Residence Pass-Talent Application & Renewal
For high skill expats seeking long-term residence in Malaysia
We handle all preparation and submissions with TalentCorp including new applications, renewals, transfer of endorsement, take up balance and more.
RP-T Overview
The Residence Pass–Talent (RP-T) is a visa that offers qualified expatriates a 10-year renewable pass that allows holders to live in Malaysia without being tied to a single employer as they would under a conventional Employment Pass.
RP-T passes are issued by TalentCorp, an agency under MoHR responsible for driving Malaysia’s talent pool capabilities, and is reserved for highly skilled expatriates in strategic sectors. In order to attract such expatriates, RP-T offers a variety of unique benefits.
Main Benefits
These are advantages all RP-T principal holders enjoy:
- Can live and work in Peninsular Malaysia for up to 10 years
- Free to change employer on the same pass
- Allowed to bring dependents
- Spouses automatically allowed to work in Malaysia
- Children under 18 years old allowed to pursue education in Malaysia
*Spouse refers to legal spouses (not common law spouses). For a full breakdown, see our guide to RP-T visas in Malaysia.
Requirements
An expatriate must meet the following at the time of application submission:
- Holds a PhD / Master’s / Degree / Diploma from a recognised university OR a professional/competency certificate from a recognised institute
- Has at least five years of total work experience
- Has worked in Malaysia under an Employment Pass (EP) for at least three consecutive years
- Holds a valid EP with more than three months validity
- Minimum monthly salary of RM15,000 (excluding allowances / bonuses)
- Has a Malaysian income tax file number
- Has paid income tax for at least the most recent two years
- Yearly basic salary declared is at least RM180,000
The good news is while these requirements are strict, those who meet them often enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted application.
- New RP-T Application
- Renewal
- Dependents
New RP-T Application
For expatriates currently working in Malaysia on a valid Employment Pass who want to transition to the RP-T visa.
Main use cases:
- Document compiling
- Form filling and submissions
- Liaison with officers
- Answering TalentCorp queries and follow-up
- Passport collection
Approximate timeline: 4-6 months
RP-T Renewal
For RP-T holders nearing the end of their first five-years who want to secure the remaining five years.
Our scope of services
- Document compiling
- Form filling and submissions
- Liaison with officers
- Answering TalentCorp queries and follow-up
- Passport collection
*Renewals can be submitted six months before the current RP-T pass expires
RP-T Dependents
For family members of RP-T principal. Can be submitted with principal visa application.
RPT-Dependent Pass
- Legal spouses
- Children under 18
- Disabled children of any age
RPT-Long Term Social Visit Pass
*Valid for 12 months and renewable for five years
- Children 18 – 25 years old (unmarried & not studying / working in Malaysia)
- Parents & parents in law
- Common law spouse
- Child of a common law spouse from previous relationship 7 years old and below
- Passport collection
Approximate timeline: 4-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)?
The Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) is a renewable 10-year visa designed to retain high-value expatriates who have already worked in Malaysia and can contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.
Who is the RP-T for?
The RP-T is targeted at highly skilled expatriates, particularly those in key industries such as:
- Oil, gas and energy
- Financial services
- Education
- Other National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs)
Applicants must already be working in Malaysia before becoming eligible.
What are the minimum requirements for RP-T?
To qualify, you must:
- Have worked in Malaysia for at least three years
- Hold a valid Employment Pass with at least three months’ validity remaining
- Earn at least RM15,000 per month, excluding bonuses and allowances
- Have at least five years of total work experience
- Have a Malaysian income tax file number
- Have paid Malaysian taxes for the two most recent years
- Declare an annual income of at least RM180,000 for the past two years
- Hold a degree, diploma or recognised professional certificate
What are the main benefits of the RP-T?
- Renewable validity of up to 10 years
- Freedom to change employers without submitting a new pass application
- Spouse may work without obtaining a separate Employment Pass
- Greater long-term stability to live in Malaysia
How is the RP-T different from a Category 1 Employment Pass?
| Feature | RP-T | Category 1 EP |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum validity | 10 years | 5 years |
| Employment flexibility | Free to change employers | Tied to employer |
| Spouse work rights | Allowed | Not allowed |
Do I need an Employment Pass before applying for RP-T?
Yes. You must first hold a Category 1 Employment Pass and work in Malaysia for at least three consecutive years before becoming eligible for the RP-T.
Can RP-T holders bring family members?
Yes. RP-T holders can bring:
- Legal spouse
- Children under 18
- Extended family members through a Social Visit Pass
What documents are required for the RP-T application?
Main applicant:
- Copies of all passport pages
- Updated résumé
- Academic certificates
- Passport photograph with a light-blue background
- Employment contract stamped by IRBM
- Job description on company letterhead
- Tax documents for the past two years
- Salary slips for the past three months
- No Objection Letter from the employer in Bahasa Malaysia
- Local sponsor’s details and MyKad copy
- Testimonials
Dependants—spouse and children under 18:
- Passport copies
- Certified marriage or birth certificates
- Passport photographs
Social Visit Pass applicants:
- Passport copies
- Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates or an affidavit
- Stamped Personal Bond Form
How long does the entire process take?
The process generally takes four to six months, depending on the immigration backlog.
How much does the RP-T cost?
Main applicant:
- Application fee: RM500
- Processing fee: RM5,000
Dependants:
- Spouse: RM5,000
- Child under 18: RM4,500
- Social Visit Pass holder: RM4,500
Additional visa fees and professional service charges may apply.
Is the RP-T open to all nationalities?
Yes. The RP-T is open to expatriates of all nationalities, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I apply for RP-T without working in Malaysia first?
No. You must first work in Malaysia under an Employment Pass for at least three years before applying.
Contact Us
Our locations
Where to find us?
Contact us
Let's Talk
Our locations
Where to find us?
Get in touch
Social Media
© 2026 Bondsgate Consulting Sdn. Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 Bondsgate Consulting Sdn. Bhd.
All Rights Reserved.