DE Rantau Sarawak Pass: A Unique Opportunity for Digital Nomads seeking Nature, Culture and Exclusivity

Sarawak is opening its doors to global digital professionals through the DE Rantau Sarawak Pass, a specialized initiative under the Sarawak Digital Residency Program (SDRP). This program is distinct from the existing DE Rantau Malaysia Pass, which currently permits digital nomads to reside only in Peninsular Malaysia.

How is the DE Rantau Sarawak Pass different from the current DE Rantau Malaysia program?

DE Rantau Sarawak offers stay in both Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, while DE Rantau Malaysia only offers stay in Peninsular Malaysia. DE Rantau Sarawak only accepts digital professionals, while DE Rantau Malaysia accepts both digital and non-digital remote workers. Beyond that, the eligibility requirements and privileges are quite similar.

Special Note: Do note that the passes cannot be stacked; applicants may only hold one at a time. Additionally, once you have utilised the full 2 years as a Digital Nomad in Malaysia, you are not allowed to apply for another DE Rantau program to extend your stay into the 3rd or 4th year. Both MDEC and SDEC will enforce this strictly.

Why Sarawak?

Sarawak is known for its more restrictive immigration policies, making this program a rare opportunity to legally reside and work in both Sarawak and West Malaysia over a two-year period. Its primary draw lies in its extraordinary natural landscapes, including UNESCO-listed national parks, lush rainforests, and rich biodiversity—offering a lifestyle that blends professional flexibility with ecological immersion.

Program Overview

The DE Rantau Sarawak Pass is a Professional Visit Pass (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas) that allows eligible digital professionals to reside in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia for 12 months, renewable once.

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum age: 18 years

• Profession: Digital or tech-related fields (e.g. software development, digital marketing, UI/UX design, AI, blockchain)

• Minimum annual income: USD 24,000

• Active freelance or remote employment contracts

• Option to include dependents (spouse, children, parents)

Document Checklist

• Valid passport

• Curriculum vitae

• Proof of income and employment contracts

• Academic certificates

• Insurance coverage

• All documents must be in English and comply with Bank Negara Malaysia guidelines (cryptocurrency transactions are not permitted)

Applicable Fees

• Main applicant: RM2,000

• Each dependent: RM1,000

*** Early bird incentive: First 10 successful applicants receive a 50% discount ***

Processing Time

• Estimated at 6–8 weeks

This program offers digital professionals a compelling blend of affordability, connectivity, and access to one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine natural environments—making Sarawak a rising destination for remote work and lifestyle migration.

Our website and its contents are provided for general information purposes only and nothing on this website or in its contents is intended to provide professional advice. Please contact us at info@migratesafe.org or +6082-295175 for more information.