Malaysia Visa 2026: Complete Guide (Types, Costs & How to Apply)

Malaysia Visa 2026: The Complete Guide

Tourism, work, studies, retirement, investment: Malaysia offers more than 11 visa pathways to visit or settle. This 2026 guide covers every visa type, their conditions, costs and application steps — with links to our detailed dossiers.

Visa-free entry: 60+ exempt countries

In 2026, citizens of 60+ countries enter Malaysia without a visa:

• 90 days: European Union, UK, Switzerland, Norway, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Gulf states…
• 30 days: China and India (temporary measure valid until 31 December 2026), Russia, Ukraine, Taiwan, most Asian, African and Latin American countries.
• 14 days: Iran, Myanmar.

Entry conditions: passport valid 6 months, onward ticket, sufficient funds. Chinese nationals are limited to 90 cumulative days in any 180-day period.

The MDAC, mandatory for everyone

Since the digital overhaul, all travellers — except Singapore citizens, diplomatic passport holders and residents — must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online, for free, within 3 days before arrival, on the official portal imigresen-online.imi.gov.my. Beware of fraudulent websites impersonating the official portal.

The e-Visa for other nationalities

Citizens of non-exempt countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Colombia, Ghana…) must apply for an e-Visa on the official portal malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my. The electronic visa also covers student or expatriate permit applicants before arrival.

Working: the Employment Pass (EP)

The Employment Pass is the work permit for corporate professionals, sponsored by the Malaysian employer. Three categories (EP I, II, III) based on salary and qualifications, processed through the Xpats Gateway portal. Duration: 1-5 years, renewable. → Full Employment Pass guide

The digital nomad visa: DE Rantau

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass lets remote workers live in Malaysia for 3-12 months (renewable). Conditions: minimum annual income of USD 24,000, employment with a foreign company or own clients, and affiliation with a certified DE Rantau hub. → DE Rantau guide

Entrepreneurship: the Entrepreneur Pass (MTEP)

The Entrepreneur Pass is for company founders: business setup, scaling milestones and KPI audits for expansion or relocation. → MTEP guide

Long-term residence: the MM2H programme

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) grants 5-10 year residency for retirees and investors. Three tiers since 2024: Silver, Gold and Platinum, with deposits from RM 500k to RM 5M, mandatory property purchase and a stay rule. Holders can bring their spouse, children under 21 and parents over 60. → MM2H guide

The talent visa: Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)

The RP-T targets highly skilled talent: employer independence and a fast-track to Permanent Residency. → RP-T guide

Studying: the Student Pass

The Student Pass is issued through the Malaysian educational institution. Post-graduate rules (i-Kad, switching to work permits) have their own requirements. → Student Pass guide

Family: Dependant Pass, Guardian Pass, Maid Pass

• Dependant Pass (DP): spouse and children of work permit holders. → DP guide
• Guardian Pass: parents accompanying international students (RM 10,000 bond). → Guardian Pass guide
• Maid Pass (PLKS): domestic workers, SPIKPA schemes. → Maid Pass guide

Short assignments: the Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

The PVP covers consultants, trainers and technical experts for missions under 12 months. → PVP guide

How much does a Malaysia visa cost?

| Visa | Duration | Indicative cost |

|---|---|---|

| Visa-free entry | 30-90 days | Free (MDAC free) |

| e-Visa | up to 30 days | Varies by nationality |

| Employment Pass | 1-5 years | RM 500-2,000 (often employer-paid) |

| DE Rantau | 3-12 months | RM 1,000+ |

| Student Pass | 1 year | RM 60-100 |

| MM2H | 5-10 years | RM 500k-5M deposit by tier |

Indicative 2026 government fees — always verify on imi.gov.my.

How to apply

1. Identify your profile with our visa simulator.
2. Prepare your documents: passport valid 6 months, photos, proof (employment contract, income, bank statements).
3. File online: e-Visa at malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my, work permits via Xpats Gateway (esd.imi.gov.my), MM2H through an approved agent.
4. Complete the MDAC within 3 days before arrival.
5. On arrival: present your passport and entry proof at immigration control.

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Malaysia in 2026?

Not for tourism if you hold a passport from one of the 60+ exempt countries (90 days for the EU, 30 days for China and India until 31 December 2026). Yes for work, study or settlement.

Which visa to live in Malaysia?

Depending on your profile: MM2H (retirement/investment), Employment Pass (employee), DE Rantau (digital nomad), RP-T (talent), MTEP (entrepreneur) or LTSVP (spouse of citizen).

Is the MDAC free?

Yes, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is free and completed online within 3 days before arrival.

Can I work remotely from Malaysia?

Yes, with the DE Rantau Nomad Pass (minimum USD 24,000/year income). Working on a tourist entry is prohibited.

What is the maximum stay without a visa?

90 days for most exempt countries; China is limited to 90 cumulative days in any 180-day period.

👉 Use our visa simulator to find your pathway, or read the Complete Expat Guide to prepare your move.