Resident Pass-Talent, the most desired Employment Pass in Malaysia

Malaysia offers multiple work visa options for expatriates to live and work in Malaysia. View our Malaysia visa guide here. The Resident Pass-Talent (RP-T) introduced by TalentCorp Malaysia in 2011 is perhaps the most desired. There are approximately 50,000 expatriates in Malaysia on employment passes, but only over 1,000 expatriates holding the attractive RP-T pass.

What are the eligibility requirements for the RP-T?

To be eligible for the RP-T, the applicant must have:

1. held an employment pass in Malaysia for at least 3 consecutive years

2. have a monthly income of more than RM15,000 (excluding bonuses and allowance)

3. paid taxes for more than 2 years in Malaysia

4. possess a Bachelors/ Masters/ PHD degree

5. possess at least 5 years minimum work experience

What are the benefits of the RP-T?

Compared to the Employment Pass, the RP-T provides much more flexibility. RP-T holders can be self-employed and have the flexibility to change jobs without re-applying for a new Employment Pass. The RP-T is also granted for a period of 10 years, and issued for 5 years each time. The renewal process is fairly straightforward. Another unique feature is the ability for spouses of RP-T holders to work in Malaysia without applying for their own employment pass. Similar to the Employment Pass 1 and 2, RP-T holders can also continue to sponsor children below 18 years old as dependents in Malaysia, and between ages 18 and 24. Parents and parent-in-laws of RP-T holders may also become dependents on a one year long term social visit pass that is renewable for 5 years.

Benefit comparison between the RP-T and regular Employment Pass

RP-T	Employment Pass
10 year renewable pass	Approved between 1 to 5 years only, depending on eligibility, salary and position
Can change employment without applying for new employment pass	Must apply for new employment pass and cancel current employment pass to switch jobs
Spouse can apply for permission to work without applying for employment pass	Spouse must obtain permission to work via independent employment pass
Spouse can apply for permission to study without applying for student pass	Spouse must obtain independent student pass to attend study course
Children aged 18 to 24 can apply for a 12 month social visit pass, which is renewable for up to 5 years. Likewise, children aged 18 years and below are immediately eligible for the dependent pass too.	Only children under 18 years old are eligible to apply for the dependent pass.

Therefore, overall, the RP-T can be viewed as an alternative to permanent residency, offering a significant period of stay in Malaysia with minimal restrictions. The benefits are also similar to that offered to any foreigner married to a Malaysian, in terms of sponsorship for dependents and access to the right to work.

What are the cost involved in applying for the RP-T and dependent passes?

Who is applying?	Cost involved	Cost involved with SST
RP-T Applicant	RM5,000 application fee + RM500 processing fee a	RM5940
RP-T Spouse, Dependent (children & parents)	RM4,500 application fee + RM500 processing fee	RM5400

Sourced from Talentcorp's official website

Kindly note that the RP-T is only applicable for West Malaysia or Peninsular Malaysia only. It is not applicable in the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

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