2026 Program Guide
Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
Malaysia's DE Rantau Nomad Pass lets remote tech professionals base in Peninsular Malaysia, requiring income of about USD 24,000 per year for IT/digital-tech roles (USD 60,000 for other digital professionals). It is issued for 3-12 months, renewable once up to 24 months; foreign income is largely exempt under Malaysia's territorial system.
Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal
At a glance
- Program
- DE Rantau Nomad Pass
- Income
- ~USD 24,000/year (IT); USD 60,000 (other digital)
- Duration
- 3-12 months, renewable once (up to 24)
- Tax
- Territorial; foreign income largely exempt
- Fee
- RM 1,080
Who is it for?
- Remote tech workers wanting an affordable Asian base.
- IT professionals near the ~USD 24,000/year threshold.
- Nomads who value English-speaking, modern infrastructure.
- Those wanting a territorial-tax environment.
DE Rantau: Built for Tech Nomads
Malaysia's DE Rantau Nomad Pass, run by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is aimed at remote workers in digital and technology fields. The income threshold is about USD 24,000 per year for IT and digital-tech roles, rising to about USD 60,000 for other digital professionals. The pass covers Peninsular Malaysia and is issued for 3 to 12 months, renewable once up to 24 months.
Tax and Conditions
Malaysia applies territorial taxation, so foreign-source income is largely exempt, with tax residency arising around 182 days. Your employer or clients must be based outside Malaysia. The pass fee is RM 1,080, and family members can be included in the application.
Benefits
- Low cost of living and widespread English.
- Territorial tax: foreign income largely exempt.
- Modern infrastructure and tropical climate.
- Family members can be included.
Requirements
- Income of ~USD 24,000/year (IT) or USD 60,000 (other digital).
- Non-Malaysian employer or clients.
- Health insurance and a clean record.
Costs
- Proof of income
- ~USD 24,000/year (IT) / USD 60,000 (other)
- Pass fee
- RM 1,080
Process
Eligibility check
Confirm digital-tech work and income of ~USD 24,000/year (IT) or USD 60,000 (other digital).
Document preparation
Gather income proof, contracts, health insurance and a clean record.
Application
Apply online through MDEC's DE Rantau platform.
Approval and pass
On approval, pay the RM 1,080 fee and receive the Nomad Pass.
Renewal
Renew once to extend up to a total of 24 months.
FAQ
- What income is required?
- About USD 24,000 per year for IT/digital-tech roles, or about USD 60,000 for other digital professionals.
- How long is it valid?
- 3 to 12 months, renewable once for up to 24 months in total.
- How is foreign income taxed?
- Malaysia uses territorial taxation, so foreign-source income is largely exempt; residency arises around 182 days.
- Where can I live?
- The DE Rantau pass covers Peninsular Malaysia.
Sources
Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.
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