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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Secure early access to commission‑free movers, vetted housing partners, and dynamic relocation checklists - apply for BETA now!