The major difference between an Employment Pass (EP) and a work permit in Malaysia is that the Employment Pass is specifically for highly skilled foreign nationals in technical or managerial roles, whereas a work permit is an umbrella term for all the different types of work visas that allow foreigners to work in Malaysia.
The table below highlights the key differences between an Employment Pass (EP) and a work permit in Malaysia:
| Factors | Employment Pass (EP) | Work Permit |
| Who can apply? | Highly skilled professionals | Anybody who wants to work in Malaysia |
| Skill Level | Requires a high level of skills with specialized expertise | Requires a wider range of skills based on the work visa type |
| Education & Experience | High level of education and experience | Does not require a high level of education and experience |
| Validity | Up to 60 months | Up to 12 months or more depending on the type of work visa |