DE Rantau, explained properly
USD 24,000 a year if your work is technical, USD 60,000 if it isn't. About RM 1,080, no deposit, up to two years. If you qualify for this, none of the MM2H tiers make any financial sense for you.
What you need
- Income from outside Malaysia. USD 24,000 a year for IT and digital work, USD 60,000 for everything else. Proven with contracts, payslips and bank statements.
- A passport with 14+ months left.
- Medical insurance, at least three months of cover.
- About RM 1,000 for you and RM 500 per dependant, plus tax. Not refundable.
It was tech-only when it launched in 2022. Since June 2024 it covers founders, executives, accountants, lawyers, writers, business development and PR — but non-technical roles face the higher USD 60,000 bar.
What it doesn't let you do
- No Malaysian income. You can't work for a Malaysian company or invoice Malaysian clients. Doing it is an immigration offence, not a technicality.
- Peninsular Malaysia only. Sabah and Sarawak need a separate pass.
- Your family can come but can't work. Spouse, children under 18, and your parents.
What it is and isn't
Legally this is a Professional Visit Pass, not residency. It doesn't count towards MM2H, it doesn't lead to permanent residence, and it stops at two years. Think of it as a long, legal, very cheap stay rather than a move.
One practical thing nobody warns you about: many Malaysian banks won't open an account against a Professional Visit Pass. Most nomads run on Wise or Revolut the whole time. Plan for that rather than assuming you'll bank locally — more on banking here.
How the money compares
| DE Rantau | Sabah MM2H | MM2H Silver | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money down | ~RM 1,080 | RM 150,000 | ~USD 283,000 |
| How long | 2 years max | 10 years | 5 years |
| Days a year | None | 30 | 90 if under 50 |
| Income test | USD 24k/yr | RM 10k/mo | None |
Tax
Two years easily crosses the 182-day line, so you may well become a Malaysian tax resident. Your income is foreign by definition — the pass requires it — so the exemption that runs to 2036 is the relevant rule, provided the income was already taxed where it came from. If you're structured through somewhere with no tax, get advice before assuming. More on how Malaysian tax works.
Who it suits
Anyone with steady foreign income who wants to spend a year or two in Malaysia without moving capital. It's also the sensible way to test the country before committing to MM2H — live here two years, then decide, instead of buying a house you can't sell for a decade.
Common questions
What is the income requirement for DE Rantau?
USD 24,000 a year for IT and digital professionals, and USD 60,000 a year for non technical and non digital roles. The income must come from outside Malaysia and is evidenced with employment or freelance contracts, payslips and bank statements.
How long does the DE Rantau pass last?
It is issued for three to twelve months initially and can be renewed up to a maximum of twenty four months. It is legally a Professional Visit Pass rather than residency, so it does not count toward MM2H and does not lead to permanent residence.
Can DE Rantau holders work for Malaysian companies?
No. The pass permits remote work for employers and clients outside Malaysia only. Earning Malaysian source income on a DE Rantau pass is an immigration violation. The pass is also valid only in Peninsular Malaysia, so Sabah and Sarawak require a separate social visit pass.
Can I open a bank account on DE Rantau?
Often not. Many Malaysian banks will not open a resident account against a Professional Visit Pass, which is what DE Rantau legally is. Most holders use Wise or Revolut for the duration rather than banking locally, so plan for that from the start.
Do I pay tax in Malaysia on DE Rantau?
Possibly. A stay approaching two years crosses the 182 day threshold that makes you a Malaysian tax resident. Your income is foreign source by definition, so the exemption running to 31 December 2036 applies, provided the income was already taxed in its source country. If you are structured through a low or zero tax jurisdiction, take advice before assuming the exemption applies.
Can I bring my family on DE Rantau?
Yes. Your spouse or partner, children under 18, disabled children of any age, and your parents can all join you as dependants at around RM 500 each plus tax. Dependants cannot work in Malaysia.
Is DE Rantau better than MM2H?
If your income comes from outside Malaysia and meets the threshold, it is far cheaper. DE Rantau costs around RM 1,080 with no deposit, against roughly USD 283,000 tied up for MM2H Silver. What it does not give you is permanence, since it caps at two years and does not lead to residency. Many people use it to test the country before committing to MM2H.
Checked in July 2026 against the official MM2H portal and state programme rules. Ringgit converted at USD 1 = RM 4.50, which moves. Rules change — check before you commit any money.