Malaysia Country Guide

Your Relocation Resource

Introduction to Malaysia

Malaysia offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty that makes it an attractive destination for expatriates. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, this vibrant country combines cosmopolitan city living with tropical paradise getaways, creating an ideal environment for professionals, families, and retirees alike.

With a stable economy, excellent healthcare, international education options, and a reasonable cost of living, Malaysia has positioned itself as a premier expat destination in the region. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program further enhances its appeal, offering long-term residency options for qualified individuals.

Essential Information

Climate

Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F). The country experiences two monsoon seasons that affect different regions:

Northeast Monsoon (November to March): Affects the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Southwest Monsoon (May to September): Affects the western region

Humidity levels remain high throughout the year (70-90%), so prepare for a tropical lifestyle with appropriate clothing and home cooling solutions.

Geography

Malaysia consists of two main regions:

Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia): Bordering Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south
Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia): Comprising Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo

Major cities include Kuala Lumpur (the capital), Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching, each offering distinct cultural experiences and lifestyles.

languages

While Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language, English is widely spoken in business, government, and education spheres. Chinese (various dialects), Tamil, and indigenous languages are also common. Expatriates can generally navigate daily life with English, though learning basic Malay phrases is appreciated by locals.

currency

The Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is the official currency, commonly abbreviated as RM. Banking is modern and efficient, with international banks and local institutions providing comprehensive services for expatriates.

visa and immigration

Visa Options

Malaysia offers several visa options for expatriates:

Employment Pass: For professionals employed by Malaysian companies
Dependent Pass: For family members of Employment Pass holders
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H): Long-term residency program for retirees and self-sufficient individuals
Professional Visit Pass: For short-term specialized work assignments
Student Pass: For international students enrolled in Malaysian institutions

Required Documentation

When applying for Malaysian visas, prepare the following documents:

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Completed application forms
Employment contract (for Employment Pass)
Financial statements (for MM2H)
Medical examination results
Personal identification documents
Passport photos with specific requirements

Immigration Process

The immigration process typically follows these steps:

Initial application submission through employers or sponsors
Preliminary approval from immigration authorities
Medical examination and security clearance
Visa endorsement at Malaysian embassy/consulate
Entry into Malaysia
Registration with local immigration office

popular expat areas

1 / kuala lumpur

Mont Kiara: Premium international community with abundant amenities
KLCC: Luxury high-rise living near the iconic Petronas Towers
Bangsar: Trendy neighborhood with vibrant café culture
Damansara Heights: Established upscale residential area
Ampang: Popular with diplomatic community

2 / penang

Tanjung Tokong: Beachfront condos with island views
Gurney Drive: Luxury condominiums with sea views
Batu Ferringhi: Resort-style living with beach access

3 / johor bahru

Horizon Hills: Golf course community with modern facilities
Bukit Indah: Family-friendly suburb with excellent amenities
Iskandar Puteri: New development with proximity to Singapore