling in the application form, they should mark they are not traveling alone.
In case of visiting Malaysia with your spouse or your children, you should pay an additional visa processing fee and provide the relevant documents proving your relationship with the dependent (marriage certificate or birth certificate).
Language
To obtain the Malaysian De Rantau Nomad Pass, you must submit relevant documents during the registration process.
It is important that all the required documentation has to be digitized and in English. Other languages will not be accepted by the Malaysian authorities, therefore, if your papers are not written in English, you should schedule a visit with a professional translator.
