# Employment Pass (EP) Category I, II & III

What Is It

The Employment Pass (EP) is a work permit enabling foreign professionals to take up employment under a contract of service with a registered company in Malaysia. The pass is split into three categories based on monthly salary and contract duration, managed by the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department.

Who Is Eligible

  • Foreign professionals who have been offered employment in a Malaysian company.
  • Eligibility tiers:
    • - Category I: Monthly salary of RM10,000 and above; contract up to 5 years. - Category II: Monthly salary between RM5,000 and RM9,999; contract up to 2 years. - Category III: Monthly salary between RM3,000 and RM4,999; contract up to 2 years. (Requires minimum experience and specific approvals).

    Required Documents

  • Employment Contract signed by both parties.
  • Passport (all pages scan, minimum 18 months validity).
  • Academic scrolls and certificates (verified/translated).
  • Detailed Job Description.
  • Company registration profile (SSM forms, business licenses).
  • Approval from relevant sector regulatory bodies (e.g. MDEC, Bank Negara).

    • Step-by-Step Procedure

    1. Company Registration: The employer must register and verify their company profile on the ESD portal. 2. Submit Post Projection: The employer submits a headcount projection request for expatriates on the portal. 3. EP Application: Once projection is approved, the employer uploads the expatriate's resume, passport, contract, and academic scrolls. 4. Payment & Approval: Pay processing fees online. The immigration committee reviews the application. 5. Get Approval Letter: The system issues the EP Approval Letter. 6. Endorsement: Expatriate arrives in Malaysia (with Single Entry Visa if required) and submits the passport for EP sticker endorsement.

    Cost & Processing Time

  • Cost: ESD processing fee is RM800 for Category I & II, and RM300 for Category III. Plus visa pass sticker fees.
  • Processing Time: 5 to 10 working days via the ESD Fast-Track channel.

    • Where to Apply

  • Employer Portal: [Expatriate Services Division (ESD) Portal](https://esd.imi.gov.my)

    • Important Notes

  • EP Category I and II holders are eligible to apply for Dependent Passes (DP) for their spouse, children, and parents. Category III holders cannot bring dependents.