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De Rantau Digital
Nomad Visa

Malaysia's official digital nomad programme — work remotely from one of Asia's most liveable cities for up to 12 months, with the option to extend for another 12. Bring your family along for the journey.

Check Eligibility → View Requirements
24
Months Maximum
✓
Official De Rantau Programme
✓
12 + 12 Month Visa
✓
Multiple Entry
✓
Dependants Welcome
✓
Tech & Non-Tech Talent

Malaysia's De Rantau Programme is the country's official digital nomad visa — allowing remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Malaysia for up to 12 months on a multiple-entry visa, with the option to extend for another 12 months thereafter.

Visa holders may bring dependants (spouse, common-law partner, children under 18, and parents) for the duration of the visa period. Dependants are not permitted to work or study in Malaysia unless they independently obtain a student visa.

Not a work permit: The De Rantau visa allows you to work remotely for your overseas employer or clients. You cannot be employed by or earn income from a Malaysian company under this visa.
A remote worker with a laptop and coffee at a cafe table
Eligibility Categories

Two talent categories, one visa

The De Rantau Programme accommodates both tech professionals and senior non-tech talent, each with their own income threshold.

💻
Category 01

Tech Talent

Minimum annual incomeUSD 24,000
  • Digital freelancers & independent contractors
  • Remote employees in IT & digital fields
  • Digital marketing, creative content & development roles
📊
Category 02

Non-Tech Talent

Minimum annual incomeUSD 60,000
  • C-Suite executives & managerial positions
  • Accountants, legal counsel & tax specialists
  • Business development & other senior roles outside IT
Why Malaysia?

The perfect base for digital nomads

Fast internet, affordable living, tropical climate, and a thriving expat community — Malaysia consistently ranks among Asia's top destinations for remote workers.

Tropical lifestyle
01
Lifestyle
Year-round tropical climate
No harsh winters, no typhoon risks. Consistent warmth and sunshine all year, with stunning natural landscapes a short trip away.
Co-working spaces
02
Work
Fast connectivity & co-working
KL has a thriving co-working scene with high-speed fibre internet, world-class cafes and a growing community of digital professionals.
Low cost of living
03
Finance
Low cost of living
Premium quality of life at a fraction of Western costs — luxury condos, international dining and top-tier healthcare all within reach.
Family friendly
04
Family
Bring the whole family
Spouse, partner, children under 18 and parents can all accompany you under the De Rantau visa for the full duration of your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions

Common De Rantau questions

What is the De Rantau Programme?+
The De Rantau Programme is Malaysia's official digital nomad visa, allowing foreign remote workers to live and work in Malaysia for up to 12 months on a multiple-entry visa, with an option to extend for another 12 months.
Can I work for a Malaysian company on this visa?+
No. The De Rantau visa is for remote workers employed by or working for overseas employers or clients. You cannot be employed by a Malaysian company, receive a local salary, or generate income from Malaysian sources under this visa.
Who qualifies as a Tech Talent applicant?+
Digital freelancers, independent contractors, and remote workers in IT and digital fields including digital marketing, digital creative content, and digital content development qualify as Tech Talent. The minimum annual income requirement is USD 24,000.
Who qualifies as Non-Tech Talent?+
C-Suite executives, managerial positions, and senior professionals such as accountants, business development managers, legal counsel, tax specialists and equivalent roles qualify as Non-Tech Talent. The minimum annual income requirement is USD 60,000.
Can my dependants work or study in Malaysia?+
Dependants are not permitted to work or study in Malaysia under the De Rantau visa. If a dependant wishes to study, they must independently apply for and obtain a student visa.
Can the visa be extended beyond 24 months?+
The De Rantau visa is initially issued for 12 months and can be extended for a further 12 months (24 months total). For longer-term residency, applicants may wish to consider Malaysia's other long-term visa options such as PVIP or MM2H.
Get Started

Ready to work remotely
from Malaysia?

Contact our team to check your eligibility for the De Rantau Digital Nomad Programme.

Check Eligibility → Employment Pass