
When expanding your business in Malaysia or hiring expatriates for specialized roles, navigating the immigration system can often be overwhelming. Fortunately, Malaysia’s Expatriate Services Division – ESD has streamlined the process, offering companies a more efficient and centralized way to manage expatriate work permits and business visas.
Here, we will discuss what the ESD is, why it’s essential for foreigners applying for business visas in Malaysia, and how Emiconsol can assist with the Company Registration in Malaysia and ESD Processfor 2025.
What is the Expatriate Services Division (ESD)?
The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) is a specialized department under the Immigration Department of Malaysia, aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining work permits and immigration approvals for expatriates coming to Malaysia for employment.
The ESD’s one-stop portal allows businesses to submit all expatriate-related immigration matters online. This service improves efficiency by reducing paperwork, approval times, and simplifying the process for both expatriates and their employers.
By collaborating with multiple government agencies, including TalentCorp, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Royal Malaysian Police, the ESD ensures that applications are processed swiftly while complying with immigration laws.
Why Do Foreigners Need ESD for Business Visas?
If you are a foreigner or an international company looking to hire expatriates in Malaysia, understanding and utilizing the ESD system is crucial for obtaining the right business visas. The two most common work permits for expatriates in Malaysia are the Employment Pass (EP) and the Professional Visit Pass (PVP).
1. Simplified Application Process
The ESD portal allows businesses to submit all their immigration applications online, reducing the need for multiple visits to various departments. This centralization of services makes the entire process faster and more convenient.
2. Faster Approvals
In December 2023, the ESD announced that projections and applications for expatriate visas would be approved on the same day. This is a significant improvement from the previous four-week processing time, allowing companies to expedite their hiring and workforce planning.
3. Range of Work Permits
Through ESD, expatriates can apply for a variety of work visas, including:
- Employment Pass (EP): For long-term, skilled workers.
- Professional Visit Pass (PVP): For short-term assignments, training, or business visits.
- Dependent Pass: For family members of expatriates.
- Long-Term Social Visit Pass and Foreign Maid Pass for non-working purposes.
4. Efficient Quota System
The ESD system includes a projection (quota) system where companies can project their expatriate needs for the following year. Projections for 2024 were approved instantly starting in December 2023, helping businesses plan and manage their workforce without delay.
How Emiconsol Streamlines the ESD Process for Clients?
Emiconsol offers specialized services to guide businesses through the ESD process and help them with company registration in Malaysia. Here’s how we simplify the process for our clients:
1. Expert Company Registration
Before applying for any work visas or ESD services, businesses must be registered in Malaysia. At Emiconsol, we help foreign and local companies complete their company registration efficiently. Whether you’re looking to establish a local business or a foreign-owned entity, we ensure you meet the necessary paid-up capital requirements and provide guidance on the ownership structure (100% local, joint venture, or fully foreign-owned). Depending on the type of business (local, joint venture, or fully foreign-owned), the company must meet specific paid-up capital requirements.
For instance:
- Local companies need a minimum of RM250,000 in paid-up capital.
- Joint ventures with at least 30% foreign equity require RM350,000.
- Fully foreign-owned companies require RM500,000.
- Our company registration consultancy package includes:
- Full company registration consultancy (with RM 1000 worth share)
- First company secretary appointment (with first year cosec fee)
- Company forms, super forms, and sections
- Certified true copies (CTCs) & company chop arrangements
- Name search and SSM charges
- Foreign directors document certification
- Printing, filing, and documentation services
- Share distribution agreements and nominee director arrangements
- Business licenses application documents preparation
- Premises license and signboard application assistance
- Registered office facilities
- Bank account opening (first bank account)
- Ongoing business counseling, planning, and setup advisory
For a business setup price quotation, email us at advisory@emiconsol.com
2. Seamless Integration with ESD
Once your company is registered, we will assist in creating an account with the ESD portal, where all expatriate-related applications can be managed online. Our team ensures that your business meets the ESD’s criteria, including the projection (quota) system for Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) for expatriates.
We take care of all the documentation, applications, and projections, ensuring that you receive same-day approvals for work permits, allowing you to stay on track with your recruitment goals.
3. Projection and Quota Management
With the introduction of the projection system for 2024, Emiconsol helps businesses plan their expatriate workforce efficiently. We assist in applying for projections for EP and PVP, ensuring that your business doesn’t miss out on critical approvals. Unused projections for the year will not carry over to the following year, so we ensure that quotas are maximized.
4. Visa Applications
We assist in applying for the Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) once your expatriates are projected. Whether it’s for new hires or renewals, Emiconsol ensures that every application is submitted accurately and on time through the ESD portal.
Why You Should Contact Emiconsol for Company Registration and ESD Process in 2025
If you’re considering expanding your business to Malaysia or hiring expatriates for critical roles, Emiconsol is your trusted partner for handling the ESD process and company registration in 2025. Here’s why you should choose us:
1. In-Depth Knowledge of Malaysia’s Immigration System
With our extensive experience in Malaysian immigration laws and the ESD process, we guide businesses through the complex procedures, ensuring that every step is followed correctly. We help you avoid costly mistakes that could delay the approval of your expatriates’ work permits.
2. Speed and Efficiency
We help expedite the process, from company registration to ESD applications, ensuring that you get same-day approvals for expatriate work permits, saving you time and reducing your workload.
3. Tailored Services for Foreign and Local Businesses
Whether you’re a 100% local company, a joint venture, or a foreign-owned entity, Emiconsol provides tailored solutions based on your business structure and needs.
4. Comprehensive Support for Expatriate Hiring
From submitting projections and applying for visas to managing renewals, we provide end-to-end support for all your expatriate hiring needs, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
5. Proven Track Record of Success
With years of experience and a strong track record of satisfied clients, we are well-positioned to help you navigate the complexities of company registration and the ESD process in Malaysia.
As businesses increasingly look to Malaysia for expansion and talent acquisition,Emiconsol stands as a reliable partner for company registration expert in Malaysia and navigating the ESD process.
Whether you’re starting a new business or hiring expatriates, we make the legal immigration process smoother, faster, and more efficient, helping you focus on what truly matters — growing your business.
For more information or to get started with the ESD process or company registration in 2025, contact Emiconsol today. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on your business success in Malaysia!
Have questions about the ESD process or company registration in Malaysia?
Contact Emiconsol.com now at +60 11-1626 2730, and we’ll ensure your business is set up for success in 2025!
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