DE RANTAU NOMAD PASS: YOUR GATEWAY TO WORK & WANDERLUST
The DE Rantau Nomad Pass by Malaysia is an excellent choice for digital nomads, remote workers, and location-independent professionals. Here’s why it should be on your radar:
1. Long Stay Duration (Up to 2 Years)
Unlike many short-term digital nomad visas (e.g., 6-12 months in other countries),Malaysia’s DE Rantau pass allows stays of up to 12 months initially, renewable for another 12 months, giving you 2 years of stability.
2. No Income Tax for Foreign-Sourced Income
Malaysia offers a tax exemption on foreign-sourced income for digital nomads, meaning you won’t be taxed on earnings from clients or employers outside Malaysia.
3. Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to digital nomad hubs like Bali, Portugal, or Spain, Malaysia offers a lower cost of living while maintaining high-quality infrastructure. Cities like Kuala Lumpur(KL), Penang, Johor Bahru (JB) etc provide great amenities at reasonable prices.
4. Strong Digital Infrastructure
Malaysia has high-speed internet (ranked among the best in Southeast Asia), reliable co-working spaces, and a business-friendly environment.
5. Strategic Location for Travel
Malaysia is a hub for exploring Asia, with easy access to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore via budget flights.
6. Vibrant Expat & Nomad Community
Cities like KL, Penang, and Langkawi have thriving expat communities, making networking and socializing easy.
7. No Requirement for a Local Employer
Unlike work pass in some countries, the DE Rantau pass does not require you to work for a Malaysian company—you can keep your remote job or freelance clients.
8. Family-Friendly Option
The pass allows dependents (spouse &children) to join you, making it a great choice for digital nomad families.
9. Easy Application Process
The requirements are quite straightforward. Among others are:
-Proof of remote work (freelance/employed)
-Minimum income of US$24,000/year (tech professionals)
-Minimum income of US$60,000/year (non-tech professionals)
-Valid passport & health insurance
10. High Quality of Life
Malaysia offers great tropical climate, healthcare, diverse food options, safety and a mix of modern and natural attractions (beaches, rain forests and urban comforts).In short, if you want a long-term, tax-friendly, affordable, well-connected public transportation and prefer able digital nomad destination, Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass is a top choice in Asia. It balances lifestyle, convenience and cost better than other alternatives.
Would you need to know further on a specific visa/pass type and which one suits you the best? Let’s reach our immigration team today!