FAQ:GENERAL ENQUIRIES - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Returning Expert Programme?
The Returning Expert Programme (REP) is a national programme by the Malaysian government to facilitate the return of Malaysian professionals to meet the talent needs of the nation, especially in the context of specific sectors identified as key to Malaysia’s economic transformation agenda.
Can I apply now and use the incentives later when I am ready to return to Malaysia?
You should apply 1-2 months before your expected date of return. If approved for the REP, you will be given a validity period of two (2) years to complete the following:
- return to Malaysia,
- obtain employment
- report to TalentCorp and obtain the Surat Akuan Tarikh Kembali
- claim all benefits and incentives
When is the best time to apply?
Application to be submitted one to two months before your expected date of return to Malaysia, while you are still residing and employed abroad.
How do I apply for the REP and what is the process after submission?
You may apply online. Once an application is complete and all documents have been submitted, the REP Secretariat will take up to 45 working days to process the application. After processing, applications will be tabled to the REP Evaluation Committee for their consideration. Applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decision (to approve or not to approve their application) within a few days of the REP Evaluation Committee meeting.
If my REP application is approved but I delay my return to Malaysia and the 2-year approval period expires, can I reapply?
Yes, you may reapply as long as you still fulfill all the eligibility requirements. Alternatively, you may appeal for an extension of up to 1 year for your approval period, depending on the circumstances.
If my application is approved and I return to Malaysia, but did not report-in to TalentCorp or claim the incentives, can I reapply in future?
No, you are unable to reapply as applicants have to be working and residing abroad at the time of application.
If my application is approved but I did not report-in to TalentCorp or claim the incentives due to not being able to find a job in Malaysia, can I reapply in future?
Yes, you can reapply if you are still working and residing abroad and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Register your interest here if you would like to attend employment facilitation sessions with companies in Malaysia. These quarterly events are organised by TalentCorp.
Upon successful application, is there a time period within which an applicant has to return to Malaysia?
Applicant must return to Malaysia, obtain employment and claim his/her REP incentives within 2 years of the validity period.
What happens after my application is approved?
Approved applicants are given a 2-year validity period to return to Malaysia, obtain employment, report in to TalentCorp, and claim the incentives. Once applicants report in to TalentCorp with the necessary documents, they will receive the Surat Akuan Tarikh Kembali (SATK), which is necessary to claim REP incentives. The documents required for obtaining SATK are:
- Proof of commencing employment (permanent employment) in Malaysia e.g. Employment Contract and / or 1st Month's Pay Slip or other similar documentation;
- Boarding Pass / Flight Tickets / e-ticket;Original Academic Certificates;
- International Passport.
I’m returning from Singapore by car, how do I show proof of return during my report-in to TalentCorp?
Proof of return is required, for those travelling by car, we will either cite the return stamp on your passport or toll ticket during the travel.
I have the 'Surat Akuan Tarikh Kembali'. What happens next?
- Optional 15% flat tax rate on chargeable employment income for a period of five (5) years continuously
- Exemption on import duty and excise duty for the purchase of one (1) Complete Knocked Down (CKD) vehicle subject to the total duty exemption limited up to RM100k.
- Tax exemption for all personal effects* brought into Malaysia, limited to one (1) shipment *Personal effects don’t encompass motorised vehicles
- The foreign spouse and children of an applicant (below 18 years old) will be eligible to apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status. Applicant and foreign spouse must be married prior to date of REP application submission. The procedure for Entry Permit issuance is subject to approval and at the discretion of the Director General of Immigration Department of Malaysia while the procedure for MyPR issuance is subject to approval and at the discretion of Director General of National Registration Department of Malaysia. This PR status is only applicable for Peninsular Malaysia.
How long does the application process take?
Barring unforeseen circumstances, application processing takes up to 45 working days upon complete submission of documents.

Please be aware that the processing period may be extended without prior notice, as this process involves coordination between Talent Corporation and relevant government agencies and authorities.
How much does it cost to apply?
Currently, there is no fee on the application for the REP.
An agent has offered to help me get REP. Should I use their services?
All applications and correspondence for REP approvals and claims of benefits and incentives will only be between TalentCorp, the applicant and relevant agencies. TalentCorp does not engage any agents to act on their behalf.
Who can I contact if I need further information or help with the REP process?
TalentCorp has a dedicated REP Helpdesk to answer your REP questions. They are contactable at +603 7839 7171 during regular office hours between Monday-Friday. Alternatively, you may email them at rep@talentcorp.com.my
Does the REP help applicants find employment in Malaysia?
TalentCorp organises employment facilitation events for approved REP applicants and companies who are actively hiring in Malaysia.

If you would like to attend these (or other events for REP applicants), register your interest here.
Who are the REP Evaluation Committee members?
The REP Committee is currently chaired by TalentCorp and represented by other ministries and agencies, including but not limited to the Ministry of Finance, Inland Revenue Board, Immigration Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and others. TalentCorp acts as the Secretariat for the Returning Expert Programme.
Will TalentCorp divulge any of my personal information to third parties?
TalentCorp adheres to the confidentiality policy and will never divulge applicants' personal information to third parties, without prior approval from applicants.
How do I get in touch with the REP Secretariat?
You may get in touch with the REP Secretariat by emailing to rep@talentcorp.com.my
Is there any restriction on how long I need to reside in Malaysia if the application is successful? What if I wish to go abroad again or my company needs me to be transferred abroad?
There is no restriction for leaving the country. However, LHDN audit may find that your tax filing does not follow the expected procedure, in which case the tax incentive will be terminated. To avoid unforeseen problems, we strongly recommend that you inform LHDN about your plans to leave the country.
I plan to return to Malaysia in a couple of years or once our commitments abroad are settled. Will the REP programme still be available?
The REP is a programme by the Malaysian government and subject to revision without prior notice.
I want to register my kids in an international school in Kuala Lumpur; Would TalentCorp be able to assist with this?
TalentCorp organises education facilitation events for approved REP applicants, with private and international schools in Malaysia. Kindly refer to our Education Facilitation pages for more information.
Does TalentCorp or the Malaysian government have any jurisdiction over where my children will go to school in Malaysia?
No, TalentCorp and the Government of Malaysia do not have any jurisdiction on where the applicants want to enroll their children. It is up to the applicants to enroll their children in any school of choice.