Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) in 2026

The Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) is Malaysia's purpose-built immigration programme for foreign technology entrepreneurs, including founders and co-founders. It is more precise than the generic search phrase “Malaysia startup visa”: MTEP has separate New Entrepreneur and Established Entrepreneur tracks with different pass types, duration and family rights.

New Entrepreneur

MDEC's current FAQ defines a New Entrepreneur as a non-Malaysian who may be self-employed, has an innovative business idea in the digital field/platform and a strong digital proposition, and participates through a recognized Malaysia Digital Hub.

The immigration instrument is PVP-MTE (Professional Visit Pass – Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur):

  • generally valid for 1 year;
  • renewable for another 1 year; and
  • after two successful years with the required achievements, the founder may seek the Established Entrepreneur route if eligible.

This is not the same as ordinary employment under a Malaysian company and should not be confused with the Employment Pass.

Established Entrepreneur

An Established Entrepreneur is a non-Malaysian entrepreneur with a strong digital proposition and a proven business track record. MDEC's FAQ calls for a track record of more than 3 years and the latest 2 years of financial records.

The immigration instrument is RP-MTE (Residence Pass – Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur):

  • valid for up to 5 years; and
  • renewable for another 5 years while programme requirements continue to be met.

Longer pass validity should not be described as Malaysian permanent residence.

Sponsorship and programme ecosystem

New Entrepreneurs participate through a recognized Malaysia Digital Hub or other programme-recognized ecosystem partner and use the sponsorship/bond structure specified by MDEC. Established Entrepreneurs use the sponsor structure published for the RP-MTE application.

The founder should therefore secure the correct programme ecosystem relationship before treating MTEP as an ordinary self-sponsored residence application.

Family rules

Family rights differ sharply between the two tracks.

  • New Entrepreneur: MDEC's FAQ does not provide the same dependant privilege as the Established Entrepreneur RP-MTE route.
  • Established Entrepreneur: eligible spouse and qualifying children can use the programme's dependant structure; certain parents/in-laws and older qualifying children use the appropriate Social Visit Pass arrangement.
  • MDEC states that the spouse of an RP-MTE holder can work in Malaysia, subject to the programme/immigration conditions.

This difference is one reason a founder should not treat “MTEP” as one undifferentiated visa.

Current programme fees

MDEC's 2025 FAQ publishes an application/submission fee and programme/pass fees that differ by route. The published fee structure includes:

  • RM540 application/submission fee per applicant, non-refundable;
  • New Entrepreneur programme processing fee around RM2,160, plus Immigration/pass and multiple-entry-visa charges;
  • Established Entrepreneur principal/spouse programme fee around RM4,860, with separate dependant and Immigration/pass charges.

Fees can change, and multiple-entry visa charges vary by nationality. Use the live MDEC payment schedule at filing rather than treating these figures as permanent.

Financial and renewal evidence

MTEP is not simply an “investment amount” programme. The decision focuses on the founder, the digital proposition, programme participation and business evidence. Renewal can require evidence that the venture is operating and meeting milestones.

MDEC's current renewal checklist includes items such as Malaysian company/business evidence, tenancy or hub participation where relevant, tax/business records and—under published renewal requirements—evidence of a RM50,000 monthly personal bank balance for three consecutive months for specified renewal cases.

Do not misstate this renewal evidence as a universal initial capital threshold unless the live initial-application checklist says so.

Application process

  1. Decide whether the founder is genuinely a New or Established Entrepreneur under current MDEC definitions.
  2. For New Entrepreneur, establish the required relationship with a recognized Malaysia Digital Hub/programme partner.
  3. Prepare passport, business/professional profile, venture description and digital-proposition evidence.
  4. Established Entrepreneurs prepare the required track-record and financial records.
  5. Submit the application in English through the current MTEP channel while outside Malaysia as required by the programme instructions.
  6. Pay the applicable MDEC and Immigration fees.
  7. Complete endorsement/entry/pass issuance after approval.
  8. During the pass, maintain the venture and preserve evidence needed for renewal.

MDEC's FAQ states a target of about 4 weeks for a complete application, with pass issuance taking additional time, but both are operational targets rather than guarantees and Immigration retains discretion.

Tax and business compliance

MTEP does not replace company, tax, licensing or employment compliance. MDEC's FAQ specifically expects MTEP holders to handle Malaysian tax obligations. A founder may also need company incorporation, payroll, sector licensing, SST/corporate-tax and social-security analysis depending on the venture.

MTEP vs DE Rantau

Use DE Rantau when the real activity is remote employment or freelance work rather than building a qualifying Malaysian technology venture. MTEP is founder/venture-oriented.

MTEP vs Investor Pass

The Investor Pass is a short-term investment-facilitation pass and explicitly does not authorize paid employment. MTEP is designed for eligible technology entrepreneurs actually developing a qualifying venture.

Common mistakes

  • calling MTEP a single generic startup visa without distinguishing New and Established tracks;
  • assuming New Entrepreneurs have the same dependant rights as RP-MTE holders;
  • presenting renewal bank evidence as a universal initial investment threshold;
  • ignoring the Malaysia Digital Hub/programme-partner requirement for New Entrepreneurs;
  • treating a five-year RP-MTE as permanent residence; and
  • promising MDEC's processing target as a guaranteed approval timeline.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a New Entrepreneur stay?

The PVP-MTE is generally one year and can be renewed for another one year.

How long is the Established Entrepreneur pass?

RP-MTE can be granted for up to five years and renewed for another five years if the holder continues to satisfy the programme.

Can a New Entrepreneur bring family on the same terms?

No. The family framework is materially more favorable for the Established Entrepreneur RP-MTE route.

Does MTEP require a fixed investment amount like MM2H?

MTEP is not structured around the MM2H fixed-deposit tiers. Eligibility focuses on founder/venture criteria and programme evidence.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Malaysia