The Global Expat Hub
Malaysia
English-speaking, affordable and well connected, with a long-stay programme built for foreigners.
Your plan for Malaysia checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Malaysia
Costs and character vary significantly within Malaysia. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Modern capital with world-class infrastructure and very low cost of living
UNESCO heritage city with legendary food scene and relaxed pace
Border city with Singapore — cheap living with Singapore day-trip access
Gateway to Borneo — nature, diving and a small but growing expat scene
Malaysia by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Equatorial; hot and humid all year, monsoon on the east coast Nov–Mar. Highlands (Cameron) cooler.
Mean temperatures for Kuala Lumpur.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 2,400 mm (94 in) a year.
Snow None.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationLaws of Malaysia (AGC) ↗
OverviewLaw of Malaysia on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the left. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Quit rent and assessment ~0.1–0.2%; very low.
Local & regional income tax None; territorial system.
🎓 University
Not free; public $1–3k/yr, private $4–10k/yr, UK/AUS branch campuses $8–15k.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Maxis, CelcomDigi, U Mobile.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $10/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $12 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) tiers
- DE Rantau nomad pass
- Foreign-sourced income largely exempt
- Heavily subsidised fuel
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Malaysia embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Malaysia faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Malaysia: remote work you can do from Kuala Lumpur, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Malaysia and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malaysia safe for expats?
Malaysia scores 66 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 76 out of 100 for liveability — #4 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Malaysia?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Malaysia from around $1,450 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Malaysia?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Malaysia include: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) tiers; DE Rantau nomad pass; foreign-sourced income largely exempt; heavily subsidised fuel. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Malaysia for expats?
The top cities for expats in Malaysia profiled on this page are Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. Kuala Lumpur is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.