A Bespoke Programme Onboarding The Digital Nomads, "DE Rantau Programme" And The "Social Visit Pass" Catered For Foreign Professionals

Published date20 October 2022
Subject MatterImmigration, General Immigration
Law FirmShearn Delamore & Co.
AuthorMs Suganthi Singam and Chui Siew Xuan

At the forefront of digital revolutionisation Malaysia has launched the DE Rantau programme aimed specifically towards the digital nomad. The programme was launched on 1 October 2022 and all applications received will be screened by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ("MDEC")1.

Tying the concepts of travel and work together, the DE Rantau Programme provides a platform for digital nomads which encompasses the digital freelancer, independent contractor and remote worker to secure access to exclusive benefits for nomad-ready living and working hubs, handpicked local services, discount vouchers, latest information and promotions. Additionally, it provides access to a full-fledged ecosystem which includes but is not limited to accommodation hubs, local services ranging from travel, tourism, transport, e-commerce, e-payments, and other services.

Ifsuccessful, a foreign digital nomad will be issued a DE Rantau Nomad Pass which is a category of a Visit Pass specifically curated for the individual to travel and work in Peninsular Malaysia for up to 12 months with an option to renew for an additional 12 months. The principal applicant is permitted to bring in his spouse and children under the DE Rantau Programme2.

To be eligible, the applicants must be at least 18 years old and are required to prove that they have active projects with a minimum three months of contracting period to qualify as a digital nomad under the foreign digital nomad category3. The minimum annual income of the applicant must be USD24,000 and above.

In an attempt to expand the nomad network within the country, local citizens can access the benefits and discounts offered under this Programme subject to the fulfilment of the specific conditions, inter alia, an annual income of RM36,000 and active projects with a minimum of a one month contracting period to qualify under the local digital nomad category. One of the unique features of the Programme is the De Rantau Hub which has the following criteria:

  • Shared or self-contained facility with bed, washroom, desk and chair for workspace, kitchen and pantry, listed on the...

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