How to Work and Immigrate to Malaysia as a Dentist in 2025?

How to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Dentist?

Immigrating to Malaysia as a dentist involves a series of steps. You would typically need to fulfill the requirements set by the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC):

1. Evaluating Your Qualifications
2. Obtaining Necessary Licensing
3. Securing a Job Offer
4. Applying for a Visa and Work Permit
5. Preparing for the Move

Step 1. Evaluating Your Qualifications

To immigrate to Malaysia, you must check if your dental degree and qualifications are recognized in Malaysia.

1. Initially, you need to assess whether your dental degree is from an institution listed in the Second Schedule of the Dental Act 1971 or recognized by the MDC.
2. If your degree is potentially recognizable, you will need to submit a series of documents to the MDC for verification.
   1. A certified copy of your dental degree certificate
   2. A detailed transcript of your dental education
   3. Proof of identity (e.g., passport)
   4. A certificate of good standing from the dental council or regulatory body of the country where you have been practicing
   5. Proof of any postgraduate qualifications or continuous professional development (CPD)
3. You will need to fill out an application form for evaluation, available on the MDC website. This form asks for personal details, educational background, and professional experience.
4. Pay the fees. It generally ranges from RM 1000 to RM 1500 ($230 to USD 350 approximately).
5. The MDC will review your qualifications to determine their equivalency to Malaysian standards. The process can range from 3 to 6 months.
6. If your qualifications are recognized, you can proceed with the registration process. If not, you may need to undertake additional assessments or qualifications.

Additional Assessments or Qualifications

For those whose qualifications are not directly recognized, the MDC mandates additional assessments or qualifications, such as the Malaysian Dental Qualifying Examination (MDQE). This examination assesses your clinical skills and knowledge to ensure they meet Malaysian standards. To apply, you can go to the MDC website to see the application details, including examination dates and locations. The fee for the MDQE is approximately RM 3000 to RM 5000 ($700 to USD 1200).

Step 2. Obtaining Necessary Licensing

How can I get a dental license in Malaysia? You need to register with the Malaysian Dental Council. But how to register as a dentist in Malaysia? Here is a detailed breakdown of the dental practice license process:

1. First, verify if your dental degree is recognized by the MDC by checking their official list of recognized qualifications.
2. Complete the application form available on the MDC website. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately.
3. Attach the following documents with your application:
   1. A certified true copy of your dental degree certificate
   2. Transcripts of your dental education
   3. A copy of your current professional practicing certificate/license from your country (if applicable)
   4. Proof of identity (passport or national ID)
   5. Recent passport-size photographs
   6. Curriculum Vitae detailing your dental education and work experience
   7. Proof of proficiency in English, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, if your education was not in English
4. If your qualifications are not recognized, you’ll be required to pass the Malaysian Dental License Exam (MDQE). Explained above.
5. Pay the required fees. Typically, fees range from RM 100 to RM 500.
6. Some applicants may be required to attend an interview with the MDC.
7. The processing time can take from a few weeks to several months. Once your application is complete and has been reviewed, the MDC will issue a decision. If approved, you will be registered with the MDC and given a registration number.
8. After registration, you must apply for an APC to legally practice dentistry in Malaysia. This requires demonstrating continuous professional development (CPD) activities.

Step 3. Securing a Job Offer

Look for employment opportunities in Malaysian dental clinics, hospitals, or educational institutions, alternatively, if you plan to open your own practice.

Job Searching Websites

• JobStreet Malaysia
• MyStarJob
• Indeed Malaysia
• Maukerja
• CareerJet Malaysia
• Jora Malaysia
• Monster Malaysia

Recruitment Agencies

• Randstad Malaysia
• Michael Page Malaysia
• Adecco Malaysia
• Hays Malaysia
• Kelly Services Malaysia
• Manpower Malaysia
• Robert Walters Malaysia

Step 4. Applying for a Visa and Work Permit

To immigrate to Malaysia as a dentist, you must apply for a professional work visa. Your employer will usually assist with this process. If you’re planning to open a practice, you’ll need to apply for an entrepreneur visa and comply with Malaysia’s business regulations.

Steps to Apply for a Malaysia Work Visa

1. Your employer must be registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) and submit an application for a Malaysian Employment Pass on your behalf. If you’re opening a practice, you would apply for an Entrepreneur Pass through the ESD.
2. Prepare necessary documents, including passport, job offer letter, qualifications, CV, and any additional documents requested by the Immigration Department.
3. Ensure you have recent passport-size photos.
4. Undergo a health screening from a clinic approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Health.
5. Depending on your nationality, a security bond might be required, which your employer can help arrange.
6. Pay the application fee. The fee for an Employment Pass can range from RM 200 to RM 1,000 (approximately USD 47 to USD 235).
7. The complete application is submitted to the Immigration Department of Malaysia through the ESD system. The process typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks from the date of submission.
8. Once approved, you will be issued a visa. The Employment Pass is usually valid for 6 months to 5 years. For some nationalities, a reference number will be given to applying for a visa with reference (VDR) at the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country.
9. If you plan to bring family members with you, separate applications for Dependent Passes need to be submitted.
10. Upon arrival, present your approval letter to immigration at the point of entry.
11. You must visit the Immigration Department of Malaysia to have your Employment Pass endorsed in your passport.

Step 5. Preparing for the Move

When you immigrate to Malaysia as a dentist, the transition involves not only adapting to a new professional environment and to the Malaysian way of life. Here’s what you need to do:

Necessary Registrations Upon Arrival

• Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) This is crucial for legally practicing dentistry in Malaysia. You need to submit your original dental degree certificates and other academic qualifications and provide evidence of your work experience. Next, complete any required examinations or assessments if your qualifications are from a non-recognized institution. Then, pay the registration fee, which varies depending on your qualification level and the type of registration.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance. While not a registration, it’s advisable to secure professional indemnity insurance to protect against legal claims for negligence.
• Annual Practicing Certificate (APC). After MDC registration, apply for an APC. This requires proof of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points and a renewal fee.

Settling in Malaysia

Banking

Opening a bank account typically requires your passport, visa, employment contract, and sometimes a minimum deposit. Famous banks include:

• Maybank
• CIMB Bank
• Public Bank Berhad
• RHB Bank
• HSBC Malaysia

Housing

Popular websites include:

• PropertyGuru Malaysia
• iProperty.com Malaysia
• Mudah.my
• StarProperty.my

Health Insurance

• AIA Malaysia
• Prudential Malaysia
• Great Eastern Life Malaysia
• AXA Affin Health Insurance

Cost of Living in Malaysia

The cost of living for dentists in Malaysia can vary widely depending on their lifestyle, location, and personal spending habits. A comfortable living in a city like Kuala Lumpur for a single person could range from RM 3,000 to RM 6,000 per month, excluding rent.

Continuing Education and Compliance

• Keep abreast of MDC requirements for CPD to maintain your APC.
• Attend local and international conferences, workshops, and seminars relevant to dentistry.

Integration and Adaptation

• Learn the basics of Bahasa Malaysia to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
• Understand and respect Malaysian customs, traditions, and holidays.
• Engage with the local community and professional networks to build relationships and adapt to the Malaysian way of life.

Compliance with Malaysian Laws

• Familiarize yourself with Malaysian laws related to healthcare, employment, and residency.
• Ensure your practice complies with Malaysian healthcare regulations and standards.

Dentist Jobs in Malaysia

• General dentist
• Orthodontist
• Periodontist
• Pediatric dentist
• Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon
• Prosthodontist
• Endodontist
• Dental public health specialist
• Dental lecturer
• Dental researcher