Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass: Live and Work Legally in Malaysia
Malaysia's DE Rantau Nomad Pass is a Professional Visit Pass for digital nomads and remote workers. Stay 3–12 months, renewable to 24 months, with dependants welcome.
Who this is for
- Tech professionals (software engineers, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, digital marketing) earning $24,000+ per year
- Non-tech remote workers and digital managers earning $60,000+ per year from foreign employers
- Freelancers and independent contractors with international client income
- Remote workers who want a Southeast Asian base with English-speaking culture and excellent infrastructure
Malaysian government fees: RM1,080 processing fee per applicant (non-refundable), RM540 per dependant. Immigration pass fee: RM360/year or RM90 per 3 months. Paid direct to MDEC.
Start DE Rantau ApplicationWhat's included
- Eligibility assessment (tech vs non-tech, income verification, profession check)
- Full DE Rantau application preparation and document compilation
- Income documentation review (employment contract, payslips, bank statements)
- Submission coordination and MDEC application tracking
- Dependant pass guidance for spouse, children, and parents
How it works
Eligibility confirmed
We confirm your profession category (tech or non-tech) and verify your income against the programme threshold.
Documents compiled
Employment contract or freelance agreements, 3 months payslips, 3 months bank statements, and passport.
Application submitted to MDEC
Submitted online via the MDEC Malaysia Digital portal. No Malaysia presence required to apply.
Approval and endorsement
Processing typically 6–8 weeks. On approval, exit and re-enter Malaysia (if in-country) for e-Pass endorsement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income requirement for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass?
Tech talent (IT professionals, digital marketers, developers, AI/ML): minimum $24,000 USD per year. Non-tech talent (CEOs, finance managers, HR managers, legal, consultants, and similar roles): minimum $60,000 USD per year. Income must be from a foreign employer or international clients, not from a Malaysia-registered company.
How long can I stay in Malaysia on the DE Rantau pass?
The pass is valid for 3–12 months from issuance. You can renew once for an additional 12 months, giving a maximum total stay of 24 months. Renewal applications are processed in 6–8 weeks and can be submitted up to 3 months before expiry.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Immediate family members are eligible as dependants: spouse/common-law partner, children under 18 (including adopted and stepchildren), disabled children (no age limit), and parents of the main pass holder. Processing fee per dependant is RM540. Dependant spouses cannot work in Malaysia.
Do I need to be in Malaysia to apply?
No. Applications are submitted online and you do not need to be in Malaysia. If you are in Malaysia when your application is approved, you must exit and re-enter using the correct visa before completing e-Pass endorsement.
What professions qualify as tech talent?
Tech talent includes: software engineers, backend/frontend engineers, UX/UI designers, cloud architects, cybersecurity professionals, blockchain developers, AI/ML engineers, data scientists, digital marketers, digital content creators, and digital content developers. Non-tech qualifying roles include executive, management, finance, legal, HR, sales, operations, and communications positions at the manager level or above.
Can I open a bank account in Malaysia with the DE Rantau pass?
Most Malaysian banks do not accept a Professional Visit Pass for bank account opening. The DE Rantau e-Pass is a type of Professional Visit Pass. Check with individual banks directly; some international banks operating in Malaysia may have more flexibility.
Ready to get started?
Fixed price, real-time tracking, and expert handling, from first document to final approval.
Start DE Rantau Application