If you’re an expatriate living or working in Malaysia, you may be wondering: Is it possible to hire a foreign domestic helper (maid) to support your household needs? The short answer is yes—but only if you meet specific eligibility criteria set by Malaysia’s Immigration Department.
This guide breaks down everything expats need to know: eligible visa types, key requirements, required documents, and how to submit your application—all optimized to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Key Eligibility: Which Expat Visas Allow Hiring a Foreign Domestic Helper?
Malaysia’s Immigration Department permits expatriates on long-term, official visas to hire at least one foreign domestic helper. Short-term visas (like social visit passes or spousal visas) do not qualify. Below are the eligible visa categories:
1. Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass (EP) is Malaysia’s primary work permit for expatriates employed by a local company. It’s valid for up to 60 months and tied to your employer.
- Issued by: Expatriate Services Division (ESD), Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), or the Protocols Unit (for diplomats).
- Eligibility: All EP holders are allowed to hire a foreign domestic helper, provided they meet other requirements (e.g., minimum income, valid reasons).
2. Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)
The Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) is a flexible, long-term visa for highly skilled expatriates. Unlike the EP, it’s not tied to a single employer and is valid for up to 10 years.
- Issued by: Residence Pass-Talent Unit at Immigration Putrajaya headquarters.
- Eligibility: RP-T holders are fully permitted to hire foreign domestic helpers for household support.
3. Permanent Residence (PR)
Foreigners with Malaysian Permanent Residence (PR) and a valid Malaysian Identity Card (IC) are eligible to hire foreign domestic helpers. PR status is a long-term residency permit, so it falls under the Immigration Department’s approved categories.
4. Labuan Employment Pass
The Labuan Employment Pass is a 2-year renewable work visa for expatriates working at Labuan-based companies (e.g., foreign directors or specialized staff). It allows you to live in Labuan or peninsular Malaysia (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and travel in/out of the country multiple times.
- Eligibility: Labuan Employment Pass holders can hire a foreign domestic helper, but applications must be submitted to the Labuan Immigration Unit (not mainland offices).
5. Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a long-term residency scheme for retirees or high-net-worth expats. MM2H visa holders are allowed to hire up to 1 foreign domestic helper for their household.
- Note: Eligibility follows MM2H program guidelines and Malaysia’s Immigration regulations—so check both for updates.
Who Cannot Hire a Foreign Domestic Helper?
Expatriates on the following visas are not eligible to be the legal employer of a foreign domestic helper in Malaysia:
- Spousal visas (e.g., dependent visas tied to a partner’s work permit)
- Social visit passes (short-term stays for tourism, family visits, or business trips)
- Student visas
Key Requirements & Documents for Expats
To hire a foreign domestic helper, you must meet additional criteria and submit the following documents to Malaysia’s Immigration Department:
1. Proof of Employment & Income
- Employment Verification Letter: Issued by your Malaysian employer, confirming your current role, employment status, and tenure. It must be signed by an HR representative or manager and stamped with either the company’s official stamp or a Certified True Copy (CTC) stamp.
- 3 Months’ Salary Slips: Issued by your employer to prove a steady income (the Immigration Department may require a minimum salary—check with your issuing authority for the latest threshold).
2. Proof of Malaysian Residence
You’ll need to provide documentation of your current residential address in Malaysia, such as:
- A utility bill (electricity, water, or internet) in your name
- A rental agreement or property deed (if you own a home)
3. Valid Reason for Hiring
The Immigration Department requires a legitimate, household-related reason to hire a helper. Accepted reasons include:
- Childcare (for dependents under 18)
- Elderly care (for aging family members living with you)
- Housekeeping for a large residence
How to Submit a Foreign Domestic Helper Visa Application
Every application for a foreign domestic helper hired by an expatriate in Malaysia must be submitted over the counter, at the appropriate Immigration unit or office. Which specific office you use depends on where your original employment pass or resident talent pass was issued—such as units like ESD, MDEC, MIDA, MM2H or MOFA.
