Want to start a business in Southeast Asia but afraid of the risks? This 1-year 'buffer visa' lets you test the market before making a decision.

Southeast Asia’s digital economy is rapidly growing, attracting a rising number of tech entrepreneurs, partners, and innovative companies. But before making a significant commitment to expanding overseas, one key question remains: How can you gain deep local market insights in a legal, affordable, and flexible way?

Malaysia, a leader in Southeast Asia's digital economy and policy innovation, is quickly becoming the preferred hub for global tech companies exploring this dynamic market. To support this, the Malaysia government has introduced the Tech Entrepreneur Visa (Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Program, MTEP), a program designed to offer global tech talent an easy, low-barrier pathway to enter the region.

One Visa, One Solution: Addressing the Core Dilemma of “Wanting to Expand but Hesitating to Take the Leap”

The MTEP visa offers a low-threshold, highly flexible option for global tech talent. Whether your focus is on artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, and big data, MTEP provides an ideal platform to explore and test the market.

Unlike traditional work visas or investment-based residency programs, MTEP serves more as a temporary status rather than a permanent commitment. It does not require large upfront investments or immediate business setup. Instead, it allows multiple entries and stays in Malaysia over a one-year period, giving you time to fully understand the market, connect with potential partners, and make informed decisions based on actual demand.

This flexible approach meets the needs of tech entrepreneurs who want to explore the market without rushing into commitments. With MTEP, you can conduct in-depth market research, visit industries, and network with local resources, all within a real business environment—rather than relying on fragmented information or short-term visits.

Flexible Structure, Low-Risk Entry Mechanism

What makes Malaysia’s MTEP visa especially appealing is its flexibility, low barriers, and ability to mitigate risks:

Explore First, Commit Later：Many entrepreneurs worry about committing large amounts of capital and time upfront. MTEP allows you to secure the visa first, giving you the time to conduct market research, build partnerships, and refine your business model during the one-year period—thus avoiding the risks of hasty decisions.

Freedom of Movement, No Residency Requirements：The visa offers significant flexibility with no mandatory stay requirements. This is ideal for entrepreneurs and teams with cross-border operations or those who need to quickly adapt to market shifts. It is especially suitable for businesses pursuing multi-market strategies.

Simple and Transparent Application Process：The application requirements are straightforward and practical, focusing on the feasibility of your business plan and basic financial proof (such as bank statements). This streamlined process enables tech talent to enter the Southeast Asian market efficiently and with minimal hassle.

Why Choose Malaysia?

There are several reasons why Malaysia is an excellent starting point for your Southeast Asian expansion:

Progressive Government Policies：The Malaysian government places the digital economy at the heart of national development, offering tax incentives, funding support, and other policies that foster a vibrant ecosystem for tech innovation and business growth.

Competitive Operational Costs and Strong Infrastructure：Compared to other regional markets, Malaysia offers competitive operational costs, robust infrastructure, and a stable legal environment. Additionally, the widespread use of English in business significantly reduces initial adaptation costs and operational risks.

Strategic Location in Southeast Asia：Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia serves as a natural bridge connecting ASEAN countries with the broader Asia-Pacific region. This gives businesses a distinct advantage when it comes to expanding into the regional market.

Globevisa Professional Services: Supporting Your Smooth Entry into Southeast Asia

With over 14 years of experience in Malaysia, Globevisa has successfully assisted more than 2,300 clients in obtaining residency, maintaining a 100% success rate.

Our local team offers comprehensive support, covering visa applications, market research, and company registration, as well as family reunification, education coordination, and overseas property services—all tailored to your specific needs.

Our services start with the visa and extend far beyond, building a systematic support framework that guides you from planning and implementation to long-term operations, ensuring steady and sustainable expansion into Southeast Asia.