Your life in Brunei starts here
Make your move to Brunei
On the coast of Borneo, this small sultanate combines very low living costs with no personal income tax at all. English is widely spoken, and employer-sponsored roles offer a clear way in.
Photo: Bojána Noémi Molnár / Pexels
At a glance
Brunei, in brief.
How Brunei compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Brunei ranks among the best for property affordability (11th of 75) and tax friendliness (12th of 81) and cost of living (12th of 77).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Basic
- Safety
- No data
- Climate
- Warm (~27°C)
- English
- Widely spoken
- Expat community
- Very large
No retiree route, employer work pass only
No personal income tax at all
Life in Brunei
Discover what life is really like as an expat in Brunei, from its peaceful pace and welcoming community to the challenges and rewards of adapting to a new culture.
Health insurance in Brunei
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotesMoving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
Brunei, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Brunei into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Brunei.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Brunei moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Fresh from Brunei
Latest articles.
Accessing Free Healthcare as an Expat in Brunei
Brunei Darussalam is known for its rich oil and gas resources, but many might not know about the country's commitment to healthcare. This article…
How To Open A Bank Account In Brunei
Whilst Brunei has a population of over 428,000 people, its actual size isn’t much bigger than a small English county. Therefore, the country isn’t…
How To Apply For A Visa In Brunei
Some passport holders may enter Brunei for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. This will depend on your nationality. For…
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