The Ultimate Pre‑Move Checklist for Malaysia

Moving to Malaysia is easier with a clear, time‑phased plan; this checklist covers the critical steps for visas, banking, housing, and healthcare, plus customs, pets, and first‑30‑days setup to avoid costly delays.

Timeline overview

• T‑90 to T‑60 days: Validate visa route, gather documents, shortlist neighborhoods, start banking strategy, and line up movers.

• T‑45 to T‑15 days: Lock housing pipeline and schools, book international shipments, secure pet import permits, and prepare healthcare coverage.

• Arrival week to Day 30: Activate SIM/banking, register with private hospitals, finalize utilities, and complete local admin and community onboarding.

Choose your visa path

• Employment Pass: Requires a Malaysian employer sponsor; typical processing is 2–4 weeks with complete documentation and approval dependent on role/salary.

• MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home): Three tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with varying fixed deposit and property requirements; benefits include multi‑entry and family dependents.

• Visitor/short‑term: Confirm eligibility by nationality and purpose; align with housing and school timelines to avoid overstay complexities.

Action items

• Confirm visa category and eligibility documents: passport validity, employment offer/letter, financial proofs, insurance, and dependents’ documents.

• Plan for MM2H tier criteria: fixed deposits, minimum stays, and whether employment rights are needed now or later.

Housing and neighborhoods

• Prime expat areas: KLCC (urban luxury, walkable CBD), Mont Kiara (family‑oriented, international schools), Bangsar (trendy/creative), TTDI (suburban, green), Ampang (near embassies).

• Typical rental ranges: KLCC ~ USD 700–1,100; Mont Kiara ~ USD 580–930; Bangsar ~ USD 400–650; TTDI ~ USD 445–665; Ampang ~ USD 355–555.

• Cost of living guide: Comfortable monthly budgets typically range USD 1,500–3,500 depending on location, unit, and lifestyle.

Action items

• Shortlist 2–3 neighborhoods mapped to commute, schools, and lifestyle; line up 5–7 viewings for first 10 days in country.

• Prepare rental documents: passport, visa/EP approval or proof in progress, employment letter, and funds for deposit (often 2–3 months).

• Plan temporary housing for 2–4 weeks to allow in‑person inspections and contract checks.

Banking and money setup

• Bank options: Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank are common choices with broad ATM networks and online banking.

• Digital payments: Touch ’n Go eWallet integrates with public transport and everyday merchants; set up early to simplify daily spend.

• Tax basics: Malaysia does not tax foreign‑sourced income that is not remitted; confirm individual circumstances and visa conditions before arrival.

Action items

• Bring originals: passport, visa approval/entry documents, proof of address (temporary or employer letter), and employment letter for account opening.

• Plan remittances and FX: Choose low‑fee routes for initial deposits and rent; align with deposit deadlines to avoid lease delays.

Healthcare and insurance

• Private healthcare: KL’s private hospitals (e.g., Gleneagles, Sunway, Pantai, Prince Court) offer international standards at lower cost than Western markets.

• Typical costs: Private specialist consultations around USD 22–55; public facilities are lower but with longer wait times.

• Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for some visas (e.g., MM2H under 60) and recommended for all expats.

Action items

• Select a private hospital near chosen neighborhood; register and store hotline details.

• Choose an insurer and plan that covers inpatient/outpatient and evacuation; ensure visa compliance.

Customs, shipping, and inventory

• Duty‑free eligibility: Used household goods owned and used for 6+ months can be imported duty‑free; newer items may attract duties/taxes.

• Documents: Passport, detailed English inventory, OBL/AWB, contact info in Malaysia, employment letter/work permit, and Malaysian ID (for returning citizens).

• Inspections and WPM: Customs examinations are common; ISPM‑15 fumigation is required for all wooden packaging materials at origin.

Action items

• Create a detailed inventory including electricals (item, model, serial number, year of purchase), plus media lists for books, VCDs/DVDs if included.

• Share all documents with the destination agent at least 7 days before vessel arrival or 2 days before flight arrival to avoid delays.

Cars and motorbikes

• High duties and taxes: Vehicle imports face approximately 170%–300% import duty plus 10%–20% taxes when CIF value is below RM 20,000, making import rarely economical.

• Permits: Apply for import permission with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry before shipment; approval is not guaranteed.

Action items

• Compare total landed cost vs. local purchase; factor insurance, compliance, and registration timelines.

• Do not ship without written permit approvals; budget weeks for processing.

Pets and quarantine

• Requirements: Import permit, vaccination (including rabies), microchip, veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure.

• Quarantine: West vs. East Malaysia have different rules; West Malaysia may quarantine cats/dogs from selected countries; East Malaysia can be 30–180 days.

• Logistics: Reserve quarantine space in advance; pets arriving after 10:00 pm incur overtime fees; owners can visit during set hours.

Action items

• Apply for import permit with full vaccination and ID details; validity is typically 30 days, time flights accordingly.

• Pack sufficient pet food for quarantine; confirm airport handling instructions with airline and destination authorities.

Restricted and prohibited items

• Restricted/dutiable: Alcohol and tobacco need special permits and attract high duties; media may be censored with screening fees on arrival.

• Prohibited: Narcotics, certain weapons, obscene materials, and some radio/telecom devices without permit; various animal/plant products restricted.

Action items

• Prepare detailed lists for any alcohol/tobacco (type, quantity, origin, purchase value, ABV) and confirm permit feasibility before packing.

• When in doubt, share item lists with destination agent early for clearance advice.

First week essentials

• Connectivity: Purchase local SIM (Maxis, Celcom, Digi) and set up Touch ’n Go for transport and eWallet payments.

• Transport: Use integrated LRT/MRT/Monorail/Komuter networks; typical monthly transport pass around USD ~35; Grab for door‑to‑door rides.

• Safety: KL is generally safe, with precautions for petty theft in tourist areas; choose well‑lit, busy neighborhoods at night.

Action items

• Register at chosen private hospital, set emergency contacts, and note nearest clinic/pharmacy.

• Finalize lease, utilities (TNB electricity, water), and internet; set up online banking and recurring payments.

Family moves: schools and childcare

• School systems: British (IGCSE/A‑Levels), American/AP, and IB are widely available; top schools include ISKL and Alice Smith.

• Selection factors: Proximity to housing (traffic), curriculum alignment, waiting lists, and bus routes; apply early for popular grades.

Action items

• Book school tours for Week 2; gather transcripts, immunizations, and recommendations per school requirements.

• Align neighborhood choice with school commute and after‑school activities for smoother routines.

Cost of living reality check

• Benchmarks: Core monthly categories—rent, utilities (USD ~45–55), internet (USD ~25–30), public transport (~USD 35), and dining out (USD 7–13 per meal).

• Budget envelope: Many expats report comfortable living between USD 1,500–3,500 depending on area and lifestyle choices.

Action items

• Build a category‑level budget before signing a lease; pressure‑test against two neighborhoods to see trade‑offs.

• Keep a 2–3 month cash buffer for deposits, setup costs, and unforeseen admin.

Climate and what to pack

• Weather: Equatorial climate year‑round with 25–35°C temperatures and high humidity; wet season Oct–Jan brings predictable afternoon storms.

• Adaptation: Light clothing, reliable rain gear, hydration, and plan for air‑conditioning costs.

Action items

• Pack breathable fabrics, compact umbrella/rain jacket, and voltage‑compatible electronics; list serial numbers for customs if shipping.

• Budget for dehumidifiers/AC where needed, especially in older buildings.

Pro tips to avoid delays

• Do not ship new/boxed goods en masse; used goods 6+ months old reduce duty risk.

• Send shipment docs to destination agent at least 7 days before vessel arrival to avoid storage and inspection delays.

• For pets, anchor flight dates to import‑permit validity and quarantine reservations to prevent rejections on arrival.

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