Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Everything You Need to Know About the DE Rantau

With the prevalence of remote work and freelance jobs, there has never been an easier and more convenient time to become a digital nomad. This lifestyle has also become increasingly popular now that much of the world is exploring post-pandemic recovery. More and more people are willing and able to travel, and this option makes it easier for them to work and play.

Do you want to break away from the usual 9-5 work life? Are you keen to open yourself up to life experiences that await in other cities or countries? Is adventure the most effective type of motivation for you? If you answered yes to all, then this alternative lifestyle is definitely for you!

Fortunately, Malaysia has recently joined the countries that embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. With the launch of the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, digital nomads from all over the world can enjoy the best of life and work in the country for up to two years. Prior to this opportunity, remote workers from certain countries could only work and stay in the country for up to 90 days.

Who is a digital nomad?

Digital nomads are essentially remote workers who earn their living from various locations of their choice instead of a fixed business or office location. All they need is a laptop and/or other mobile devices and a reliable internet connection to do their work. This allows them to do work practically anywhere – in coffee shops, co-working spaces, public libraries, and even travel accommodations.

Most digital nomads are working as self-employed freelancers : they do writing, blogging/vlogging, virtual assistant work, social media management, digital marketing, and graphic design, to name a few. In addition, many companies around the world are also now actively offering remote positions, making it possible for regular employees to do work outside of the usual office setting.

Can you be a digital nomad on a tourist visa?

Technically yes, since you can work remotely or online while travelling as a tourist.

Can I move to another country if I work remotely?

That’s possible if you get assigned to do remote work in another country. Or, you can do so in a country that offers a digital nomad visa.

What is a digital nomad visa?

As the term suggests, this special type of visa is specially targeted towards qualified digital nomads, allowing them to live and work in a country for a few months to one or two years.

How much is a digital nomad visa? How long can you work remotely in another country without paying taxes?

The short answer is, it depends on the country. Aside from the visa fee itself, they also require digital nomads to be earning a certain annual income to qualify. Some countries may allow tourists to stay and work for a specific number of days before they can be liable to pay taxes. Others, like Malaysia, are yet to determine the tax regulations for digital nomads. Current regulations in the country require the establishment of residential status for individuals and permanent establishment for enterprises.

What is DE Rantau?

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is a new type of multiple-entry Professional Visit Pass (Pass Lawatan Ikhtisas) specially designed to allow qualified digital nomads to travel and work in Malaysia. The programme, which is facilitated by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is part of the government’s initiatives to boost the country’s digital revolution and economy.

This Malaysia digital nomad visa allows three to 12 months of stay in any of the Peninsular Malaysia states, with the option to renew for an additional 12 months. This means qualified digital nomads can stay in these states for up to two years. They can also visit the states of Sabah and Sarawak with a tourist visa. Apart from the pass, MDEC will also be providing nomad-ready hubs and specially curated services as part of the programme.

Who can apply for a Malaysia digital nomad visa?

Digital freelancers and remote workers across the globe above 18 years old – including Malaysians – are free to apply to the DE Rantau programme. You can be an independent contractor, a remote worker in the IT industry, a digital marketing specialist, a creative content specialist, or a digital content developer, to name a few. However, citizens of Israel are required to secure approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

To qualify for the Malaysia digital nomad visa, you must be earning an annual income of US $24,000. You also need to provide documents that prove your work and income. These include contracts, purchase orders, and invoices which clearly state the contract duration and the compensation for your work. If you are a remote worker, you must submit your active employment contract with a non-Malaysian company. It should clearly state your monthly or annual salary, and indicate that you are allowed to work remotely.

Lastly, you must also have a passport that is valid for more than 14 months upon submission of the application.

What are the benefits of the DE Rantau Pass?

DE Rantau Nomad Pass holders will be recognised as members of the programme, and thus eligible to access exclusive perks and benefits. These include nomad-ready living and working hubs, curated local services, discount vouchers, and other promotions.

Make sure to visit the official DE Rantau website to learn more about this initiative for digital nomads.

Why digital nomads should choose Malaysia

Whether you’ve been thinking about spending a few months as a digital nomad in Asia or considering staying for longer, there are plenty of reasons that make Malaysia a perfect destination. Despite the ongoing effects of challenges like the global pandemic, climate change, and inflation, the country remains relatively stable and sees steady growth. The focus on digitisation also means digital nomads will have consistent access to the various online tools and platforms they may need.

But if you want some more concrete examples, we recently outlined the top 8 reasons to live and work in Malaysia. It’s never short of fantastic food from a variety of cuisines. The weather is pleasantly balmy. Vibrant and diverse culture is everywhere. The standard of living is top-notch for a fraction of the cost of digital nomad schemes elsewhere. Just to name a few!

Where are the best places for digital nomads in Malaysia?

Ready to live and work in Malaysia and want to know the best spots to stay? There are actually plenty of options, each destination with its own charm that will appeal to different kinds of travellers. Also, you can always set your “home base” in one city and spend a few days in another. For starters, here are the top three locations that offer the best blend of work and play for digital nomads.

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s capital is known as a vibrant and modern metropolis, making it a great first stop or jump-off point if you’re staying long-term as a digital nomad. You’ll find all the creature comforts of city life here, and you can easily set your living arrangements based on your budget.

Need to get to work soon after arriving? The capital is never short of co-working spaces and shared offices with reliable internet connection and other amenities. There are also many cosy restaurants and cafes around the city, so you can easily squeeze in some work in between sightseeing.

Penang

According to the MDEC, Penang is among the emerging tech hubs of Malaysia, which is part of a robust ecosystem to develop and drive the country’s digital economy. In 2020, the city also saw its own digital transformation masterplan called Digital Penang, which aims to accelerate the island state’s digital economy and promote a digitally-engaged society.

On top of this, Penang is already a world-renowned travel destination for its great food, amazing travel experience, vibrant culture, and affordable lifestyle. Idyllic beach life, museums and historical spots, plenty of food choices, art hubs — the island has it all. As a plus, it also offers proximity to other noteworthy beach destinations in Malaysia and neighbouring Thailand.

Malacca

Another destination known for its unique cultural heritage, Malacca will delight travellers with a special interest in historical and culinary experiences. Dubbed the Historic City, it was a strategic trade site and home to the Malacca Sultanate, one of the earliest Malay Sultanates prior to Portuguese control in 1511. Its local community is also characterised by a great diversity of races and ethnicities, such as the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Peranakans, and Eurasians. For these and many other colourful historical aspects, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Apart from the abundance of sights and experiences for digital nomads, Malacca is also known for its affordable cost of living despite being a popular tourist destination. There are a few co-working spaces scattered around Malacca City, but of course, you also have the option to work in any of its cosy cafes.

Summary

Digital nomads across the globe can definitely live and work in Malaysia on their travel visas. However, intrepid travellers who want to see and experience more now have the option to stay longer with the recently launched DE Rantau Nomad Pass. With this Malaysia digital nomad visa, they can stay for three months to up to two years, which is plenty of time to see the sights while being productive!

Ready to live the digital nomad life in Malaysia? #SEEKBetter remote and freelance jobs in the country today, starting with creating or updating your JobStreet profile today! Lastly, check out the Career Resources page for more tips on job searching, self-improvement, and career advancement!