EP-III — Employment Pass Category III (Pas Penggajian Kategori III)

The Employment Pass Category III (EP III) was introduced by the Malaysian government to facilitate the entry of skilled foreign workers for roles that do not meet the salary threshold of higher-tier employment passes. Established to address specific labor needs in technical and semi-skilled sectors, this category allows companies to hire foreign talent for short-term contracts. It fills the gap for specialized expertise that may be temporarily unavailable in the local market, ensuring that businesses can maintain operational continuity for project-based assignments without requiring the high salary commitments of executive-level passes.

This visa is designed for skilled technical staff and knowledge workers earning a monthly salary between RM3,000 and RM4,999. It is ideal for technicians, designers, and specialized support staff who possess a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience. A distinctive feature of this pass is its strict limitation: it is valid for a maximum of 12 months, renewable only up to two times, and does not permit the holder to bring dependents. Applicants must secure a job offer from a Malaysian company, which must often obtain a salary exemption approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.