Social Security Contributions in Malaysia: A Guide for Foreign Employers and Employees

Posted by Written by Ayman Falak Medina Reading Time: 4 minutes

Malaysia’s social security framework plays a crucial role in providing financial protection for employees at various stages of their careers. For foreign employers and employees, understanding these contributions is crucial to maintaining compliance and securing benefits under the system.

The key institutions governing social security contributions are the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organization (SOCSO). These bodies provide retirement savings, workplace injury protection, and other forms of financial security.

Key institutions: EPF and SOCSO

Employees Provident Fund (EPF) – A mandatory retirement savings scheme where employers and employees contribute a percentage of the employee’s salary. The EPF is designed to provide financial security post-retirement and includes withdrawal options for housing, education, and medical needs.

Social Security Organization (SOCSO) – Also known as PERKESO, SOCSO protects employees against work-related injuries, invalidity, and death. The organization administers various social insurance schemes that offer compensation and medical support in case of accidents or disabilities.

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While both institutions involve employer contributions, their purposes and benefits differ significantly. The EPF primarily focuses on long-term retirement savings, while SOCSO covers occupational risks and health-related benefits. 

Employee Provident Fund contributions: What employers and employees need to know

Foreign employers hiring in Malaysia must comply with EPF regulations. Contributions are required for most employees, including Malaysian citizens, permanent residents, and certain categories of expatriates.

Contribution rates and calculations

  • Employee contribution – Effective October 1, 2025, Malaysia has extended mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions to all non-Malaysian citizen employees. Under the EPF (Amendment of Third Schedule) Order 2025, both employers and non-permanent-resident (non-PR) foreign employees must each contribute 2 percent of their monthly wages. For non-Malaysian citizens holding permanent-resident (PR) status, the existing local rates continue to apply — 11 percent for employees and 12 or 13 percent for employers, with reduced rates for employees aged 60 and above.
  • Employer contribution – Varies between 12 and 13 percent, with different rates applying to specific employment conditions.

The EPF uses a tiered contribution structure, ensuring that employees at all salary levels contribute proportionally. Employers are responsible for deducting the employee’s share and submitting payments promptly.

Tax benefits and special conditions

EPF contributions offer tax relief for both employers and employees. Employers can deduct contributions as a business expense, while employees benefit from tax deductions on their income tax filings.

Exemptions are no longer automatically determined by contract type or work-permit category. They must now be formally applied for and approved by the EPF Board under Section 27 of the EPF Act 1991.

Social Security Organization Contributions: Coverage and employer responsibilities

SOCSO contributions are mandatory for Malaysian employees and certain categories of foreign employees. This organization provides crucial protection against workplace accidents and long-term disabilities.

Social security contributions for foreign employees

Employers hiring legal foreign workers, including expatriates (but excluding domestic servants), must register them with SOCSO.

Contribution rates and coverage

  • Employment injury scheme – Employers contribute 1.25 percent of the insured’s monthly wages.
  • Wage ceiling – Effective from October 2024, the wage ceiling for contributions is 6,000 ringgit per month.

Benefits for foreign employees

Foreign employees covered under SOCSO are entitled to:

  • Medical benefit
  • Temporary and permanent disablement benefits
  • Dependents’ benefit
  • Funeral benefit
  • Constant-attendance allowance
  • Rehabilitation services (excluding certain programs)

Registration process for foreign employees

Employers must register their foreign workers through:

  • The Automated SOCSO Integrated System (ASSIST) portal.
  • Submission of the Foreign Worker Registration Form at the nearest SOCSO office.

Employers need to provide necessary documentation, including copies of employees’ passports, work permits, or entry passes.

Special considerations for foreign employees

Foreign employees face unique circumstances when it comes to social security contributions. Understanding these considerations helps employers navigate compliance obligations effectively.

Work permits and social security eligibility

The requirement for EPF and SOCSO contributions depends on the employee’s work permit category.

There is no blanket exemption for expatriates on short-term contracts. All non-PR foreign employees are subject to the mandatory 2 percent + 2 percent contribution unless the EPF Board grants a formal written exemption.

Bilateral social security agreements and tax treaties

Malaysia has agreements with certain countries to prevent double social security taxation. These agreements allow expatriates to remain covered under their home country’s system while being exempt from Malaysian social security contributions.

Repatriation and contribution refunds

Expatriates who contribute to EPF may withdraw their savings upon leaving Malaysia. The withdrawal process requires documentation, including proof of departure and termination of employment.

The table below summarizes the key differences between the EPF and SOCSO.

Employee Category Employee Contribution Employer Contribution Total Contribution Notes
Non-Malaysian citizens who are permanent residents (PRs) – below 60 years 11 % 13 % (≤ RM 5,000); 12 % (> RM 5,000) 24 % / 23 % Same as Malaysian citizen employees; unchanged under 2025 Order
Non-Malaysian citizens who are permanent residents (PRs) – aged 60 and above 5.5 % 6.5 % 12 % Reduced rates for senior PRs; unchanged under 2025 Order
All other non-Malaysian citizen employees (non-PRs) 2 % 2 % 4 % Mandatory from October 1, 2025 under EPF (Amendment of Third Schedule) Order 2025; applies to foreign staff with valid work passes excluding domestic workers
Exemptions — — — Granted only upon formal application and written approval by the EPF Board under Section 27 of the EPF Act 1991

This article was originally published in March 2025 and remains a general guide to Malaysia’s social security system. For the latest update on mandatory EPF contributions for foreign employees, please see our October 2025 article “Malaysia’s EPF Mandate for Foreign Employees: What Investors Must Reassess”