Malaysia Sets New Criteria for 10-Year Residence Pass

Malaysia has detailed the educational and professional requirements for foreign workers to obtain a 10-year Residence Pass, known as the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T). This initiative, introduced by TalentCorp in April 2011 in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Immigration Department of Malaysia, aims to attract and retain highly skilled foreign professionals.

To qualify for the RP-T, applicants must have lived and worked in Malaysia for at least three consecutive years and hold a valid Employment Pass with over three months of validity remaining at the time of application. Financially, candidates must earn a minimum basic monthly salary of RM15,000, excluding bonuses and allowances, and must possess a Malaysian income tax file number, demonstrating tax payments for at least two of the last two years.

Educational qualifications include a PhD, Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, or Diploma from a recognized university, or a professional certificate from a recognized institute, along with a minimum of five years of work experience. The RP-T is renewable, allowing expatriates to extend their stay if they continue to meet the requirements.