Malaysia has a significant Korean corporate presence — Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, Hyundai, and numerous Korean manufacturing and electronics companies operate in Penang, Selangor, and Johor. The Employment Pass system is employer-driven but relatively straightforward compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
Employment Pass Categories
Category
Min. Monthly Salary
Duration
Category I
MYR 5,000+
Up to 5 years
Category II
MYR 3,000–MYR 4,999
Up to 2 years
Category III
MYR 1,500–MYR 2,999
Up to 1 year (quota-based)
Application Process
Employer applies through MDEC (for tech/digital roles) or Immigration Department
Processing time: 4–8 weeks once employer submits application
Expat tax rate: 28% flat for non-residents; resident rate (≤15%) after 182 days in Malaysia
Key Korean Industries in Malaysia
Electronics manufacturing: Penang is a major hub for Korean semiconductor and display firms
Automotive: Hyundai/Kia assembly and components suppliers in Selangor
Digital economy: MDEC supports Korean tech companies relocating regional functions to Malaysia
Korean Wave: content, entertainment, and F&B businesses serving the Korean-Malaysian community
Studying in Malaysia from Korea
Quick Facts
Avg. Tuition
MYR 15,000–40,000/yr
Difficulty
Easy
Language
English medium
Student Pass
Via Education Malaysia
Malaysia offers English-medium university education at a fraction of Western costs. For Korean students, Malaysia serves as a launching pad for 2+2 programs (2 years in Malaysia + 2 years at partner UK/Australian university), reducing total education costs significantly. Monash University Malaysia and Taylor's University are particularly popular.
Universities and Programs
University
Annual Fees
Notable Program
Monash University Malaysia
MYR 30,000–45,000
Business, IT, Engineering
Taylor's University
MYR 25,000–40,000
Hospitality, Business, Law
UTAR (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman)
MYR 15,000–25,000
Engineering, Computing
UTM (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)
MYR 12,000–20,000
Engineering, Technology
Student Pass Requirements
Apply through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) online portal
University admission letter + EMGS approval before student pass issuance
Processing time: 4–8 weeks
Health check required (chest X-ray) on arrival
Korean students eligible for KOICA scholarships and bilateral education agreements
Immigrating to Malaysia from Korea
Quick Facts
Long-Stay Program
MM2H
Difficulty
Hard
Fixed Deposit (MM2H)
RM 1,000,000
Monthly Income Req.
RM 40,000 offshore
Malaysia does not offer a direct permanent residence pathway for most foreigners, but the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program offers a 5-year renewable long-stay visa. The 2024 revised MM2H requirements are significantly more stringent than the original program, targeting high-net-worth individuals.
MM2H Program (2024 Requirements)
Fixed deposit: RM 1,000,000 (approximately USD 215,000) in a Malaysian bank
Monthly offshore income: RM 40,000/month from outside Malaysia
Property purchase: RM 2,000,000 minimum property in Malaysia within 12 months of approval
Health insurance covering Malaysia required
5-year visa, renewable; does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship
MM2H holders can bring spouse, children under 21, and parents
Alternative Long-Stay Options
Long-stay via Employment Pass renewal (continued employment)
Dependent Pass (spouse/children of EP holders)
Permanent Residence: available but rarely granted to non-spouses of Malaysians; process takes 10–20+ years with no guarantee
Traveling to Malaysia from Korea
Quick Facts
Visa Required
None (90 days free)
Difficulty
Easy
Flight Time (KL)
~6.5 hours
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Malaysian Ringgit is significantly weaker than the Korean Won, making Malaysia excellent value for Korean travelers. Korean cuisine has established itself strongly in Kuala Lumpur (especially in the Korean expat hub of Solaris Mont Kiara), and the two countries have extensive people-to-people ties through Korean manufacturing investment.
Entry Requirements
Visa-free entry for 90 days for Korean passport holders
Passport validity: at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Return or onward ticket; proof of accommodation
No advance application needed — stamp on arrival
Travel Costs (KRW)
Category
Budget
Mid-range
Flights (Seoul–KL)
₩200,000–₩400,000
₩400,000–₩800,000
Hotel/night (KL, 3-star)
₩30,000–₩60,000
₩70,000–₩180,000
Meals/day (hawker to restaurant)
₩15,000–₩35,000
₩35,000–₩90,000
Grab ride (within city)
₩4,000–₩15,000
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Top Destinations
Kuala Lumpur — Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, Bukit Bintang shopping, Korean restaurants in Mont Kiara
Penang — George Town UNESCO heritage, Gurney Plaza, Penang Hill; excellent street food
Langkawi — duty-free island (no alcohol tax), beaches, cable car, snorkeling
Ipoh — old colonial city, cave temples, famous Malaysian Chinese cuisine
Johor Bahru — day trip from Singapore; LEGOLAND, Premium Outlets, seafood
About this guide — Data researched against official Malaysian government sources. Last reviewed June 2026. LeaveThisCountry provides general information only — not legal or immigration advice. See our disclaimer.