EPF for Foreign Workers in Malaysia 2026: 2% Contribution, Balance & Withdrawal

Worker Guide · Part 3 Updated November 2026

EPF (KWSP) for Foreign Workers in Malaysia

Why 2% is now cut from your salary, how much you will save, how to check your EPF and how to take all of it back when you leave Malaysia.

 

What Is EPF and Why Is It on My Payslip?

EPF (Employees Provident Fund), called KWSP in Malay, is Malaysia's savings fund for workers. Since October 2025, foreign workers must also be members. Every month, 2% of your salary is saved in your EPF account, and your employer adds another 2% from their own pocket.

This is your money. It is not a tax or a fee. It stays in your account, earns a yearly dividend, and you can take it all out when you leave Malaysia for good.

EPF for Foreign Workers: Key Facts 2026

Question	Answer
Started	October 2025 wages (paid in November 2025)
Your share	2% of your monthly salary
Employer's share	2% on top, paid by the employer
Who is covered?	Workers with a work permit (PLKS) or an Employment Pass
Not covered	Domestic workers (maids)
Registration	Automatic. Your employer completes it at EPF if needed
Paid to EPF by	The 15th of the next month, by your employer
Dividend for 2025	6.15% (credited 1 March 2026)
When can I take it out?	When you leave Malaysia for good (Leaving the Country Withdrawal)

Employers who want the full rate table for EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB can see our 2026 payroll deduction rates.

How Much Will I Save?

Here is what goes into your EPF account each month at common salaries:

Monthly salary	You pay (2%)	Employer pays (2%)	Saved per month	After 3 years*
RM1,700	RM34	RM34	RM68	about RM2,680
RM2,000	RM40	RM40	RM80	about RM3,150
RM3,000	RM60	RM60	RM120	about RM4,730

*Estimate only, assuming the same salary for 36 months and a dividend of about 6% a year. Real dividends change every year. RM1,700 is the current minimum wage.

Your employer cannot take their 2% from your salary. Only your own 2% may be deducted. If your payslip shows 4% taken from you, ask your employer to explain and keep a copy of the payslip.

How to Check Your EPF

Step 1: Check your payslip

Every payslip should show an EPF or KWSP deduction. If there is no payslip, ask for one. You have a right to it.

Step 2: Get your EPF member number

Ask your employer or HR for your EPF member number. Write it down and keep it safe with a copy of your passport.

Step 3: Visit an EPF (KWSP) branch

Bring your original passport to any KWSP branch. The counter can show your balance and contribution history, and check that your passport details are correct.

Step 4: Ask about online access

While you are at the counter, ask whether you can activate KWSP i-Akaun so you can check your balance on your phone without visiting again.

Money missing? If EPF is cut from your salary but your balance does not go up, your employer may not be paying it. Report it at any KWSP branch. Bring your payslips as proof.

How to Withdraw Your EPF When You Leave Malaysia

You can only take your EPF out when you are leaving Malaysia for good. This is called the Leaving the Country Withdrawal. You must apply yourself. Your employer cannot apply for you, but they should help with the documents.

Documents you need

• Original passport (the same one EPF has on record, or the old one if it changed)
• Check Out Memo from Immigration, or proof your work permit was cancelled
• Resignation letter or end-of-contract letter
• Malaysian bank account details in your own name
• Withdrawal form KWSP 9K (AHL), from the counter or the KWSP website

When to apply

• EPF advises applying within 2 months before your permit ends
• Or as soon as you receive the Check Out Memo
• Processing can take several weeks, so do not wait for your last day
• Applying after you have left Malaysia is possible but much harder

Step 1: Make sure your last salary's EPF is paid

Ask your employer to confirm your final month's contribution has been paid to EPF, so it is included in your withdrawal.

Step 2: Check your name matches

The name and passport number at EPF must match your bank account. If they do not, the payment can be stuck. Fix it at the KWSP counter first.

Step 3: Get your Check Out Memo

Your employer cancels your permit and gets the Check Out Memo from Immigration. See Part 1: Work Permit for how this works.

Step 4: Apply at a KWSP branch

Bring all the documents and submit form 9K (AHL). Ask for a copy or receipt of your application.

Step 5: Keep your bank account and phone open

The money is paid into your bank account. Do not close it until the money arrives. Give EPF a phone number or email that will still work in your home country.

Beware of agents. Applying for your EPF is free. Never pay anyone to "release" your EPF, and never give your bank PIN, passwords or OTP codes to anyone, including agents or colleagues.

Latest News (October 2026)

In October 2026 the Ministry of Finance told Parliament that about 1.75 million foreign workers are now paying into EPF, through more than 78,000 employers. Some employers and MPs have asked for the rule to be relaxed, but there is no change: the 2% + 2% rule still applies. We will update this guide if that changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since October 2025 wages, EPF is compulsory for foreign workers with a work permit (PLKS) or Employment Pass. Domestic workers are not included.

No. Foreign workers can take out their EPF when they leave Malaysia for good, using the Leaving the Country Withdrawal. Do not plan on using it during your contract.

Yes. Both shares go into your EPF account and belong to you, together with the dividends earned. The withdrawal pays out the full balance.

No. You keep one EPF member number. Give it to your new employer so contributions continue into the same account.

Update your new passport number at a KWSP branch as soon as possible, and bring both the old and new passport. A mismatch can delay your withdrawal.

No, and please do not post your passport or EPF number in the comments. Only EPF can show your balance, at a KWSP branch or through your own i-Akaun.

This guide is for general information only and is not financial or legal advice. Spicy Blogging is not connected with EPF (KWSP). Always confirm the latest rules with KWSP.

Sources

• EPF to auto-enrol non-Malaysian employees from October 2025 (The Star, October 2025)
• Employers urged to support EPF withdrawals for non-Malaysian employees (Human Resources Online, July 2026)
• What happens to your EPF when you leave Malaysia (RinggitPlus, February 2026)
• EPF announces 6.15% dividend for 2025 (Malay Mail, February 2026)
• MoF: 2% EPF rate for foreign workers relatively low (Malay Mail, October 2026)

Ishtiaq Ahmad on November 11, 2026