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.

Malaysia at a glance

Cost of living
Very low
Property
Very affordable
Healthcare
Basic
Safety
Safe
Climate
Warm (~27°C)
English
Widely spoken
Expat community
Established

Where Malaysia is strongest: property affordability #6 of 74cost of living #7 of 76tax friendliness #17 of 81

Worth weighing up: visa ease #68 of 81healthcare #64 of 77size of expat community #46 of 80

TaxForeign income exempt (territorial)
Visa / residencyMM2H long-stay (fixed deposit)

General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.

Health insurance in Malaysia

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Your first steps to Malaysia

Malaysia – Visas

Malaysia extends a warm welcome to visitors from the vast majority of countries, either through visa-free entry or…

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Malaysia – Residency

Foreign nationals looking to establish long-term residency in Malaysia have several distinct options available to them, including the…

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Fresh from Malaysia

Latest articles

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You won’t be the first

Real people who made the move

Dave, Malaysia

Who are you? I’m Dave, 34 years old, married with two young children (aged 2 and 4) Where,…

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Stella English, Kuala Lumpur

Who are you? My name is Stella English, Born Kenyan-Nigerian and an Irish national.I spent most of my…

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Merx, Selangor

Who are you? Hi there – I’m Merx, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Selangor, Malaysia. I graduated…

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The complete picture

Malaysia moving guide

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Malaysia – Air Travel

Malaysia’s aviation industry is both mature and rapidly expanding, centred on Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and supported…

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Malaysia – Banking

Malaysia’s banking sector is mature, well-regulated, and financially stable, operating under the supervision of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM),…

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Malaysia – Buses and Trams

Malaysia’s bus network is both extensive and affordable, serving as the foundation of urban public transport across the…

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Malaysia – Buying Property

Foreign nationals are legally permitted to purchase and hold property in Malaysia, including on a freehold basis —…

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Malaysia – Car Rental

For most visitors and expats, hiring a car in Malaysia is a relatively simple process — but understanding…

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Malaysia – Citizenship

Malaysian citizenship may be acquired through naturalisation following a qualifying period of residency, through registration as the spouse…

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Malaysia – Cost of Living

Malaysia consistently ranks among Southeast Asia’s top choices for those seeking an affordable life abroad, with day-to-day expenses…

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Malaysia – Cycling

Malaysia is steadily gaining recognition as a cycling destination, though the activity remains largely recreational and sport-focused rather…

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