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Foreign worker cost in Malaysia 2026: levy, PLKS, Fomema explained
Last updated: Tai Industries
Bringing one Bangladeshi foreign worker (pekerja asing) into Malaysia costs RM 2,655 in permit and government fees in 2026: RM 2,055 at the application stage and up to RM 600 after arrival. The levy and the PLKS work permit are charged again every year. With our RM 1,000 service fee, the estimated total is RM 3,655 per worker.
What fees are paid at the application stage?
Four items make up the application subtotal of RM 2,055.
| Application-stage item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | RM 20 per worker |
| Levy (levi) | RM 1,850 per year |
| Work permit, PLKS (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara) | RM 60 per year |
| Processing fee | RM 125 |
| Application subtotal | RM 2,055 |
What is the foreign worker levy?
The levy is an annual charge on the employer for each foreign worker. For a Bangladeshi worker it is RM 1,850 per year, which makes it the largest single item in the application subtotal.
What is the PLKS?
The PLKS is the Temporary Employment Visit Pass, the worker's work permit. It costs RM 60 per year. Because the levy and the PLKS are both annual, RM 1,910 per worker is payable again each time the permit is renewed. See foreign worker permit (PLKS) renewal for the renewal timeline.
What does Fomema cost, and what else is paid after arrival?
Three costs follow once the worker has arrived in Malaysia. Prices vary by provider.
| Post-arrival item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Medical checkup (Fomema) | RM 200–300 |
| Medical insurance (SPIKPA) | RM 100–200 |
| Personal accident insurance | RM 10–100 |
| Post-arrival subtotal (upper estimate) | RM 600 |
Fomema is the foreign worker medical screening. SPIKPA is the foreign worker hospitalisation and surgical insurance. We budget RM 600 as an upper estimate, so the actual figure may be lower.
What is the total cost per worker?
| Per worker | |
|---|---|
| Permit and government fees | RM 2,655 |
| Tai Industries service fee | RM 1,000 |
| Estimated total | RM 3,655 |
Our service fee is charged for each worker brought in, so the total scales with the number of workers. For five workers, multiply each figure by five, or use the calculator on our foreign worker fees page.
Can these fees change?
Yes. Permit and government fees are set by the Malaysian authorities and may change without notice. All figures here are estimates for reference only, and a final quotation is issued after consultation. To get one, contact Tai Industries with your headcount.