DE Rantau Nomad Pass — tech freelancer or remote worker

1. What is DE Rantau Nomad Pass? DE Rantau Nomad Pass is a type of Professional Visit Pass newly designed to allow qualified foreign digital nomads to travel and work in Malaysia.

2. Who can apply? Tech Talents/Professions Digital freelancer, independent contractor, and remote worker who are IT & digital professionals in various domains i.e. software engineers, backend engineers, UX, UI, cloud, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI (Artificial Intelligence), machine learning, data-related etc.), digital marketing, digital content creation, digital content development etc. Non-Tech Talents/Professions Chief Executive Officer (Founder/ Managing Director/ President), Chief Operations Officer, Business Development (Growth Manager), Marketing Manager, Chief Financial Officer , Finance Manager/Accountant, Sales Manager, Customer Success Manager, Human Resources Manager, Legal Counsel, Public Relation Manager, Consultant, Customer Service Manager/ Customer Service Representative/ Customer Success Specialist, Communications & Public Relations Manager, Administration Manager, Technical Writer, Tax Specialist, Tax Accountant, Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager or any related position equivalent to the above positions.

7. Is this open to all nationalities? The pass is open to applicants of all nationalities, with the exception of citizens of Israel.

8. Is there any minimum age The main pass holder must be over eighteen (18) years requirement for the DE Rantau old. Nomad Pass?

3. What are the documents that I A. For Remote Workers (Full-time Employees) need to submit as proof that I am a digital freelancer or a remote Definition: You are employed by a foreign-based worker earning >USD24,000 company that is not registered in Malaysia, and you (Tech Talent) / >USD60,000 work remotely outside of any physical office setting. (non-Tech Talent) per annum? Required Documents: 1. Signed Employment Contract o Must include: ▪ Remote work arrangement ▪ Job title and responsibilities ▪ Contract duration (preferably valid for at least six (6) months from application) ▪ Monthly/annual salary in USD or equivalent ▪ Employer’s name and foreign business details o Start date of contract must be at least three (3) months prior to the date of application submission o Employer must not be registered in Malaysia 2. Payslips – Last three (3) Months o Must reflect regular monthly income 3. Bank Statements – Last three (3) Months o Must show matching income deposits corresponding to payslips 4. Letter of Confirmation from Employer (Optional but strongly recommended) o Should confirm remote work status, employment terms, and income B. For Digital Freelancers / Independent Contractor (Self-employed or Contract-Based Professionals) Definition: You work independently with foreign-based clients (and may also serve Malaysian clients). Required Documents: 1. Signed Client Contracts / Freelance Agreements o With foreign or Malaysian clients DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 (Aug 28 2026) No. Question Answer o Must state scope of work, duration, and payment terms 2. Invoices Issued – Last three (3) Months 3. Proof of Payment - From platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Wise, or bank transfers 4. Bank Statements – Last three (3) Months o Reflecting consistent income above the required threshold 5. Portfolio, Website, or Client Testimonials (Optional but helpful) o To validate the nature of freelance work General Notes for All Applicants: • Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation • All files should be clear, legible, and in PDF format • Name and income details must be consistent across documents • Incomplete, unverifiable, or inconsistent documentation may result in application rejection • All contracts must have started at least three (3) months prior to application submission

3. What is the annual income Tech Talent/Profession requirement? The minimum annual income is USD24,000 per year. Non-Tech Talent/Profession The minimum annual income is USD60,000 per year. DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 (Aug 28 2026) No. Question Answer

3. What are the documents that I A. For Remote Workers (Full-time Employees) need to submit as proof that I am a digital freelancer or a remote Definition: You are employed by a foreign-based worker earning >USD24,000 company that is not registered in Malaysia, and you (Tech Talent) / >USD60,000 work remotely outside of any physical office setting. (non-Tech Talent) per annum? Required Documents: 1. Signed Employment Contract o Must include: ▪ Remote work arrangement ▪ Job title and responsibilities ▪ Contract duration (preferably valid for at least six (6) months from application) ▪ Monthly/annual salary in USD or equivalent ▪ Employer’s name and foreign business details o Start date of contract must be at least three (3) months prior to the date of application submission o Employer must not be registered in Malaysia 2. Payslips – Last three (3) Months o Must reflect regular monthly income 3. Bank Statements – Last three (3) Months o Must show matching income deposits corresponding to payslips 4. Letter of Confirmation from Employer (Optional but strongly recommended) o Should confirm remote work status, employment terms, and income B. For Digital Freelancers / Independent Contractor (Self-employed or Contract-Based Professionals) Definition: You work independently with foreign-based clients (and may also serve Malaysian clients). Required Documents: 1. Signed Client Contracts / Freelance Agreements o With foreign or Malaysian clients DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 (Aug 28 2026) No. Question Answer o Must state scope of work, duration, and payment terms 2. Invoices Issued – Last three (3) Months 3. Proof of Payment - From platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Wise, or bank transfers 4. Bank Statements – Last three (3) Months o Reflecting consistent income above the required threshold 5. Portfolio, Website, or Client Testimonials (Optional but helpful) o To validate the nature of freelance work General Notes for All Applicants: • Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation • All files should be clear, legible, and in PDF format • Name and income details must be consistent across documents • Incomplete, unverifiable, or inconsistent documentation may result in application rejection • All contracts must have started at least three (3) months prior to application submission

1. What is the fee structure and when do I make the payment? Processing fee per RM1,080.00 (incl. 8% applicant SST (SALES & SERVICE TAX)) Processing fee per RM540.00 (incl. 8% SST) dependent A non-refundable processing fee of RM1,080.00 per applicant and RM540.00 per dependent is applicable upon submission of the DE Rantau Nomad Pass application, regardless of category. This fee applies to all outcomes, including rejection, cancellation, or withdrawal after submission. All fees are subject to 8% SST. All payments are to be made upon application and is payable to Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn Bhd via online payment. Immigration Pass Fee - RM90 (every three (3) per applicant months) - RM360 (one (1) year) Multiple Entry Visa Charges vary by country Charges (if applicable) and are determined by the Immigration Department of Malaysia These fees are separate from the DE Rantau application processing fee and must be paid during the endorsement process. Please note that Immigration Pass Fees and MEV charges are non-refundable, even in the following situations: • The endorsement process is not completed, • The applicant cancels or withdraws, or • The application is rejected at any stage. The payment is to be made upon endorsement and is payable to Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn Bhd via online payment. DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 (Aug 28 2026) No. Question Answer

2. Are there any charges if MDEC A personal / security bond will have to be paid as per the becomes the sponsoring rates below. You will be refunded the full amount when organization? your pass expires. Personal / Security Bond Rates RM2,000.00 RM1,500.00 RM750.00 Canada Saudi Arabia Bangladesh USA Africa Philippines Colombia Australia India Angola British C.I Myanmar Burkina Faso Brunei Nepal Central African China Pakistan Republic Republic Congo Europe Sri Lanka Burundi Iran RM500.00 Republic Iraq Indonesia Democratic Congo Cameroon Portugal C.I RM300.00 Cote D'Ivoire Taiwan Thailand Djibouti Tunisia RM200.00 Equatorial Vietnam Singapore Guinea Eritrea RM1,000.00 RM1,500.00 Ethiopia Japan Others Guinea-Bissau South Korea Ghana Macao Liberia Hong Kong Mali Mozambique Niger Nigeria Rwanda Western Sahara The sponsorship arrangement is a regulatory requirement under Malaysia’s immigration framework and must be completed before the pass can be endorsed. DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 (Aug 28 2026)

A. For Remote Workers (Full-time Employees) need to submit as proof that I am a digital freelancer or a remote Definition: You are employed by a foreign-based worker earning >USD24,000 company that is not registered in Malaysia, and you (Tech Talent) / >USD60,000 work remotely outside of any physical office setting.

Employer must not be registered in Malaysia

B. For Digital Freelancers / Independent Contractor (Self-employed or Contract-Based Professionals) Definition: You work independently with foreign-based clients (and may also serve Malaysian clients).

9. Can I bring my family? Only immediate family members (dependent) of the main pass holder are eligible to apply: a. Husband / Wife/ Common-Law partner. b. Child, adopted child or stepchild under the age of eighteen (18) years. c. Disabled child (no age limit) verified by experts. d. Parent / parents to main pass holder only Kindly refer to Section C: Payment in the FAQ for detailed information on the applicable fees.

10. Can my spouse work in Malaysia No. under this pass?

12. Will this pass be multi-entry? Yes, this pass allows multiple entries. DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 (Aug 28 2026) No. Question Answer

15. Can my children attend school in For children of DE Rantau Nomad holders who wish to Malaysia while holding the DE study in Malaysia, please apply for a Student Pass via Rantau Nomad dependent pass? the school. Please check directly with the relevant schools for further clarifications before applying. However, the Student pass is not required for the dependent who is home schooling.

16. Can I stay in Sabah and Sarawak At the moment, DE Rantau Nomad pass facilitates your using DE Rantau Nomad Pass? stay only in any states in Peninsular Malaysia and Federal Territory of Labuan. You can still travel to Sabah or Sarawak, but your entry into these two (2) states will be using the tourist pass.

3. What are the documents that I A. For Remote Workers (Full-time Employees) need to submit as proof that I am a digital freelancer or a remote Definition: You are employed by a foreign-based worker earning >USD24,000 company that is not registered in Malaysia, and you (Tech Talent) / >USD60,000 work remotely outside of any physical office setting. (non-Tech Talent) per annum? Required Documents: 1. Signed Employment Contract o Must include: ▪ Remote work arrangement ▪ Job title and responsibilities ▪ Contract duration (preferably valid for at least six (6) months from application) ▪ Monthly/annual salary in USD or equivalent ▪ Employer’s name and foreign business details o Start date of contract must be at least three (3) months prior to the date of application submission o Employer must not be registered in Malaysia 2. Payslips – Last three (3) Months o Must reflect regular monthly income 3. Bank Statements – Last three (3) Months o Must show matching income deposits corresponding to payslips 4. Letter of Confirmation from Employer (Optional but strongly recommended) o Should confirm remote work status, employment terms, and income B. For Digital Freelancers / Independent Contractor (Self-employed or Contract-Based Professionals) Definition: You work independently with foreign-based clients (and may also serve Malaysian clients). Required Documents: 1. Signed Client Contracts / Freelance Agreements o With foreign or Malaysian clients DE Rantau Pass FAQ Version 10.0 (Aug 28 2026) No. Question Answer o Must state scope of work, duration, and payment terms 2. Invoices Issued – Last three (3) Months 3. Proof of Payment - From platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Wise, or bank transfers 4. Bank Statements – Last three (3) Months o Reflecting consistent income above the required threshold 5. Portfolio, Website, or Client Testimonials (Optional but helpful) o To validate the nature of freelance work General Notes for All Applicants: • Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation • All files should be clear, legible, and in PDF format • Name and income details must be consistent across documents • Incomplete, unverifiable, or inconsistent documentation may result in application rejection • All contracts must have started at least three (3) months prior to application submission

Subject to Withholding Tax under Section 109B, ITA 1967 for the (Foreign) first 182 days of stay. 10% tax rate applicable or preferential rates specified in DTA

After 182 days, Income shall be taxable under Section 4(a), ITA 1967 due to classification as residence under Section 7, ITA Malaysia 1967 and conducting business under Section 12 ITA 1967

Tax not applicable if the number of days stayed in Malaysia not exceeding 60 days. Tax exemption under Para. 21 & 22, Schedule 6, ITA 1967

Will be Taxable under Section 4(b)/ Sub-section 13(2) and Article Remote 14 DTA if the number of stays is 61 days and more.

It is recommended to inquire about tax treatment for non-resident individuals for further enquiries related to the programme.