By RELOCATE SUPPORT
Moving to Malaysia
Step-by-step Immigration Guide
Moving to Malaysia
Malaysia stands out as an attractive destination for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle at an affordable cost. Its low living expenses combined with a touch of luxury make it a magnet for expatriates. Additionally, Malaysia's commitment to enhancing its global appeal for jobseekers has led to a rising number of expats choosing it as their new home in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia consistently ranks favorably in various aspects of life quality, making it a prime choice for those looking to relocate in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia consistently ranks favorably in various aspects of life quality, making it a prime choice for those looking to relocate in Southeast Asia.
Do I Need a Visa to Relocate to Malaysia?
Do I Need a Visa to Relocate to Malaysia?
If your plans involve staying in Malaysia for more than 90 days (equivalent to three months), securing a long-stay visa is essential. Failing to do so will result in your inability to remain in Malaysia. Malaysia offers several visa options tailored to your specific reasons for moving, such as work, study, or family reunification.
How to Relocate to Malaysia?
How to Relocate to Malaysia?
There are various pathways to relocating to Malaysia, whether for work, family reunification, or educational pursuits. Each scenario requires a specific Malaysian visa with reference, officially authorized by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Moving to Malaysia for Employment
Moving to Malaysia for Employment
For individuals planning to work in Malaysia, securing a work visa or work permit is a crucial step. Malaysia offers different types of work permits based on eligibility and requirements, including:
Holders of an employment pass are entitled to bring their immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) with them to Malaysia. However, holders of other work permits are not permitted to bring dependents.
- Employment Pass: Suitable for those employed in various sectors.
- Temporary Employment Pass: Designed for temporary workers.
- Professional Visit Pass: Applicable for professional visits.
Holders of an employment pass are entitled to bring their immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) with them to Malaysia. However, holders of other work permits are not permitted to bring dependents.
Relocating to Malaysia for Family Reunification
Relocating to Malaysia for Family Reunification
If you are already in Malaysia for work or study and wish to reunite with your family, applying for a dependent pass is necessary. This type of visa allows you to bring the following family members:
Upon their arrival in Malaysia, your family members must submit their passports to the Immigration Department of Malaysia to receive the Malaysia Dependent Pass sticker. While in Malaysia, they can stay for the same duration as your Malaysian visa, but they are not permitted to work during this period.
- Your spouse.
- Children under the age of 21.
- Dependent children.
Upon their arrival in Malaysia, your family members must submit their passports to the Immigration Department of Malaysia to receive the Malaysia Dependent Pass sticker. While in Malaysia, they can stay for the same duration as your Malaysian visa, but they are not permitted to work during this period.
Moving to Malaysia for Educational Purposes
Moving to Malaysia for Educational Purposes
Relocating to Malaysia for educational pursuits requires applying for a Malaysian student visa (Approval Letter) from the Immigration Department. Prior to commencing the application process, you must secure admission to a Malaysian educational institution.
After obtaining your approval letter, you may need to apply for an entry visa based on your country of residence. Once you arrive in Malaysia, you can complete your registration at the educational institution and obtain your Malaysia student pass and i-Kad.
After obtaining your approval letter, you may need to apply for an entry visa based on your country of residence. Once you arrive in Malaysia, you can complete your registration at the educational institution and obtain your Malaysia student pass and i-Kad.
Relocating to Malaysia for Retirement
Relocating to Malaysia for Retirement
Malaysia extends a retirement visa to individuals seeking to retire in the country. If you meet the financial requirements and other conditions for retirement in Malaysia, you can apply for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, which is specifically designed for retirees.
Once your retirement visa is approved, you can travel to Malaysia and collect your Conditional Approval Letter in person. This type of visa allows you to bring your spouse and children under 21 to Malaysia. It offers several benefits, including a validity period of 10 years (renewable) and the ability to work up to 20 hours per week.
Once your retirement visa is approved, you can travel to Malaysia and collect your Conditional Approval Letter in person. This type of visa allows you to bring your spouse and children under 21 to Malaysia. It offers several benefits, including a validity period of 10 years (renewable) and the ability to work up to 20 hours per week.
Why Should You Move to Malaysia?
Why Should You Move to Malaysia?
Malaysia offers numerous advantages and some challenges:
1. Affordable Living Costs: Malaysia is renowned for its affordability, making it an attractive destination for expats. The estimated monthly expenses for a single person are approximately €500, covering necessities.
2. Affordable Housing: Malaysia offers a housing market that is notably affordable compared to many other countries. Whether you choose to rent or buy property, the costs are relatively low. Rental prices range from €150 to €1100, while property prices per square meter vary from €650 to €3000, depending on the location.
3. Quality Healthcare: Malaysia boasts a well-regarded healthcare system, ranking 49th globally. The country provides a universal healthcare system accessible to all citizens and legal residents, with both private and public healthcare sectors.
4. Infrastructure Development: Malaysia has made significant strides in infrastructure development, ranking favorably among Asian nations. The nation continues to invest in improving its infrastructure.
5. Tropical Climate: Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 25.4°C. The weather remains stable throughout the year, characterized by two seasons: rainy and dry.
6. Friendly People: Malaysians are known for their friendliness and positive demeanor. They are welcoming toward foreigners, facilitating a sense of belonging and community integration.
2. Affordable Housing: Malaysia offers a housing market that is notably affordable compared to many other countries. Whether you choose to rent or buy property, the costs are relatively low. Rental prices range from €150 to €1100, while property prices per square meter vary from €650 to €3000, depending on the location.
3. Quality Healthcare: Malaysia boasts a well-regarded healthcare system, ranking 49th globally. The country provides a universal healthcare system accessible to all citizens and legal residents, with both private and public healthcare sectors.
4. Infrastructure Development: Malaysia has made significant strides in infrastructure development, ranking favorably among Asian nations. The nation continues to invest in improving its infrastructure.
5. Tropical Climate: Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 25.4°C. The weather remains stable throughout the year, characterized by two seasons: rainy and dry.
6. Friendly People: Malaysians are known for their friendliness and positive demeanor. They are welcoming toward foreigners, facilitating a sense of belonging and community integration.
1. Air Pollution: Malaysia grapples with long-standing air pollution issues resulting from emissions and industrial activities.
2. Traffic Challenges: Navigating Malaysian roads can be challenging, with drivers often not adhering to traffic rules. Swerving across lanes is common, contributing to a relatively high fatality rate on the roads.
3. Varying Hygiene Standards: While major cities in Malaysia maintain high cleanliness standards, other areas may not. Settlements away from urban centers may exhibit litter and sanitation challenges.
2. Traffic Challenges: Navigating Malaysian roads can be challenging, with drivers often not adhering to traffic rules. Swerving across lanes is common, contributing to a relatively high fatality rate on the roads.
3. Varying Hygiene Standards: While major cities in Malaysia maintain high cleanliness standards, other areas may not. Settlements away from urban centers may exhibit litter and sanitation challenges.
Moving to Malaysia With Pets
Moving to Malaysia With Pets
You can relocate to Malaysia with your pets, including cats and dogs, provided you meet the Malaysian government's requirements. While there isn't a set limit on the number of pets per person, local authorities may have regulations on the number of dogs you can keep in your household.
Before transporting your pets to Malaysia, ensure that their breed is allowed into the country. Some breeds, like Akita, Doberman, Pit Bull Terrier, and others, are not permitted.
To meet the requirements for importing pets to Malaysia:
Additional vaccinations may also be required depending on your pet's type.
Before transporting your pets to Malaysia, ensure that their breed is allowed into the country. Some breeds, like Akita, Doberman, Pit Bull Terrier, and others, are not permitted.
To meet the requirements for importing pets to Malaysia:
- Ensure your pets are vaccinated against rabies, with a valid vaccine at the time of entry.
- Identify your pets with a microchip.
- Pets should be older than three months.
- Verify your pets' fitness for travel by air, land, or sea.
- Fulfill the Malaysia Import Regulations for Dogs/Cats.
- Obtain a veterinary health certificate from your country of residence, authorized by a veterinarian.
- Secure an import permit from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service Department (MAQS) before your pets leave your country of residence.
Additional vaccinations may also be required depending on your pet's type.
Preferred Expat Hotspots in Malaysia
Preferred Expat Hotspots in Malaysia
Malaysia is a diverse and welcoming nation with a plethora of appealing destinations for expatriates to explore. Here, we delve into some of the most coveted expat hotspots in Malaysia:
Kuala Lumpur - The Vibrant Capital:
Penang - The Pearl of the Orient:
Langkawi - The Jewel of Kedah:
Melaka (Malacca) - A Southern Gem:
Ipoh - The Hidden Gem of the Northwest:
These destinations offer distinctive experiences, making Malaysia an attractive option for expatriates seeking adventure, cultural diversity, and a welcoming community.
Kuala Lumpur - The Vibrant Capital:
- Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital, stands as a top choice for expats.
- Advantages: Renowned for its iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the city offers safety, multiculturalism, and a reasonable cost of living.
- Considerations: Traffic congestion can pose challenges, and the tropical climate may be hot and humid.
Penang - The Pearl of the Orient:
- Penang, a captivating island state off Malaysia's northwest coast, allures expatriates seeking a unique experience.
- Advantages: This island paradise boasts pristine beaches, meticulously preserved colonial architecture in George Town, and a reputation for delectable street food.
- Considerations: With its popularity, certain parts of Penang can become crowded, and property prices have been on the rise.
Langkawi - The Jewel of Kedah:
- Langkawi, often referred to as the Jewel of Kedah, is an archipelago of islands in the Andaman Sea.
- Advantages: It offers exceptional wildlife and nature, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Safety and a relaxed island lifestyle are among its highlights.
- Considerations: Internet connectivity can be a challenge in certain areas, which may not suit digital nomads.
Melaka (Malacca) - A Southern Gem:
- Situated in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, Melaka stands out for healthcare and affordability.
- Advantages: It boasts a warm climate, a variety of healthcare options, and welcoming locals, creating a comfortable living environment.
- Considerations: While Melaka is more budget-friendly than many other cities, costs can vary based on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Ipoh - The Hidden Gem of the Northwest:
- Ipoh, located in the northwestern part of Malaysia, may be less explored but exudes its unique charm.
- Advantages: It showcases captivating street art, mesmerizing cave temples, and budget-friendly living costs. Safety is also a prominent feature.
- Considerations: Limited internet connectivity and fewer amenities for digital nomads may deter some individuals.
These destinations offer distinctive experiences, making Malaysia an attractive option for expatriates seeking adventure, cultural diversity, and a welcoming community.
FAQ
FAQ
Becoming a Permanent Resident in Malaysia
Becoming a Permanent Resident in Malaysia
To qualify for permanent residency in Malaysia, you must satisfy specific criteria. You should have resided in the country for a minimum of 10 years, hold only Malaysian citizenship (as Malaysia doesn't allow dual citizenship), and demonstrate proficiency in the Malay language.
Dual Citizenship in Malaysia
Dual Citizenship in Malaysia
Malaysia, like many countries, does not permit dual citizenship. If you intend to become a Malaysian citizen, you are required to renounce your current nationality.
Bringing Household Items to Malaysia
Bringing Household Items to Malaysia
If you are relocating to Malaysia permanently, you can transport your personal household items by sea, land, or air. However, you must be present in Malaysia when your belongings are imported. To import your household goods without incurring customs duties and taxes, you must meet specific requirements:
It's important to note that certain items are prohibited from entering Malaysia, including narcotics, firearms, explosives, indecent materials, certain types of meat and poultry, and restricted pets.
- You must be the owner of the imported goods.
- The goods should have been in your possession and used for less than three months before departure.
- You must not dispose of these items within three months of importing them to Malaysia.
- You must establish Malaysia as your new place of residence.
It's important to note that certain items are prohibited from entering Malaysia, including narcotics, firearms, explosives, indecent materials, certain types of meat and poultry, and restricted pets.