To log in to the Expatriate Services Division (ESD), visit the official portal Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) at https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/, click LOGIN menu, enter Login ID, Password and click the blue “Log In” button. If you have forgotten your password, click on the “Forgot password?” link just below the login fields to reset it. If your company does not yet have a login ID, you must click “Register” to create a new account before accessing ESD services. Ensure that all login credentials are accurate to prevent login errors.
Sign In Expatriate Services Division (ESD)
What Is the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) in Malaysia?
The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) is a unit under Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) responsible for managing matters related to foreign professionals working in the country. It handles applications for employment passes, residence passes, and related immigration documents through digital systems.
Employers and expatriates interact with the division mainly through the ESD online portal and MYXpats Centres, where they can submit documents, get support, and complete biometric procedures. ESD helps regulate the hiring of foreign talent while maintaining oversight of immigration procedures.
Why Is ESD Important for Expatriates and Employers?
ESD is the primary authority for processing expatriate work passes, including Employment Passes (EP), Professional Visit Passes (PVP), and Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T). Companies hiring foreign talent must engage with ESD for legal compliance. The division enforces policies, such as the 5-day processing timeframe for pass approvals, and maintains the tiering system for employer classification.
Employers are required to go through ESD to meet government requirements before onboarding foreign staff. This process provides structure for the recruitment of foreign workers, helping to avoid delays and legal issues for both parties.
How Does ESD Handle Work Pass Applications?
ESD handles work pass applications using a digital-first approach through its portal and MYXpats centres. Employers upload all required documents online, where the system routes them to relevant agencies such as TalentCorp and the Expatriate Committee for review. Once approved, passes are endorsed at centres like the Expatriate Services Centre (ESC) at KLIA1 and KLIA2.
Companies placed under Fast Track (Tiers 1 and 2) benefit from quicker processing, while those in Normal Track (Tiers 3 to 5) follow the usual waiting periods. This structure helps manage volume and prioritise based on company profile.
What Are the Key Work Passes Managed by ESD?
ESD oversees four primary work passes. The Employment Pass (EP) is for long-term professionals, valid for up to 60 months. The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) covers short-term assignments under 12 months. The Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) supports high-skilled talent with extended stays. Dependant Passes allow family members of EP holders to reside in Malaysia.
What Is the Function of MYXpats Centres?
MYXpats centres handle physical processing, including passport stamping and document submissions. Locations like ESC KLIA1 and KLIA2 serve as endorsement hubs. Employers or expatriates collect approved passes via Pos Malaysia or in-person pickup. The centres also provide helpdesk support for application queries.
How Does the Tiering System Affect Processing Speed?
Companies are auto-ranked into Tiers 1–5 based on financial health, track record, and compliance. Tier 1–2 firms qualify for Fast Track, with support letters issued in 3 working days. Tier 3–5 companies follow the Normal Track, with a 10-day processing standard. The system integrates data from SSM and LHDN for accuracy.
What Documents Are Required for ESD Registration?
Employers must submit SSM business certificates, PBT licenses, financial reports, and expatriate employment contracts. The e-Info SSM feature auto-imports company data to reduce manual entry. Supporting documents like EP-III exemption letters require MOHA approval if the salary falls below RM5,000.
How Does ESD Ensure Compliance?
ESD monitors adherence through the Inspectorate Unit and penalties like blacklisting or account freezing. Non-compliance triggers a 6-month cooling-off period, barring the company from submitting new applications. The Online Appeal Facility allows employers to contest rejected cases.
What Support Does ESD Provide for Online Services?
The ESD portal offers digital tools like ePASS for paperless endorsements and Xpats Gateway for support letters. Users access FAQs, video tutorials, and document checklists for guidance. Password recovery and activation links are emailed during registration.
What Is Xpats Gateway?
Xpats Gateway is a centralized digital platform developed by TalentCorp in collaboration with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department of Malaysia. It functions as a single-window system to streamline the process of applying for support letters, fulfilling Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) prerequisites, and handling Investor Pass applications.
The Xpats Gateway platform integrates multiple government agencies such as JTKSM and PERKESO, that allows employers to complete key compliance requirements, including Section 60K approval and MYFutureJobs acknowledgement. This reduces duplication, increases transparency, and improves processing speed. Employers can digitally apply for support letters from various agencies like MDEC, CAAM, or IRDA, with processing timelines typically ranging from 3 to 10 working days depending on the application tier.
The Xpats Gateway system also supports Investor Pass applications, allowing foreign investors to obtain a multiple-entry visa valid for six months. Xpats Gateway was launched nationwide on 1 July 2025 and it forms part of Malaysia’s push for digital governance and supports the nation’s economic and talent strategies under the Madani Economy framework.
What Are The Differences Between ESD and Xpats Gateway?
The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) is a government division under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) that oversees the policies and approvals related to the hiring of foreign professionals in Malaysia. It manages and approves work passes such as Employment Pass (EP), Professional Visit Pass (PVP), and Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T). ESD acts as the regulatory authority, setting rules and maintaining compliance frameworks for employers hiring expatriates.
On the other hand, Xpats Gateway is a digital platform under the Immigration Department of Malaysia that facilitates the online submission, tracking, and coordination of expatriate pass applications. It serves as a central portal that connects employers to multiple approval agencies, including ESD, TalentCorp, MDEC, MIDA, and others, allowing the end-to-end application process to happen through a single interface.
In short, ESD is the authority that makes decisions, while Xpats Gateway is the system that delivers and manages the process. Companies use Xpats Gateway to apply for passes, but the applications are ultimately evaluated and approved by ESD and relevant bodies.
| Feature | ESD (Expatriate Services Division) | Xpats Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Government division under Ministry of Home Affairs | Online system by Immigration Department |
| Main Role | Sets policy, regulates and approves applications | Platform to submit, track, and manage applications |
| Focus | Compliance, tiering system, pass approval | Workflow, coordination between agencies |
| Users | Government agencies, employers | Employers, companies, applicants |
| Physical Services | MYXpats Centre, ESC at KLIA1 & KLIA2 | No physical office – fully online |
| Integration | Works with TalentCorp, MDEC, Expatriate Committee | Syncs with multiple agencies for routing |
| Website | esd.imi.gov.my | xpatsgateway.com.my |