How to Work and Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist in 2024?

Can Foreign Pharmacists Work in Malaysia?

Yes, Malaysia allows foreign pharmacists to work there. To get the required work permit and license to practice pharmacy in the nation, a few conditions and steps must be followed.

Are Pharmacists in Demand in Malaysia?

Yes, there is a demand for pharmacists in Malaysia. To meet the expanding healthcare needs of the population, the country’s healthcare industry needs qualified healthcare workers, including pharmacists.

Requirements to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist

Here are the requirements to immigrate to Malaysia as a pharmacist:

• Educational qualifications. You must hold a valid pharmacy degree from a reputable university. The diploma must be comparable to a Malaysian Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm). The Malaysian Pharmacy Board will assess your educational credentials.
• Professional registration. You must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia to immigrate to Malaysia as a pharmacist. Your academic transcripts, references from your employer, and other pertinent documents must be submitted as part of the registration process. You might also need to pass a test or go through an evaluation process to prove your competency.
• Certificate of English language proficiency. For pharmacist jobs in Malaysia, English language proficiency is crucial. Depending on the situation, you might be asked to provide proof of your English language ability. The IELTS and TOEFL are recognized English language proficiency exams in Malaysia.
• Valid job offer. Before moving to Malaysia, one must obtain a job offer from an employer there. The employer offering the job should be a reputable pharmacy or healthcare facility. The employer will give the required supporting materials and documentation for your work visa application.
• Work visa. A work visa must be applied for, typically sponsored by your employer. The length and nature of your employment will determine the type of work visa you require. The Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass are the most popular types of work visas. Your employer will assist you throughout the visa application process and give you the required paperwork.
• Character and health requirements. You might need to go through a medical exam to ensure you are in good health. A police clearance certificate or other documentation proving your good character may also be required.

Medical Diplomas and Certificates to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist

To immigrate to Malaysia as a pharmacist, you must provide certain medical diplomas and certificates as part of the application process. Here are the typical documents required:

• Pharmacy degree certificate. You must submit a copy of your pharmacy degree certificate from an accredited university. The diploma must be comparable to a Malaysian Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm). Verify that the certificate has been authenticated or notarized properly.
• Transcripts. Include your academic transcripts, which give a thorough account of the classes you took and the grades you earned while pursuing your pharmacy degree. Additionally, these transcripts ought to be duly authenticated or notarized.
• Professional registration certificate. Give a copy of your professional registration certificate if you are registered as a pharmacist in your home country or any other country. This demonstrates your credentials and subject-matter knowledge.
• Internship or practical training certificate. Some nations demand that pharmacy graduates complete an internship or practical training program. Include a certificate or letter of completion from the institution where you received the training if you have completed it.
• Records of continuing professional development (CPD). Include records or certificates that show your attendance and the subjects covered in any continuing education courses or workshops related to pharmacy practice.

How to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist?

To immigrate to Malaysia as a pharmacist, you must go through a few steps and meet certain requirements. Here’s a general outline of the process:

Step 1. Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you satisfy the fundamental requirements for immigration set forth by the Malaysian government. This could involve elements like age, educational background, professional experience, and language skills.

Step 2. Obtain Professional Registration

You must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia in order to practice as a pharmacist in Malaysia. To learn more about the requirements and processes for registering, speak with the Pharmacy Board. They will evaluate your credentials and might call for more evidence or tests.

Step 3. Research Employment Opportunities

Look for pharmacist employment opportunities in Malaysia. Investigate websites for professional networks, pharmaceutical companies, and job portals online. It’s also advantageous to network with industry experts or join pertinent associations to learn about potential job openings.

Step 4. Secure a Job Offer

When you locate a position that meets your needs, apply for it and go through the interview process. If you are hired, the employer will present you with an employment offer or contract.

Step 5. Apply for a Work Visa

Once you have the job offer in hand, you can start the work visa application process. Your employer ought to help you with the sponsorship and paperwork you need. The length and nature of your employment will determine the type of work visa you require. The Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass are two common work visas.

Step 6. Gather the Required Documents

Prepare all the necessary paperwork for your visa application, which typically entails a passport, academic transcripts, a contract of employment, a professional license, and other documents as required by the Malaysian immigration authorities.

Step 7. Submit Visa Application

Apply for a visa at the Malaysian Immigration Department or the Malaysian diplomatic mission most accessible to you in your home country. Pay the required fees and carefully complete the application process. For current information and detailed instructions, checking the official websites or contacting the appropriate authorities is advised.

Step 8. Wait for Approval

Be patient while your application is being reviewed, as visa processing time can vary. Keep in touch with your employer or the Malaysian government for updates or new requirements.

Step 9. Travel to Malaysia

Make preparations for your trip to Malaysia once your work visa has been approved. Make sure you have all the necessary papers, such as your passport, visa, and other supporting documentation. You must adhere to any COVID-19 health requirements or travel restrictions that are in force when you depart.

Step 10. Complete Post-Arrival Procedures

Follow the immigration procedures at the port of entry once you have arrived in Malaysia. Your employer should guide you through the procedures required to start working legally, such as obtaining a work permit or finishing any additional registrations.

Common Job Opportunities to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist

In Malaysia, various job opportunities are available for pharmacists across different sectors. Some common job roles and opportunities for pharmacists include:

• Hospital Pharmacist
• Community Pharmacist
• Clinical Pharmacist
• Industrial Pharmacist
• Academic/Research Pharmacist
• Government Pharmacist
• Consultant Pharmacist
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Visa Options to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist

When you decide to immigrate to Malaysia as a pharmacist, you can find several visa options depending on the nature and duration of your employment. Here are some common visa options:

Employment Pass (Category I or II)

The Employment Pass is typically reserved for executives and highly qualified professionals. Those earning RM10,000 or more per month fall under Category I, while those making between RM5,000 and RM9,999 per month fall under Category II. On your behalf, the employer sponsors the Employment Pass application.

Professional Visit Pass

For brief assignments, consultations, or training needs, the Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is appropriate. You are permitted to work there for a maximum of 12 months. Your employer or the company you will work for also sponsors the PVP application.

Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)

The RP-T is intended for highly qualified professionals and critical industry talent. Greater flexibility and permanent residency in Malaysia are offered. Those with specialized knowledge or those who significantly advance Malaysia’s economy are typically awarded the RP-T.

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme

Although it is not specifically a work visa, the MM2H Programme enables foreigners to live in Malaysia for an extended period of time. Anyone over 21 who satisfies the program’s financial and other requirements is eligible. However, keep in mind that the MM2H Program may have employment restrictions.

How to Get a License to Practice in Malaysia as a Pharmacist?

To immigrate to Malaysia as a pharmacist and obtain a license to practice, you must follow the procedures and requirements set by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. Here is a general overview of the process:

Step 1. Eligibility

Ensure you are qualified before applying for a pharmacist license in Malaysia. This typically entails having a degree in pharmacy from an accredited institution, completing any necessary internships or practical training, and fulfilling any other requirements imposed by the Pharmacy Board.

Step 2. Application Form

Obtain the pharmacy registration application form from the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. The form is typically available for download from their official website or upon request from them.

Required paperwork assembles the evidence you’ll need to support your application. Typically, this includes:

• Certified copies of your academic records and pharmacy degree certificate.
• Proof that you’ve finished any mandatory internships or training programs.
• Evidence of your home country’s professional registration, if applicable.
• Photos the size of a passport.
• Copies of your passport or identification card are acceptable forms of identification.
• Any additional paperwork designated by the Pharmacy Board.

Step 3. Application Submission

Fill out the application, and include all the necessary paperwork. Follow the instructions and send the application to the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia via mail or in person. To prevent delays or rejection, ensure your information is accurate and comprehensive.

Step 4. Assessment and Evaluation

The Pharmacy Board will review your application to see if you qualify. They may investigate your academic background, contact your references, and ascertain your eligibility for registration. This process may take some time, so please be patient and be prepared to give the Board any additional information or documentation it requests.

Step 5. Examination or Assessment

You might need to pass a test or go through an evaluation process, depending on your credentials and the requirements of the Pharmacy Board. This ensures you meet the qualifications and professional standards needed to practice pharmacy in Malaysia. The Pharmacy Board will inform you of the precise details of the test or evaluation.

Step 6. Registration Fee

Pay the registration fee under Pharmacy Board regulations. The fee pays for processing your application and issuing your license and is typically non-refundable.

Step 7. License Issuance

The Pharmacy Board will issue your pharmacist license once your application is accepted and you have satisfactorily fulfilled all requirements. Once the decision has been made, you will be informed and given instructions on picking up your license.

How Much is a Pharmacist’s Salary in Malaysia in 2024?

In Malaysia, the average salary for a pharmacist is about 8,840 MYR. From 4,420 MYR to 13,700 MYR is the range of salaries.

• With less than two years of experience, pharmacists can expect to make around 5,300 MYR.
• A pharmacist with two to five years of experience can expect to make 7,020 MYR.
• A pharmacist with five to ten years of experience earns 9,390 MYR annually.
• A professional pharmacist with ten to fifteen years of experience makes 11,200 MYR per year.
• The expected salary is 12,100 MYR if the experience level is between fifteen and twenty years.
• The pay for pharmacists with more than twenty years of experience in the field is 13,000 MYR.

How much money can a degree add to your income? 

• Bachelor’s Degree. The average salary for workers with this level of education is 7,580 MYR.
• Master’s Degree. The average salary rises to 11,900 MYR at this level, a 58% increase over the previous level.

Highest Paying Cities for Pharmacists in Malaysia

• Ipoh: RM 5,213 per month
• Ampang: RM 5,156 per month
• Klang: RM 5,097 per month
• Cheras: RM 4,397 per month
• Seri Kembangan: RM 4,353 per month
• Subang Jaya: RM 3,908 per month
• Shah Alam: RM 3,728 per month
• Petaling Jaya: RM 3,298 per month
• Johor Bahru: RM 3,192 per month

How to Get a Job and Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist

To get a job as a pharmacist in Malaysia:

• Do some market research to find potential employers.
• Update your resume or CV to reflect your skills and experience better.
• Make connections with industry experts and join pertinent associations.
• Look for job openings on company websites and online job boards.
• Think about contacting healthcare-specific employment firms.
• Send in applications along with personalized cover letters.
• Research the company and practice common interview questions to get ready.
• After interviews, follow up with a thank-you note.
• Keep up with business trends and never stop learning.
• In your job search, take the initiative and be persistent and adaptable.

How Much is the Cost to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist?

The price of becoming a pharmacist immigrant to Malaysia can vary and typically includes costs like visa fees, professional registration fees, document authentication and translation costs, medical examination costs, travel and lodging costs, and other miscellaneous costs. For accurate and current information regarding the costs involved, it is advisable to consult official sources or seek expert advice.

Best Cities in Malaysia for Pharmacists

Ultimately, the best city for you will depend on your preferences, way of life, and employment prospects. Here are a few of Malaysia’s top cities:

• Kuala Lumpur
• George Town
• Johor Bahru
• Penang Island
• Ipoh

FAQs

Can I practice as a pharmacist in Malaysia with a foreign degree?

With a foreign degree, you can work as a pharmacist in Malaysia. However, you must obtain the required license and have the Malaysian Pharmacy Board evaluate your credentials.

Are there job opportunities for pharmacists in Malaysia?

Yes, qualified pharmacists can find a variety of jobs in Malaysia. Hospitals, neighborhood pharmacies, pharmaceutical firms, and academic institutions are all where you can work.

Do I need to learn the local languages to work as a pharmacist in Malaysia?

Even though English is widely spoken, learning regional languages like Malay or Mandarin can help you communicate with patients and coworkers more effectively.

Immigrate to Malaysia as a Pharmacist: Let’s Recap

Pharmacist immigration to Malaysia opens up a world of professional and personal development possibilities. You can successfully transition by comprehending the licensing requirements, assessing your qualifications, and navigating the immigration process. Accept cultural diversity, educate yourself in the language of the area, and become familiar with Malaysia’s dynamic healthcare system. You can start a rewarding career and life in Malaysia if you are determined and have a plan.