Returning Expert Programme
Relocating home can be rewarding
Malaysia values its talents and welcomes them home should they wish to return. As such, the Returning Expert Programme (REP) is here to facilitate the return of Malaysian professionals from abroad to meet the talent needs of the nation. If you are planning to return home to utilise your global expertise towards the growth of the economy, find out how you can do so while enjoying special incentives to make your coming home journey smoother.
REP Incentives
Find out more about each incentive and how you can apply for them.
Flat Tax Rate on Income Tax
A capped tax rate of 15%Â on chargeable employment income for five consecutive years.
Read more
Tax Exemption on Vehicle
Exemption on import duty and excise duty for the purchase of CBU & CKD vehicle.
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Tax Exemption on Personal Effects
Personal effects includes furniture, electronics and other general household items.
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Family Benefits
Eligibility for foreign spouses and children to apply for permanent resident status (MyPR).
Read more
Eligibility Criteria
Take a look at the list of criteria below to ensure the requirements are fulfilled and if any additional information is needed before submitting your application.
General Requirements
Other Requirements for Healthcare Sectors
Other Requirements for Non-Healthcare Sectors
General Requirements
General Requirements
- A citizen of Malaysia.
- Currently residing abroad and have been employed abroad continuously for a minimum of three years at the time of your REP application.
- Have not earned employment income in Malaysia continuously for a minimum of three years prior to your REP application.
- REP application is submitted prior to your return to Malaysia.
- Do not hold any outstanding scholarship bonds or loans with the Malaysian Government or any of its agencies.
- Under no obligation to return to Malaysia. Eg: If returning with the same company
NOTES
Your REP application must be submitted while you are still residing and working abroad. Submissions made after returning to Malaysia will not be considered.
Other Requirements for Healthcare Sectors
Other requirements for healthcare sectors
Applications will also be evaluated based on the following requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree
- Total working experience abroad of 8 years from the date of full professional registration
- An equivalent of RM20,000 or more in monthly salary earned while working abroad
- Registered with Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) or Malaysian Dental Council (MDC)
Master’s Degree / Full Membership With a Professional Body
- Total working experience abroad as required for registration with National Specialist Register (NSR)
- An equivalent of RM20,000 or more in monthly salary earned while working abroad
- Must be registered with MMC or MDC
- Must be registrable with NSR
NOTES
- General REP requirements applies.
- Healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, nurses and allied health practitioners are subject to the eligibility criteria for general professionals.
- Must fulfill registration requirements set by relevant professional bodies. Eg: Pharmacy Board Malaysia and Malaysian Nursing Board.
- Specialists require different periods of supervised work experience as prescribed by the relevant NSR Specialist Committee; further information can be found here.
Other Requirements for Non-Healthcare Sectors
Other requirements for non-healthcare sectors
Applications will also be evaluated based on the following requirements:
Diploma
- 12 years total of working abroad experience
- An equivalent of RM20,000 or more in monthly salary earned while working abroad
Bachelor’s Degree
- 8 years total of working abroad experience
- An equivalent of RM20,000 or more in monthly salary earned while working abroad
Master’s Degree / Full Membership With a Professional Body
- 5 years total of working abroad experience
- An equivalent of RM20,000 or more in monthly salary earned while working abroad
PhD
- 4 years total of working abroad experience
- An equivalent of RM20,000 or more in monthly salary earned while working abroad
Relocating home can be rewarding
Malaysia's Returning Expert Programme (REP) is designed to celebrate and reward your professional journey as you bring your valuable expertise back home. This is more than a homecoming; it's a chance to infuse your career with new meaning while enjoying exclusive benefits. Join us on this enriching voyage and let's make a transformative impact together.
Application Procedure
Additional Information
- Register for an REP account here and proceed to complete the online application.
- You will receive a decision email from the REP Secretariat within 45 days, informing you of the outcome.
- If your application is approved, you have two years from the date of the approval to return to Malaysia.
- Upon your return, you are required to schedule an online appointment with TalentCorp to provide further documents, as per listed in the Terms and Conditions for confirmation.
You will need the following documents for your application:
- A copy of your valid passport;
- A copy of your overseas residence document. Eg: permanent resident identity card, work permit or employment pass;
- Your latest resume indicating years, months, and locations of current and previous employer(s);
- An offer letter or other equivalent document from your current employer as proof of employment commencement date;
- Latest salary slip as proof of employment at the time of application, or employment confirmation on join date, position, and salary;
- Latest tax returns or salary reference if you have no fixed income;
- Academic certificates that are certified by the Commissioner of Oath;
- Employment offer letter or other equivalent document from Malaysia (if any);
- For applicants from Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei, the latest document of proof of property ownership abroad and utility bills, or rental agreement and rental payment receipt, is required;
- A copy of entry and exit stamps in your passport.
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If you are a self-employed applicant, the documents below are required:
- Your business registration document indicating when the business was established, and your names listed as the owner or board of director to the company;
- Your company’s bank statement for at least 6 months prior to the date of your submitted application, indicating receipt of payments to the business;
- A third-party confirmation that the business is still active until at least the time of your REP application – this has to be certified by a company secretary, an external accountant, the Commissioner of Oath, or a Public Notary appointed by the government. This is to indicate that you are drawing an income at the time of application.
If you are a healthcare sector applicant, the documents below are required:
Doctors / Specialists
- Your complete registration certificate, duly approved by the Malaysian Medical Council. For registration, please refer here.
- Your complete registration certificate, duly approved by the National Specialist Registrar. For specialist, please register here.
Dentist / Nurse / Other allied health practitioners
- Your registration from respective national professional bodies or regulators. E.g: Malaysian Nursing Board, Malaysian Dental Council.
