Essential Documents for a Digital Nomad Visa in Malaysia

The Malaysian government has recently launched the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, also known as the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa, catering to the growing global digital nomad movement. This temporary permit allows remote workers and chief officers or managerial positions to legally stay in Malaysia for up to two years.

The application process for the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa is entirely online. To apply, applicants must submit a resume and/or CV detailing work experience and education, at least three months of bank statements or payslips from the previous three months, and proof that they work remotely with a company or clients.

The most time-consuming part of the application process is the document gathering and preparation. All pages of the passport are required, and they must be valid for at least 14 months at the time of application, with at least six empty pages. A passport-sized photo meeting Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa photo requirements is needed.

Documents may be submitted in English, but if not, they must be translated by a certified translator. No apostille or certification is required, but certain documents may need notarization depending on the situation, as Malaysia is not part of the Hague Convention.

Applicants must also provide proof of qualifications, such as high school diplomas, university and postgraduate degrees' information, and professional awards or accolades (if applicable). A criminal background check or a letter of good conduct from the country of residence is mandatory.

In addition, an international health insurance policy or travel insurance is necessary for the duration of the stay in Malaysia. The authorities may ask for additional documents or proof of remote work status based on the applicant's situation.

For tech remote workers, the minimum income requirement is $24,000 USD per year, while for non-tech remote workers in chief officer or managerial positions, the minimum income requirement is $60,000 USD per year.

Applicants can bring their spouse, children, and dependent parents with them and must submit official documentation to prove their relationship. There may be a lot of back and forth after submitting the application with requests for more documents. The authorities are very detail-oriented and hold documents to a very high standard.

Recommended sources for international health insurance policy quotes are Genki and Safetywing. The visa allows digital nomads to live and work remotely in Malaysia, contributing to the country's digital economy while enjoying its rich culture and scenic beauty.