Returning Expert Programme - Initiatives

Initiatives

RETURNING EXPERT PROGRAMME

For Malaysians Who Are Away From Home

It's not just about the benefits, it's about being the building blocks and pillars Malaysia needs to realise her potential.

With Malaysia’s economy progressing tremendously, we believe that our Returning Expert Programme can encourage Malaysian professionals abroad to bring home their invaluable experiences, skill sets, knowledge, and intercultural abilities they have gained from their time abroad to help create a world-class workforce right here in Malaysia.

As such, we are committed to offering attractive living and financial incentives to help returning Malaysian talents settle in quickly and seamlessly.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Malaysian professionals who wish to apply for the Returning Expert Programme must meet the following minimum criteria:

A Malaysian citizen
Currently residing outside of Malaysia and has been employed abroad continuously for at least 3 years at the time of application
Has not earned employment income of any sort in Malaysia continuously for at least 3 years leading to the time of application
Does not hold any outstanding scholarship bond or loan with the Malaysian Government and its agencies

Find out the full list of eligibility criteria here.

APPLY NOW

facts & figures

_{achievements as of 31 December 2021}

6,368

applications approved from 2011 to 2020

Top 5 sectors

Oil, Gas & Energy
Financial Services

Professional Services
Electrical and Electronics
Communications, Content & Infrastructure

Top 5 Reasons of Returning

Family, Work, Lifestyle, Food, and Climate

KEY BENEFITS

Exercise an optional 15% flat tax rate on chargeable employment income for a period of five consecutive years

Foreign spouse and children will be eligible for PR status, subject to approval and at the discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia

Be exempted from tax for all personal effects brought into Malaysia (limited to one shipment)

Be exempted for duties/tax for up to a maximum of RM100,000 when purchasing one locally manufactured Complete Knocked Down (CKD) or bringing back a fully imported Complete Built Up (CBU) car per application

THIS INITIATIVE IS FOR:

PROFESSIONALs

Reconnect With Malaysia. We can connect you to opportunities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I qualify for the REP?

The baseline eligibility criteria for REP applications for all sectors, including healthcare, is available on-line. Click here for the full list.

When should I apply for the REP?

You need to submit your application BEFORE returning to Malaysia, while you are still residing and employed abroad. Find out the list of eligibility criteria here.

How long does the REP application take?

It usually takes up to 45 days for the whole process from application until notification is sent to the applicants (subject to complete submission of documentation required for application).

Do I need to pay to apply for the REP?

Currently, there is no fee on the application for the REP.

Who sits on the REP Committee?

The REP Committee is currently chaired by TalentCorp and represented by other ministries and agencies, including but not limited to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Human Resources, the Ministry of Education, the Royal Customs Department, and the Immigration Department of Malaysia. A unanimous decision is required to approve an application. TalentCorp acts as the Secretariat for the Returning Expert Programme.

What can TalentCorp do to help me if I apply for the REP?

TalentCorp will facilitate your return to Malaysia by ensuring that your application is processed and ease you in claiming your benefits and incentives under the REP.

How do I apply for, or learn more about the REP?

To apply on-line or get more information about the REP, go to www.rep.talentcorp.com.my.