Expatriate Services Division (ESD)
What Is ESD and Why It Matters?
The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) is a Malaysian government authority responsible for approving companies to legally employ foreign nationals.
An approved ESD account is mandatory before submitting any Employment Pass (EP), Professional Visit Pass (PVP), or Dependant Pass (DP).
ESD registration is the first and most critical step in the foreign hiring process, as it determines a company’s eligibility to hire expatriates in Malaysia.
Paid-Up Capital Requirements
Foreign owned companies running Wholesale, Retail and Trade (WRT) must obtain a WRT license. Please refer to the Ministry of Domestic Trade,
Co-operatives and Consumerism WRT license application guidelines for more information.
Foreign owned companies running Wholesale, Retail and Trade (WRT) must obtain a WRT license. Please refer to the Ministry of Domestic Trade,Co-operatives and Consumerism WRT license application guidelines for more information.
Our ESD Services
Company eligibility assessment (industry, business scope, paid-up capital, structure)
Position and hiring requirement compliance review
Full document preparation and ESD submission
Liaison with ESD and relevant authorities
Handling of additional document requests and clarifications
ESD account activation and final approval
End-to-End ESD Registration Required Document
The following information is required for ESD account registration:
- Company profile with office and product/service photos
- Directors’ identification (IC or passport copies)
- Latest company telephone bill showing office address
- Latest e-SSM printout and Certified True Copies (Form 9, 24 & 49)
- Company tax file numbers (C & E)
- Office tenancy agreement or Sale & Purchase Agreement
- Company letterhead with registered address and contact details
- EPF statement
- Premise licence issued by local authority
- Latest audited financial report
- PERKESO registration number
- Latest 3 months’ bank statements
- Employment contracts or 3 months’ salary slips for two management and two operational staff
ESD Application Process, Step by Step
1. Company Registration
Handled by a Company Secretary via SSM; includes transferring funds and increasing paid-up capital.
2. Office / Premise
Identifying and renting an office that complies with local council regulations and zoning.
3. ESD Account Registration
Mandatory for hiring expatriates. Requires business profiles, audited financial reports, and director details.
4. Individual EP Application
Submission via the ESD portal once the company account is active.
We provide professional foreign talent and work permit solutions in Malaysia, specializing in ESD registration, Employment Pass (EP), PVP, and etc.