Your life in Malaysia starts here
Make your move to Malaysia
Very low costs, very affordable property and foreign income left alone make Malaysia easy on the budget. English is widely spoken, and a well-established long-stay route welcomes new arrivals.
Photo: Mohd Jon Ramlan / Unsplash
At a glance
Malaysia, in brief.
How Malaysia compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Malaysia ranks among the best for property affordability (6th of 75) and cost of living (7th of 77) and tax friendliness (17th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Basic
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Warm (~27°C)
- English
- Widely spoken
- Expat community
- Established
MM2H long-stay (fixed deposit)
Foreign income exempt (territorial)
Life in Malaysia
I'm Dave, 34 years old, married with two young children (aged 2 and 4)Where, when and why did you move abroad?We moved to Malaysia in 2018.My wife was…
Health insurance in Malaysia
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.
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Your move plan
Malaysia, 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 Malaysia into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Malaysia.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 Malaysia 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
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Malaysia share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Malaysia stories
- Kuala Lumpur
Stella English
My name is Stella English, Born Kenyan-Nigerian and an Irish national.I spent most of my childhood between Africa and Europe.Where, when and…
- Selangor
Merx
Hi there – I’m Merx, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Selangor, Malaysia. I graduated as an Electronics Engineer in Mapua Institute…
- Penang
Dr. Angelo Nino M. Santos
I’m Dr. Angelo Nino M. Santos or Doc Gelo to my students and blog readers. I am a Filipino licensed General Physician,…
Fresh from Malaysia
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Malaysia has a two-tier healthcare system, consisting of a public scheme alongside a private health sector, but your options as an expat will be…
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