Malaysian Visa Programme through Labuan
A practical route for foreign nationals to live and work in Malaysia through business ownership — combining a Labuan trading company with a Principal Employment Pass.
Step One: Labuan Trading Company
A Labuan company is incorporated under the Labuan Companies Act 1990 through a licensed Labuan trust company. It is a Malaysian company that allows 100% foreign ownership, with one director and one shareholder who may be the same person. The trust company acts as its registered office and filing agent.
- 100% foreign ownership — no local shareholder or director required
- Registered office, resident secretary and statutory filings handled
- Trading activity assessed under LBATA at 3% of audited net profits
- Suitable for advisory, accounting, broking and international trading
Step Two: Principal Employment Pass
Once the company is in place, it sponsors a Principal Employment Pass for its own director or shareholder. The pass is issued for two years and is renewable while the company remains in good standing. Dependants may apply alongside.
- Issued for 2 years and renewable
- Dependant Passes available for spouse and children
- Multiple-entry status; holder may reside anywhere in Malaysia
- Minimum salary of RM 10,000 per month stated in the employment contract
Programme Packages
Fixed-scope packages combining a Labuan trading company with one or more Principal Employment Passes. All figures in United States Dollars.
Package A
Labuan Company + 1 Employment Pass
USD 18,900
The ideal entry point for a single applicant establishing a Labuan trading company and securing their own Principal Employment Pass.
- Labuan trading company incorporated under the Labuan Companies Act 1990
- Registered office, resident secretary and statutory filings
- 1 Principal Employment Pass (2 years, renewable)
- Business plan, employment contract and job description
- Labuan office and residential tenancy agreements
- Personal tax number and tax submission
Package B
Labuan Company + 2 Employment Passes
USD 26,700
For two applicants — such as a co-founder couple or business partners — sharing a single Labuan company with two sponsored passes.
- Labuan trading company incorporated under the Labuan Companies Act 1990
- Registered office, resident secretary and statutory filings
- 2 Principal Employment Passes (2 years, renewable)
- Business plan, employment contracts and job descriptions
- Labuan office and residential tenancy agreements
- Personal tax numbers and tax submissions
Package C
Labuan Company + 3 Employment Passes
USD 33,300
For a small team or family unit requiring three sponsored passes under one fully foreign-owned Labuan trading company.
- Labuan trading company incorporated under the Labuan Companies Act 1990
- Registered office, resident secretary and statutory filings
- 3 Principal Employment Passes (2 years, renewable)
- Business plan, employment contracts and job descriptions
- Labuan office and residential tenancy agreements
- Personal tax numbers and tax submissions
Additional fees
Additional dependant
per dependant
USD 1,000
Long Term Social Visit Pass
per person
USD 700
Annual renewal fees and other ad-hoc disbursements are quoted separately. All approvals are subject to prevailing Labuan FSA and Malaysian Immigration policy.
Procedure & Timeline
Five sequential steps from first enquiry to a lodged Employment Pass application. No work begins until due diligence is cleared and the first invoice is settled.
Due Diligence
1–3 days
Identity, source of funds, business activity and supporting documents are screened for AML/CFT and sanctions.
Approval & Engagement
1–2 days
File clearance and written acceptance of the engagement terms and package selected.
First Invoice
On settlement
The Labuan company component is funded and incorporation documents are filed.
Labuan Company Setup
10 days
Name reservation, incorporation, registered office, resident secretary and bank account introduction.
Employment Pass Application
35 days
The Employment Pass application is prepared and lodged with Labuan FSA and the Immigration Department.
Approximately 48 working days
About 10 calendar weeks from cleared due diligence to Employment Pass approval.
Additional Services
Beyond the Malaysian Visa Programme, we provide corporate and support services for clients with ongoing needs in Malaysia.
Labuan Company Incorporation
Incorporation of a Labuan trading company under the Labuan Companies Act 1990 through a licensed Labuan trust company.
- 100% foreign ownership — no local shareholder or director required
- Registered office, resident secretary and statutory filings
- Trading activity assessed at 3% of audited net profits
- Bank account introduction and ongoing compliance support
Labuan is a Federal Territory of Malaysia and a midshore financial centre administered by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA).
Employment Passes
Principal Employment Passes sponsored by your own Labuan company, with residence rights across Malaysia.
- Principal Employment Pass valid for 2 years and renewable
- Dependant Passes for spouse and children
- Long Term Social Visit Passes for parents or other family members
- Multiple-entry status and residence anywhere in Malaysia
Passes are applied for by the Labuan company for its own director or shareholder. Approval is at the discretion of Labuan FSA and the Immigration Department.
Nominee Services
Compliant nominee director and shareholder arrangements for Labuan entities where privacy or local presence is required.
- Qualified nominee directors resident in Malaysia
- Corporate and individual nominee shareholder options
- Clear mandate, powers and indemnity frameworks
- Ongoing liaison and statutory representation
All arrangements are structured transparently and in line with Malaysia's regulatory and reporting requirements.
Licensed Payroll & Compliance
Payroll administration, accounting support and licensed company services to keep your Malaysian operations running smoothly.
- Monthly payroll and statutory contributions
- Tax filing and regulatory reporting support
- Licensed company management and secretarial services
- Bookkeeping coordination and audit preparation
We work with your accountants and auditors to keep records clean, filings on time and the company in good standing.
Not sure which package fits you?
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll recommend the right structure and immigration path.