Malaysia has so much to offer digital nomads looking for a country with endless opportunities. If you are a digital nomad or expat curious about Malaysia digital nomad visa, here is everything you need to know to work remotely in Malaysia.
Does Malaysia have Digital Nomad Visa?
As of writing this, Malaysia has no specific visa program for digital nomads. Although Malaysia is one of the most welcoming countries to digital nomads, it’s unfortunate that digital nomads have to look for visa alternatives to work remotely in Malaysia.
If you are from countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Morocco, to name a few, you can live in Malaysia without a visa for 90 days. Similarly, if you’re a citizen of other countries, including but not limited to Chile, Ecuador, and Laos, you can enter and live in the country for up to 30 days without a visa.
Types of Visas for Digital Nomads in Malaysia
Trying to choose the best visa for Malaysia is complicated and confusing for sure. Malaysian eVisa is seemingly the best option for digital nomads from 10 countries: Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, India, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Serbia, and Sri Lanka.
The perk of eVisa is that it’s 100% online and is simple to obtain. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive the visa via email. This visa is valid only for 3 months. That said, digital nomads who are not eligible for the e-Visa should opt for other visas.
The alternative visa options for digital nomads, except for eVisa or E-Visa, are broadly divided into 2 visa types:
- Single Entry Visas
- Multiple Entry Visas
Single Entry Visa
A Single Entry Visa is a type of online Malaysian visa that allows a total stay of 30 days. Eligible citizens will receive the visa via email. Just like with eVisa, citizens of 10 countries can apply for this visa: Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, India, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Serbia, and Sri Lanka. The requirements for a Single Entry Visa are as follows:
- Digital copies of a valid passport
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of accommodation
- Email address to which the approved visa will be sent
- Copies of birth certificate
- Document of return flight
It’s pretty straightforward to apply for this visa. Eligible candidates can complete the whole process within a few minutes.
The applicant must provide correct travel information, submit the online form with a passport and pay the visa fee via a valid credit or debit card.
Multiple Entry Visas
Unlike single entry visas, an applicant must apply at the consulate or an embassy for multiple entry visas. As the name suggests, it’s an online visa allowing the holder to enter Malaysia multiple times, given that the purpose of the visit is either for tourism or to visit family and friends.
This visa is valid for e a total of 90 days, with the permit to stay for 15 or 30 consecutive days for each visit.
Here are the documents required to apply for multiple entry visas:
- Digital copies of a valid passport
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Copy of passport page with last exit stamp
- Document of return flight
- Proof of accommodation
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to apply online for this visa. As mentioned earlier, the applicant must visit the embassy to submit all essential documents and pay the visa fee.
There is another visa program called Tech Entrepreneur Program, also called Foreign Knowledge Entrepreneurs (FKE), which is best for individuals with business ideas. This visa is subcategorized into two types: Start-ups and Matured Digital Entrepreneurs.
