Personalized route for Saudi Arabia citizens

Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa for Saudi Arabia Citizens

Saudi Arabia citizens can apply for Malaysia's digital nomad visa with a minimum income of $24,000/year, 12 months stay, and 4 weeks processing.

Eligible

As a Saudi Arabia citizen, you can apply for Malaysia's DE Rantau Nomad Pass. The pass requires USD 24,000/year for tech professionals or USD 60,000/year for non-tech, and grants a 3-to-12-month stay renewable for another year.

Quick facts

Income

$24,000/year

Duration

12 months

Processing

4 weeks

Fee

$240

Tax

Tax treatment depends on tax residency status under Malaysian law. Staying <182 days in a calendar year: generally not a Malaysian tax resident — no Malaysian tax on foreign-sourced income. 182+ days: may become tax resident, subject to progressive rates (0%–30%) on worldwide income. Malaysia does not tax foreign-sourced income for non-residents.

Dependents

Yes

Required documents

Use this checklist to prepare the core documents for your application.

Background check Required

Police clearance certificate from country of residence/citizenship, issued within 6 months.

Employment proof Required

Active employment contract with a foreign company (min 3 months remaining), OR proof of freelance/consulting income from foreign clients via contracts and bank statements.

Health insurance Required

Medical insurance coverage valid in Malaysia for the full duration of the pass.

Passport Required

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages.

Photograph Required

Two passport-sized photographs (white background, taken within 6 months).

Proof of income Required

Proof of income ≥USD 24,000/year (tech) or ≥USD 60,000/year (non-tech) via bank statements, employment contract, or client invoices from foreign sources.

Tax implications summary

A quick read on the local tax treatment before you commit.

Current tax status

Tax treatment depends on tax residency status under Malaysian law. Staying <182 days in a calendar year: generally not a Malaysian tax resident — no Malaysian tax on foreign-sourced income. 182+ days: may become tax resident, subject to progressive rates (0%–30%) on worldwide income. Malaysia does not tax foreign-sourced income for non-residents.

Longer stays can trigger local tax residency, so confirm whether your foreign income becomes taxable after arrival.

Residency outlook

There is no direct path to permanent residency listed for this visa.

Application steps timeline

A clear sequence from preparation to application submission.

1

Verify eligibility

Confirm you work in a qualifying digital/tech field and meet the income threshold: USD 24,000/year (tech) or USD 60,000/year (non-tech).

2

Prepare documents

Gather passport, proof of income, employment contract or freelance proof, police clearance, health insurance, and photographs.

3

Apply via DE Rantau portal

Register and submit your application through the MDEC DE Rantau online portal at derantau.com.my.

4

Pay the fee

MYR 1,000 (≈USD 240) for the primary applicant. MYR 500 per dependent. Payment is made online after preliminary approval.

5

Receive e-approval and travel

After approval, you receive an approval letter. Travel to Malaysia and present the letter at immigration to receive your Professional Visit Pass endorsement in your passport.

Other countries for Saudi Arabia citizens

Costa Rica

Estancia para Trabajadores Remotos

Eligible
$3,000/month 12 months
Check Eligibility

Frequently asked questions

Can Saudi Arabia citizens apply for Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. Saudi Arabia citizens are currently eligible to apply for the Malaysia digital nomad visa.

What is the minimum income for Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa?

The minimum income is $24,000/year based on the current program data.

How long does it take to process?

Processing currently takes about 4 weeks, although embassy workloads can change timelines.

Can I bring dependents?

Yes. This program allows dependents.

Is there a path to permanent residency?

There is no direct path to permanent residency listed for this visa.

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