Malaysia Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Malaysia
Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to Malaysia. Known for its multicultural society, tropical lifestyle, strong regional economy, modern infrastructure and attractive expatriate programs, Malaysia offers opportunities in technology, education, engineering, oil and gas, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, tourism and finance. Visa rules, work permits and residency programs may change — always confirm details through official Malaysian government sources.
Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Malaysia, including export packing, air/ocean freight, customs paperwork and final delivery to major areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak.
1. Before You Move to Malaysia
1.1 Visa Types & Entry Requirements
Malaysia offers several visa categories based on purpose of stay. Long-term residential and employment categories are managed by Malaysian Immigration and the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). Common visa types include:
- Employment Pass (EP) – for professionals hired by Malaysian companies
- Professional Visit Pass (PVP) – short-term professional assignments
- Dependent Pass – for eligible family members of EP holders
- Long-Term Social Visit Pass – for extended stays for spouses or dependants
- Student Visa – for accredited institutions
- MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) – long-term residency program for retirees or qualifying applicants
- Tourist Visa / Visa on Arrival – depending on nationality and duration
1.2 Working in Malaysia
Malaysia's major employment sectors include:
- Information technology & digital services
- Oil, gas & energy industries
- Manufacturing & electronics
- Higher education, training & international schools
- Tourism & hospitality
- Banking, finance & shared service centres
- Healthcare & biotech
- Logistics & regional distribution hubs
1.3 Housing & Accommodation
Popular expatriate neighbourhoods include:
- Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC): high-rise condos, business district
- Mont Kiara: international community, schools, modern condos
- Bangsar & Damansara Heights: suburban lifestyle, cafés, malls
- Penang Island: heritage living, tech parks, coastal areas
- Johor Bahru: major hub near Singapore
Typical rental requirements:
- Passport and visa/residence documentation
- Security deposit (often 2 months + utilities deposit)
- Signed tenancy agreement
- Post-dated cheques or online payment arrangements
1.4 Banking & Finances
Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). To open a bank account, documents may include:
- Passport
- Valid visa or residence permit (EP, PVP, MM2H, etc.)
- Proof of local address
- Employment contract or employer letter
1.5 Healthcare & Medical Insurance
Malaysia offers excellent private healthcare with modern hospitals, especially in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor. Many expatriates rely on private insurance or employer-provided medical coverage.
1.6 Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Visa approval (EPA approval letter, PVP, etc.)
- Employment contract
- Educational certificates (may require authentication)
- Birth & marriage certificates
- Police clearance certificate (often requested)
- Medical examination results if needed for visa processing
2. Your First Weeks in Malaysia
2.1 Arrival & Immigration Clearance
On arrival, immigration authorities will check your visa or approval letter. Work pass holders often receive an entry stamp allowing them to finalize their Employment Pass issuance inside the country.
2.2 Finalizing Your Employment Pass / Residence Documentation
After arrival, EP holders usually must:
- Attend biometric and photo registration
- Submit passports for visa endorsement
- Collect the physical Employment Pass card
2.3 Setting Up Essentials
- Mobile SIM (Maxis, Celcom, Digi, U Mobile)
- High-speed internet for home
- Bank account activation
- Utilities setup (electricity, water, gas)
3. Malaysia at a Glance
3.1 Geography & Regions
Malaysia consists of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak) on Borneo. Major cities include Kuala Lumpur, George Town (Penang), Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
3.2 Politics & Economy
Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy with a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, finance, oil & gas, technology and tourism.
3.3 Climate & Weather
Malaysia has a tropical rainforest climate — warm, humid and rainy year-round. The monsoon seasons vary between east and west coasts.
4. Why Many Canadians Choose Malaysia
- Affordable cost of living compared to major global cities
- English widely spoken and used in business
- Modern infrastructure and excellent healthcare
- Diverse culture and cuisine
- Strategic location for travel within Southeast Asia
- Attractive residency program (MM2H)
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Malaysia offers a high standard of living at reasonable costs, particularly for housing and food. Typical expenses include:
- Rent (condominiums and landed houses vary by area)
- Utilities (electricity is the largest component due to air-conditioning)
- Groceries and dining at hawker centres or restaurants
- Transport (ride-hailing apps widely available)
- School fees for international schools, if needed
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Kuala Lumpur has a growing public transportation network, including:
- LRT, MRT and monorail systems
- Rapid bus networks
- Airport rail links (KLIA Ekspres)
- Ride-hailing services (Grab, InDrive)
6.2 Driving in Malaysia
Malaysia drives on the left-hand side. Many expatriates use ride-hailing or drive their own vehicles. Roads are generally well-developed, especially in major cities.
6.3 Domestic & Regional Travel
Malaysia is well-connected with domestic flights and has major airports in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it easy to travel to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- Malaysia is multicultural, with Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous communities
- English is widely spoken in urban areas
- Religious and cultural festivals occur year-round
- Food culture is a major part of daily life, with cuisines from many traditions
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Towers, Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves
- Penang: George Town heritage zone, beaches, street food
- Langkawi: Islands, beaches and rainforest
- Malacca: UNESCO Historic City
- Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak): Wildlife, rainforests and Mount Kinabalu