DE Rantau Visa for Spanish Nomads on Short Stays in Malaysia

This guide comprehensively analyzes the DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa for Spanish citizens planning 1-2 month stays in Malaysia, comparing its benefits and disadvantages with other short-term entry options.

Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa (DE Rantau Nomad Pass)

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is Malaysia's official digital nomad visa, launched to attract global digital talent. It provides a legal pathway for foreign remote workers to reside and work remotely from Malaysia.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, Spanish citizens (and other foreign nationals) must meet the following requirements:

• Age: 18 years or older.
• Profession: Must be a digital freelancer, independent contractor, or remote employee in digital/IT fields (e.g., software development, digital marketing, creative content, data science). Eligibility has expanded to include non-tech professionals, but with a higher income threshold.
• Minimum Annual Income:
  • USD 24,000 for digital/IT professionals.
  • USD 60,000 for non-tech professionals.
  • Income must be earned from non-Malaysian sources.
• Passport Validity: Passport must be valid for at least 14 months upon application.
• Remote Work Proof:
  • Freelancers/Independent Contractors: Contracts valid for more than three months with one or more Malaysian or non-Malaysian clients at the time of application.
  • Remote Employees: Proof of employment with a non-Malaysian company for more than three months at the time of application.
• Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance covering Malaysia.
• Clean Record: A clean criminal record or good character certificate.
• Employment Restrictions: Must not seek or engage in employment with Malaysian companies or clients within Malaysia.
• Dependents: The principal applicant can include a legally married spouse, common-law partners (if recognized by the home country), minor children under 18 (including stepchildren), and parents. Each dependent requires additional documentation and fees.

Application Process

The application process for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass is managed by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and is conducted entirely online:

1. Online Portal: Applicants must register and submit their application through the official DE Rantau portal.
2. Document Submission: All required documents (scanned copies) must be uploaded to the portal.
3. Application Fee Payment: Payment of the non-refundable application fee.
4. Processing Time: Typically takes 2 to 4 weeks for approval.
5. Pass Sticker: Upon approval, an in-person visit to an Immigration Department of Malaysia office is generally required to obtain the physical pass sticker in the passport.

Required Documentation

Prepare the following documents in digital format for submission:

• Completed DE Rantau Nomad Pass application form.
• Valid passport (with at least 14 months validity).
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
• Proof of remote work (employment contract or client agreements).
• Proof of income/financial self-sufficiency (e.g., bank statements for the last 3-6 months, annual income statements, invoices).
• Health insurance policy valid in Malaysia.
• Clean criminal record certificate/Good character certificate.
• For dependents: Marriage certificate (for spouse), birth certificates (for children).

Associated Costs

• Principal Applicant: MYR 1,000 (approximately USD 215, as of Q2 2024).
• Each Dependent: MYR 500 (approximately USD 108, as of Q2 2024).
• These fees are subject to change and may incur additional Sales and Service Tax (SST).

Comparison with Short-Term Visa Options (Tourist Visa for Spanish Citizens)

For Spanish citizens, the primary short-term alternative to the DE Rantau Nomad Pass is visa-free entry for tourism.

Visa-Free Entry (Tourist Visa) for Spanish Citizens

• Eligibility: Spanish citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. They must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date.
• Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): All foreign visitors (with some exemptions) must complete and submit the MDAC online within three days prior to their arrival in Malaysia. This is mandatory as of January 1, 2024.
• Duration: Up to 90 days (approximately 3 months).
• Cost: No visa application fee.
• Legality of Remote Work: Crucially, remote work is not legally authorized on a social visit pass (tourist visa) in Malaysia. The DE Rantau pass was explicitly introduced to remove the