No local sponsor: what MDEC confirmed in writing
No Malaysian sponsor is needed to apply. MDEC stated in writing that a bank guarantee is not required, and in the Sponsor field you select No and upload no Personal Bond. The sponsorship relationship is created only after approval, through the Local Sponsorship Agreement and its RM1,500 refundable deposit.
This is the question published guides answer least consistently, and the one agents charge most readily to solve.
Source: a written email reply from MDEC to one applicant in 2026 · Official requirements reviewed 31 Aug 2026
Written by Flora Zhang · Last updated 25 September 2026
The answer
MDEC written reply · 2026
No Malaysian local sponsor is required, and no bank guarantee is required. An applicant emailed MDEC about this in 2026. The reply stated that a bank guarantee is not required, and that MDEC itself can act as Local Sponsor.
What to do at each step
- At submission: select No for Sponsor, and do not upload a Personal Bond.
- After approval: sign the Local Sponsorship Agreement.
- Deposit: pay the Local Sponsorship Deposit of RM 1,500.
- Refund: the deposit is refundable if you later choose not to renew.
The sponsorship relationship is created after approval. It is not a precondition of applying. People stall at submission because they assume they must first find a Malaysian willing to sign.
If someone is charging separately to "find you a local sponsor" or to "arrange a bank guarantee", check what you are buying against the four steps above.
Common questions
Does the DE Rantau Nomad Pass require a local sponsor?
No Malaysian sponsor is required. An applicant emailed MDEC about this in 2026 and the written reply stated that a bank guarantee is not required and that MDEC itself can act as Local Sponsor. At submission, select No for Sponsor and do not upload a Personal Bond. After approval you sign a Local Sponsorship Agreement and pay a RM1,500 deposit, refundable if you do not renew.
What should I put in the Sponsor field?
Select No if you have no Malaysian sponsor, and do not upload a Personal Bond. The sponsorship relationship is created after approval through the Local Sponsorship Agreement, not at the submission stage.
Do I need a bank guarantee?
No. MDEC stated in writing that a bank guarantee is not required. The cost that does arise is the RM1,500 Local Sponsorship Deposit, paid after approval and refundable if you do not renew.