Then on Oct 16, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) launched its second digital hub in Langkawi with partners Grab, Air Asia, HostAStay, PayNet, Tapawfood, LokaLocal, Tourplus, Jetpack, and senangPay.
This is part of the growing ecosystem the government hopes will encourage more digital nomads to choose Malaysia as their preferred home away from home.
Over 2,000 registrations have been received so far from a range of remote workers and freelancers including software engineers, digital marketers, web developers, and content creators.
Here are eight reasons the DE Rantau nomad pass is so appealing.
1. Cost
At RM1,000 or US$212 per applicant, and only half this amount for each dependent, it is one of the most affordable digital-nomad visas available anywhere. Insurance coverage is required, but only after approval.
2. Inclusivity
Legal spouses or common-law partners; natural, adopted, or stepchildren under 18; as well as disabled children of any age are eligible as dependents.
3. Useability
As a multi-entry visa valid for up to 12 months and renewable for another 12 months, nomads can continue travelling the region from their Malaysian base. You simply need a minimum of 14 months’ validity on your passport before applying.
4. Eligibility
Open to a relatively wide scope of remote workers and freelancers, and with a minimum threshold of US$2,000 monthly income, a larger segment of the digital-nomad community now qualifies.
5. Benefits
Pass holders receive exclusive benefits and discounts from the growing ecosystem that includes participating partners for transportation, food delivery, and accommodation.
6. Speed
Applications are expected to be processed within four weeks of submission, with results expected within a week, subject to the Immigration Department’s discretion. Once approved, the applicant has up to six months to activate the nomad pass.
7. Convertibility
Even current holders of student or employment passes can convert to the nomad pass as long as they meet all requirements.
8. Support
A sponsor is required to apply, but if you don’t have access to one, MDEC can be the sponsoring organisation via a security bond of between RM300 and RM2,000, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
As a new visa offering, questions remain regarding how taxation will be handled, the accessibility of banking services or viable alternatives, and insurance requirements.
One group of digital nomads, YouTubers Kensho Quest, are trekking through Malaysia and can offer their perspective.
George and his wife Heidi have been travelling for almost 15 years and have visited over 40 countries. Many of these were before they welcomed their children Kaisho, Harumi, and Sora, themselves seasoned nomadic global citizens despite their young age.
“We believe DE Rantau has the potential to be the No. 1 choice for digital nomads in all of Southeast Asia,” George and Heidi told FMT. “Having a supportive network in place will be huge for many expats, especially new digital nomads. No other nation is doing this.”
That said, they admitted concern over payment methods, both in terms of sending and receiving. “Currently, there is nothing in place and it’s not easy to open a bank account. We’ve been travelling around the region for six months now and it’s starting to get very frustrating.
“If nothing is implemented, we will look at other options for nomads in other countries.”
Although foreign nomads are unable to open a local bank account, there are plans for e-wallets to enable cross-border payments through the use of compatible QR codes rolled out across the region.
And with other popular locations nearby, Malaysia may do well in attracting those looking to base themselves in a more central travel hub between Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bali.
Local digital nomads can register here and take advantage of the ecosystem, while foreign nomads can register here and read the FAQs here.
Reg Ching is a walking quadriplegic (OKU), digital nomad, business consultant, medical cannabis advocate, and cryptocurrency enthusiast. Follow his journey at regching.com.