🇲🇾 Asia · Remote-work visa
Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
DE Rantau Nomad Pass
Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass, run by the government’s digital agency MDEC, targets tech and digital professionals. Kuala Lumpur offers fast internet and a low cost of living, making it a strong Asian base.
Income requirement
About $24,000/year for tech/digital professionals (around $60,000/year for some non-tech fields).
How long it lasts
3 to 12 months initially, renewable for up to 12 more months.
Processing time
Often around 4–8 weeks through the DE Rantau portal.
Cost
RM1,000 (about $215), plus RM500 per dependant.
Almost every nomad visa needs health insurance
Most applications require proof of valid medical cover for your whole stay. Nomad-friendly travel insurance is the simplest way to meet it.
Get nomad travel insuranceMalaysia digital nomad visa requirements
- Work in an eligible digital/IT field (or qualifying non-tech profession)
- Proof of annual income ~$24,000 (tech) from non-Malaysian companies or clients
- Employment contract or freelance/client agreements
- A passport valid for the stay
- Health insurance is recommended
How to get a digital nomad visa in Malaysia
- 1Confirm your profession is eligible under DE Rantau
- 2Prepare income proof, contracts and your passport
- 3Apply on the official DE Rantau (MDEC) platform
- 4Once approved, complete the pass issuance and enter Malaysia
Cost
RM1,000 (about $215), plus RM500 per dependant.
Money proof
About $24,000/year for tech/digital professionals (around $60,000/year for some non-tech fields).
Tax — read before you commit
Foreign-sourced income is currently largely exempt from Malaysian tax for individuals, but rules evolve — verify before relying on it.
Set up for working remotely in Malaysia
Two things every nomad sorts on day one — data the moment you land, and a VPN for café and coworking WiFi.
Apply at the official source: Malaysia — DE Rantau (mdec.my)
Scouting Malaysia as a base? Plan a trip first — free
Wavvia builds a day-by-day plan to test-drive Kuala Lumpur before you commit — real neighbourhoods, coworking-friendly areas and safety built in.
Plan my trip — freeMalaysia digital nomad visa — FAQs
What is the income requirement for Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass?
About $24,000 a year for tech and digital professionals; some non-tech applicants are expected to show closer to $60,000. Income must come from non-Malaysian companies or clients.
Who can apply for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass?
It’s aimed at digital and IT professionals (developers, designers, digital marketers and similar), with some eligible non-tech roles, working remotely for foreign companies or clients.
How long does the Malaysia nomad pass last?
It’s issued for 3 to 12 months initially and can be renewed for up to another 12 months.
How much does the DE Rantau pass cost?
RM1,000 (about $215) for the main applicant, plus RM500 for each dependant.
Compare other digital nomad visas
Last checked June 2026. Visa rules and income thresholds change often — many are tied to local wages and adjust yearly. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice; always confirm the current requirements at the official source above before applying or booking. Some links are affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.