DE Rantau Nomad Pass

Run by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation rather than the immigration department, DE Rantau is one of the more accessible nomad visas anywhere. The income bar of USD 24,000 a year is low by regional standards, the fee is around USD 220, and the process is entirely online. It covers digital freelancers, remote employees and independent contractors in technology-adjacent fields, and dependants can be added. Combined with Malaysia's exemption on foreign income, it is arguably the best value long-stay option in Southeast Asia.

Broadly open, but consulates assess each application case by case.

• USD 24,000 annual incomeRequiredYou must evidence annual income of at least USD 24,000 from remote work.Source
• Remote work for foreign clients or employerRequiredThe pass covers digital freelancers, remote employees and contractors working for entities outside Malaysia.
• Active contract with at least three months remainingRequiredYou must supply an employment contract or client contracts with at least three months of remaining term.
• Passport valid for at least 14 monthsRequiredFourteen months of remaining passport validity is required at application.
• Health insurance covering MalaysiaRequiredPersonal health insurance valid for the whole stay in Malaysia is required.
• Clean criminal recordAdvisoryA criminal record certificate from your country of residence is part of the application.
• Technology-adjacent work preferredInfoThe programme targets digital and IT-adjacent roles: software, design, marketing, content, consulting and similar. Non-digital professions are assessed case by case.

• Passport with 14 months validity
• Active employment or client contracts
• Three to six months of bank statements or payslips
• Health insurance certificate
• Curriculum vitae or portfolio
• Criminal record certificate

1. Apply on the DE Rantau portal

   ~2 days

   Submit the application through MDEC. It can be done from inside or outside Malaysia.

   1

2. MDEC assessment

   ~28 days

   MDEC reviews the income and contract evidence, and may come back with questions.

   2

3. Pay and endorse the pass

   ~7 days

   After approval, pay the fee and have the pass endorsed in your passport at an immigration office.

   3

Renewable once for up to a further twelve months, giving a two-year maximum.

• The application can be filed while you are already in Malaysia on a visa-free entry
• DE Rantau hubs across the country offer discounted coworking and accommodation to pass holders
• Freelancers should submit several client contracts rather than one, which reads as more stable
• Processing has been slower than the advertised timeline at busy periods
• Non-digital professions are frequently rejected, even with sufficient income

• DE Rantau Nomad PassMalaysia Digital Economy Corporation2026-07-27