The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is Malaysia's dedicated digital nomad visa, issued as a Professional Visit Pass under the Immigration Act 1959/63. Administered by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in collaboration with the Immigration Department of Malaysia, the program allows remote workers, digital freelancers, and independent contractors to live and work remotely from Malaysia while earning income from outside the country. Launched in October 2022, DE Rantau was expanded in June 2024 to include non-tech professionals alongside the original tech-focused categories.
Tech professionals (USD 2,000/month minimum): Software engineering, backend engineering, UX/UI design, cloud computing, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI/machine learning, data science, digital marketing, and digital creative content.
Non-tech professionals (USD 5,000/month minimum): Founders, CEOs, COOs, business development managers, finance managers, HR managers, legal counsel, consultants, technical writers, and equivalent positions.
Applications are submitted entirely online through the Malaysia Digital portal. The process follows five steps:
Applicants must apply from outside Malaysia and must not be in the country at the time of application. Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.
The pass is issued for 3 to 12 months depending on contract duration. It can be renewed for an additional 12 months by submitting a fresh application before the current pass expires (up to 2 months before expiry), for a maximum total stay of 24 months. Renewal does not require leaving Malaysia, but all eligibility requirements including income thresholds must still be met.
Approved applicants may sponsor their spouse, children, and parents as dependants. Each dependant pass costs MYR 500. Dependant medical insurance must be included alongside the main applicant's coverage. Dependant passes are valid for the same duration as the main applicant's pass. There is no separate additional income requirement for dependants.
Pass holders may only work remotely for entities outside Malaysia. Working for Malaysian companies or providing services to Malaysian clients is strictly prohibited.
DE Rantau holders must register with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) and obtain a tax registration slip. Under Malaysia's Budget 2026, the exemption on foreign-sourced income for individual taxpayers has been extended from 31 December 2026 to 31 December 2036. Income from Malaysian sources remains taxable. Individuals present in Malaysia for 182 or more days in a calendar year are considered tax residents.