The DE Rantau visa, which translates as ‘Digital Economy on the Move’, reflects its aim to support digital nomads in their mobility between countries. This Malaysian visa responds to the increasing number of professionals working remotely, leveraging advancements in information and communication technologies. Aware of this opportunity, the Malaysian government decided to create a legal framework. This would allow these workers to live and perform their professional activities in the country, contributing to the local economy without displacing the Malaysian workforce.

This programe is aimed at freelancers, independent workers, digital entrepreneurs and employees of foreign companies operating remotely. The visa aligns with Malaysia’s initiative to promote long-term tourism, attract foreign investment, and foster cultural exchange. It enables digital nomads to experience the country’s quality of life while continuing their professional activities.

Benefits of the DE Rantau visa

Malaysia’s digital nomad visa provides several appealing benefits for those looking to live and work in the country temporarily. Key features include:

• Duration of stay: The visa allows digital nomads to reside in Malaysia for a period of up to 12 months. With the possibility of renewal.
• Permitted activities: Visa holders can engage in professional activities linked to their remote employment or digital entrepreneurship. As long as they do not involve direct employment with local companies.
• Flexibility in entering and leaving the country: The visa offers multiple entries. This means that the visa holder can leave and return to Malaysia as many times as he/she wishes during the validity of the visa.
• Tax benefits: Income generated from remote work from Malaysia is not subject to local taxes. This is a great incentive for digital professionals.

General requirements to apply for the Malaysia digital nomad visa

To be eligible for the Malaysia digital nomad visa or DE Rantau Pass, the following requirements must be met:

• Digital freelancer or independent contractor. You must have an active contract with a company, either local or foreign, that allows you to work remotely. This ensures that your work activity is ongoing and sustainable over time.
• Remote worker with an active contract. If you are employed by a company, whether in Malaysia or in another country, it is essential that the contract is in place. This ensures that you have a stable source of income while you are in Malaysia.
• Information Technology (IT) industry. The programe is primarily aimed at professionals working in technology-related sectors. These include digital marketing, digital content development and digital creative content. These fields are key to Malaysia’s digital economic growth, making this visa an opportunity for both nomads and the country.
• Minimum annual income of $24,000. To ensure that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Malaysia, you must demonstrate a minimum annual income of $24,000 (approximately $2,000 per month). This can be proven by payslips, contracts or bank statements.

Along with these main requirements, it is important that you consider other aspects, such as the ability to obtain international health insurance to cover your stay in Malaysia and the presentation of a clean criminal record. Meeting these requirements ensures that as an applicant you have an active working relationship, adequate income and the professional profile that Malaysia seeks to attract for its digital nomad community.

Documentation to be submitted for the Malaysia digital nomad visa

If you are eligible to apply for a digital nomad visa in Malaysia, you will need to prepare the following documents:

• Passport copy: You must submit a copy of all pages of your passport. With at least six blank pages.
• Passport photo: You will need to upload a passport photo at the time of applying for the visa online.
• Employment contract: You will need to submit a contract showing an active project with a duration of more than three months. It can be a single contract or multiple contracts, and the company or client can be in Malaysia or in other countries.
• Proof of income: You need to prove that your annual income exceeds $24,000. This can be proven by payslips or bills.
• Updated CV: You must upload a copy of your most recent CV.
• Bank statements: Submit your last three bank statements and a summary of your annual income.
• Letter of good conduct: Request a letter of good conduct from the competent authority in your home country.
• Personal bond form: Download, complete and upload the signed personal bond form.
• Medical insurance: You will need to present a medical insurance certificate valid in Malaysia, covering you and your dependents’ medical expenses in case of illness.
• Additional documents for dependents: If you plan to bring your spouse or children, you must provide proof of relationship. These include marriage certificate or birth certificates.

Where to apply for the digital nomad visa in Malaysia?

You can apply for a digital nomad visa in Malaysia online through official government websites. These include the Malaysian immigration portal and the specific digital nomad programe site. The process is relatively straightforward, allowing you to upload your documents digitally and receive updates by email. For this visa the process is online. 

Where to get personalized advice for the Malaysia digital nomad visa?

Applying for a digital nomad visa in Malaysia may seem straightforward, but difficulties often arise that make it advisable to seek personalized advice. Some of the common barriers faced by applicants include:

• Difficulties with documentation. Requirements such as employment contracts, proof of income or certificates of good conduct may not be clear to everyone. For example, if documents do not meet format, translation or authenticity specifications, the process is likely to be delayed or even rejected.
• Understand the specific requirements. Each applicant has a particular situation. For example, freelancers need to demonstrate active contracts. Remote workers need to show full-time employment, and it may not be obvious which type of documentation meets these requirements.
• Technical difficulties in submitting the application. As an online process, there may be glitches in the platform, failures in uploading documents, or uncertainty about how to complete the forms correctly.
• Processing time and follow-up. Lack of clarity on how long it will take to receive the visa or how to track the status of the application can lead to uncertainty. Professional advisors help manage these times and offer assistance in case of delays or problems.

For personalized advice on the digital nomad visa in Malaysia, there are several options available to facilitate the process. As the process can be complicated and requires strict requirements to be met. Here are some of the common challenges you may face:

• Complexity of the Process: The application is done entirely online through portals such as MDEC. It is crucial that documents are properly scanned and uploaded in English. Criminal record checks and income documents can be a hurdle if not submitted properly.
• Professional advice: You can opt for companies that specialize in assisting expatriates and remote workers in Malaysia. These include Expat Service Desk and MDEC. These companies offer direct assistance on migration issues, ensuring that documents and requirements are submitted correctly. MDEC also provides support in applying for the DE Rantau pass, with additional services such as accommodation and networking events for digital nomads.
• Service features: Some of the leading consultancy firms have services in several languages, including English. They often offer accessible communication channels. Such as online chat, email and telephone support, with schedules adapted to different time zones. Costs vary depending on the service, but the investment can help speed up a process that might otherwise take up to three months.

This approach offers the support needed to navigate any challenges in the process. This ensures that your application is properly prepared from the very beginning.