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How to Apply for DE Rantau from Sri Lanka (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

By Anchor Nomad · Updated October 2026

TL;DR: Sri Lankan remote workers, freelancers and professionals can apply for DE Rantau online from Sri Lanka. You need a passport valid for 14+ months, remote income of at least USD 24,000 a year (tech/digital) or USD 60,000 (other roles) from outside Malaysia, and health insurance. The fee is about RM1,080 and approval usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. You then travel to Malaysia to collect the pass.

Step 1: Check you qualify

• You are 18+ and work remotely for an employer or clients outside Malaysia.
• MDEC assesses income in USD: you need at least USD 24,000 a year for tech and digital roles, or USD 60,000 for other remote roles, earned from employers or clients outside Malaysia.
• Your passport has at least 14 months left.
• Almost every nationality is eligible; only Israeli nationals are excluded.

Step 2: Gather your documents

• Passport scan (valid 14+ months) and a white-background passport photo
• Updated CV showing your digital or professional background
• Last 3 months of payslips or invoices
• Bank statements showing your foreign income arriving, plus freelance platform statements if you use one
• Employment letter confirming you may work remotely from Malaysia, or active client contracts
• Degree or diploma certificates
• Signed personal bond
• Health insurance that covers you in Malaysia

Step 3: Submit online through MDEC

Create your account on the official DE Rantau portal, upload your documents and pay the fee (RM1,000 + 8% SST, about RM1,080; RM500 + SST per dependent). Fees are non-refundable, so check everything before submitting.

Step 4: Wait for approval (4 to 8 weeks)

Your approval letter is valid for six months, giving you time to plan your move.

Step 5: Travel and collect your pass

Enter Malaysia and collect your pass in person. If you are already in Malaysia on a visitor entry when approved, you may need to exit and re-enter to activate it.

Tips for applicants from Sri Lanka

• Show the full income trail: contract, invoices or payslips, and the matching deposits in your bank account.
• Get certified English translations of any documents issued in Sinhala or Tamil.
• Check the current entry requirements for Sri Lankan passport holders before you travel to Malaysia to collect your pass.
• Colombo to Kuala Lumpur is a short direct flight, which makes trips home easy.

Quick reference

Get your application right the first time

Anchor Nomad is an independent consultancy that helps remote workers and freelancers apply for Malaysia’s DE Rantau digital nomad visa. Our 30-minute consultation costs USD 49 and covers your eligibility, a document checklist review, and a clear timeline and cost breakdown. Book a call.

Facts in this article reflect MDEC guidance as of October 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm on the official MDEC DE Rantau portal before you apply.