Foreign Domestic Worker (Maid Visa)

Hiring a foreign domestic worker can provide valuable assistance for families who require help with childcare, elderly care, household management or daily domestic responsibilities.

Malaysia has established immigration procedures governing the employment of foreign domestic workers. These procedures involve multiple government agencies, documentary requirements and compliance obligations for both employers and workers.

At SEA EXPAT HOME (MM2H) SDN. BHD., we provide professional guidance throughout the application process, helping employers understand the requirements, prepare documentation and navigate the relevant procedures with confidence.

Whether you are employing a domestic worker for the first time or applying for a replacement or renewal, our experienced consultants are here to assist you.

A Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW), sometimes referred to as a domestic helper or maid, is a foreign national who is legally employed to perform domestic duties within a private household in accordance with Malaysian immigration and employment regulations.

Typical responsibilities may include:

Foreign domestic workers must be employed in accordance with the applicable Malaysian laws and regulations.

• House cleaning
• Laundry
• Meal preparation
• Childcare
• Elderly care
• Assistance for family members with special needs
• General household maintenance

Eligibility to employ a foreign domestic worker depends on the current policies and requirements of the Malaysian Government.

Applications are assessed individually, and approval is subject to the relevant authorities.

Employers may include:

Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the employer's circumstances and prevailing government policies.

• Malaysian citizens
• Permanent Residents (where applicable)
• Eligible expatriates (subject to applicable policies)
• Families with recognised domestic care needs

Many working parents rely on domestic workers to assist with childcare while maintaining their professional commitments.

Domestic workers may help with:

• Assistance with Childcare
• Preparing meals
• School routines
• Daily supervision
• Household organisation

Families caring for elderly parents often require additional assistance with daily activities.

Depending on the family's needs, domestic workers may provide practical household support while family members continue to provide personal care.

Managing a busy household can be challenging.

A domestic worker may assist with routine household responsibilities, allowing families to focus on work, education and personal commitments.

Some households require additional daily assistance because of disability, long-term illness or other special family circumstances.

Each application is assessed individually under the applicable government framework.

We assist clients with a range of immigration-related services, including:

Our services are designed to help employers understand each stage of the process while ensuring that documentation is prepared accurately and completely.

• Initial eligibility assessment
• New Foreign Domestic Worker applications
• Renewal guidance
• Replacement applications
• Document preparation
• Immigration compliance guidance
• Visa-related consultation
• General immigration advice relating to domestic worker employment

Before beginning an application, we conduct an assessment to understand the employer's circumstances.

This may include reviewing:

This consultation helps determine the most appropriate immigration pathway under the applicable policies.

• Employer eligibility
• Family circumstances
• Household requirements
• Current immigration status (for expatriate employers)
• Existing domestic worker arrangements (if any)

The documentation required varies according to the employer's circumstances and the applicable immigration procedures.

Examples may include:

• Employer Documents
• Identity card or passport
• Proof of residence
• Supporting financial documents (where applicable)
• Employment-related documents (for eligible expatriates)
• Marriage certificate (where relevant)

Applicants should ensure that all documents are accurate, complete and current before submission.

• Passport
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical examination documents (where required)
• Employment-related documentation
• Other supporting documents requested by the relevant authorities

Although requirements may vary, the application process generally follows these stages.

We begin by understanding your household requirements and reviewing your eligibility under the current immigration framework.

Our consultants assess your circumstances and explain the available procedures based on the applicable government requirements.

We provide a personalised checklist and review all supporting documentation before submission.

The application package is organised carefully to ensure all required documents are included.

Applications are submitted according to the prevailing procedures established by the relevant Malaysian authorities.

The authorities review the application and may request additional documentation or clarification where necessary.

If approved, employers should follow all post-approval procedures and continue to comply with the applicable immigration and employment requirements.

Processing times vary depending on:

Applicants should avoid making travel or employment arrangements until the relevant approvals have been obtained.

• Completeness of documentation
• Government workload
• Individual circumstances
• Additional verification requirements

Applications may take longer than expected due to:

Careful preparation helps reduce avoidable delays.

• Missing documents
• Incomplete forms
• Inconsistent information
• Expired passports
• Additional verification by the authorities
• Requests for further supporting evidence

Some common issues include:

• Submitting incomplete documentation
• Assuming all employers have identical eligibility
• Waiting until existing permissions expire
• Providing inconsistent information
• Not checking passport validity
• Ignoring requests for additional documents

Eligibility depends on the applicable Malaysian government policies and the employer's individual circumstances.

Certain expatriates may be eligible, subject to the prevailing immigration framework and government approval.

Processing times vary depending on the application and the relevant authorities.

Renewal procedures are available in appropriate circumstances, subject to the applicable requirements.

Changes in employment generally require compliance with the relevant immigration and employment procedures.

Medical examination requirements depend on the applicable regulations and procedures.

Replacement procedures may be available depending on the circumstances and current government policies.

Yes. Every application is assessed individually, and approval remains at the discretion of the relevant Malaysian authorities.

Many employers seek professional guidance to better understand the process and prepare complete documentation.

We provide personalised guidance, document review and professional support while recognising that all immigration decisions are made solely by the relevant government authorities.

Families trust us because we focus on professionalism, transparency and compliance.

Our services include:

We do not promise guaranteed approvals. Instead, we help clients submit complete, accurate and well-prepared applications.

• Personalised consultation
• Eligibility assessment
• Detailed document review
• Step-by-step guidance
• Ongoing support throughout the application process
• Clear communication and ethical advice

If you are considering employing a foreign domestic worker in Malaysia, our consultants are ready to help you understand the requirements and prepare your application with confidence.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation.

• Employment Pass
• Dependant Pass
• Malaysia Permanent Residence (MyPR)
• Malaysia Spouse Visa (Long-Term Social Visit Pass)
• Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
• General Immigration Consultation

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only.

Policies governing the employment of foreign domestic workers may change from time to time. Eligibility requirements, documentary requirements and administrative procedures are determined by the relevant Malaysian authorities.

Approval of any application is entirely at the discretion of the Malaysian Government. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as legal advice or as a guarantee of approval.