Ethiopia → Malaysia: the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) roadmap
The Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP), run by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is the primary official route for a foreign founder or investor to start or relocate a technology business to Malaysia. It has two main founder tracks: a New Tech Entrepreneur Pass (a 1-year Professional Visit Pass for new founders, no dependents) and an Experienced Tech Entrepreneur Pass (a 5-year Residence Pass for founders with a 2+ year track record, dependents allowed). Both founder tracks require only about RM50,000 (~USD 11,800) in proof of funds, a low threshold; figures are well corroborated across MDEC, MISHU and Foundingbird, so confidence is medium, but note that MTEP itself grants no permanent residence or citizenship: PR is a separate, discretionary case-by-case process.
Moving from Ethiopia
- You apply for the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) at the Malaysia consulate, embassy, or visa application centre that serves Ethiopia, confirm the office and the current appointment wait for your region.
- Qualifications and work experience earned in Ethiopia usually need a credential assessment or recognition before they count toward Malaysia's requirements.
- Budget for certified translation and apostille or legalisation of your Ethiopia documents (degree, police certificate, civil records).
- Check whether a Ethiopia passport needs a short-stay visa for any in-person biometrics or interview steps.
General guidance for any Ethiopia to Malaysia applicant; the eligibility and fees below are set by Malaysia.
At a glance
Who qualifies
- Developing or running a technology business (proprietary software/hardware or a recognised tech vertical); a pitch deck covering market, product and funding is required
- Proof of funds: minimum balance of ~RM50,000 (~USD 11,800) demonstrated over the past 3 months of personal bank statements (founder tracks)
- New Tech Entrepreneur Pass: brand-new founders with no track record required; maximum two co-founders; no dependents permitted
- Experienced Tech Entrepreneur Pass: at least 2-3 years' proven track record of building or running an established business; dependents (spouse and children) allowed
- Tech Investor track: minimum RM10 million in funds plus RM180,000 minimum annual compensation, and registration with the Securities Commission Malaysia as a Venture Capital Management Corporation (VCMC)
- Passport valid for at least 18 months; clean immigration record; for the New Pass a Malaysia Digital Hub agreement is typically required
Your step-by-step roadmap
Prepare and apply online
- Choose the right track (New, Experienced, or Investor) and prepare a pitch deck and supporting business documents
- Gather 3 months of bank statements showing ~RM50,000 and a passport valid 18+ months
- Submit the application through the MDEC MTEP online portal (mtep.mdec.com.my)
MDEC review and approval
- MDEC assesses the technology venture, founder credentials and proof of funds
- Respond to any clarification requests; approval letter typically issued within ~21 working days for the New Pass
- Pay application and processing fees on approval
Immigration endorsement and entry
- Complete the personal bond and visa/immigration pass endorsement with the Immigration Department
- Register biometrics and collect the Professional Visit Pass or Residence Pass
- For the Experienced Pass, register dependents (spouse and children)
Operate, renew and pursue residency
- Establish and run the tech company in Malaysia and meet ongoing programme conditions
- Renew the pass (1+1 years for New; 5+5 years for Experienced/Investor)
- After ~5 years of continuous legal long-term residence, optionally apply for permanent residence through the general PR system
Government fees
Timeline & path to citizenship
Timeline: The New Tech Entrepreneur Pass is typically approved in about 21 working days (roughly 6-10 weeks end-to-end with full documentation and immigration endorsement), giving a 1-year pass; the Experienced Tech Entrepreneur Pass grants a 5-year Residence Pass.
Citizenship: MTEP grants no direct permanent residence or citizenship; holders of the 5-year Residence Pass can accumulate the ~5 years of legal long-term residence needed to apply for PR through Malaysia's general, discretionary case-by-case system, and citizenship (naturalisation) is separate, typically requiring roughly 10-12 years of residence and remaining highly discretionary.
This is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional.