Moving to Malaysia
Moving to another country involves much more than arranging a visa and booking a flight. There are possessions to move, documents to prepare, accommodation to organise and, for many families, schools and pets to consider as well. Good preparation can make the difference between a stressful relocation and a relatively smooth arrival. Some arrangements should begin several months before departure, while others are best completed after you arrive in Malaysia.
This section of the ExpatGo Welcome Guides takes you through the practical process of relocating to Malaysia, from the first stages of planning through to settling into your new home.
1. Planning Your Move
A successful international relocation usually begins several months before departure. There are immigration arrangements to consider, accommodation and schools to research, documents to prepare and practical decisions to make about what should be shipped, stored, sold or left behind. Our planning guide provides a practical relocation timeline and checklist covering the main stages of the move, including important documents, finances, insurance, medical records, travel arrangements, temporary accommodation and other preparations that are easily overlooked.
One of the biggest decisions is what to bring with you. Depending on the length of your stay and the size of your household, you may choose to ship most of your possessions, send only selected items or arrive with relatively little and purchase household goods in Malaysia. The guide also explains the main shipping options, including sea and air freight, full and shared containers, packing, storage, insurance and customs clearance. It considers restricted or prohibited items and offers practical guidance on which possessions may be worth bringing and which are often easier or cheaper to buy after arrival.
More detailed information on visas, housing, education, banking and other aspects of settling in Malaysia can be found in the relevant sections of the ExpatGo Welcome Guides.
2. Moving to Malaysia with Children
For families, moving overseas involves additional practical and emotional considerations.
School applications may need to begin well before departure, particularly for popular international schools, and the location of a school can influence where a family eventually chooses to live.
Our guide covers school records, application timing, accommodation and transport considerations, preparing children for an international move and helping them settle into their new environment.
Detailed information about schools, curricula and education in Malaysia can be found in our separate Education & Family guides.
3. Moving to Malaysia with Pets
Malaysia is home to many expatriates who have brought their pets with them, but international pet relocation requires advance planning.
Requirements can include microchipping, vaccinations, veterinary certificates, import permits and, in some circumstances, quarantine.
This guide explains the main stages involved in bringing a pet to Malaysia, including travel arrangements, documentation, pet relocation companies, choosing pet-friendly accommodation and what to expect when your pet arrives.
4. Temporary Accommodation
Many new arrivals spend their first few weeks in a hotel, serviced apartment or short-term rental while looking for permanent accommodation or waiting for their household shipment to arrive.
We look at the advantages of temporary accommodation, how long you may want to book for and why it can sometimes be sensible to get to know an area before signing a longer-term tenancy agreement.
For more detailed information about renting or buying a home, see our Homes & Property guides.
5. Arriving in Malaysia: Your First Few Weeks
The relocation process does not end when your flight lands.
There are usually several practical arrangements to make during your first few days, from getting a Malaysian mobile connection and arranging transport to opening a bank account, organising utilities and completing any remaining immigration requirements.
Our arrival guide provides a practical checklist for the first day, first week and first month in Malaysia and directs you to the relevant ExpatGo guides for more detailed information.
In summary
Every international move is different. Someone arriving alone for a two-year work assignment will have very different requirements from a family relocating permanently or a retiree coming to Malaysia under a long-term residence programme. The key is to start early, identify the arrangements that must be completed before departure and avoid trying to organise everything at once. The guides in this section are designed to help you manage the relocation itself. Once you are ready to explore visas, housing, banking, healthcare, education, transport and everyday life in greater detail, the other sections of the ExpatGo Welcome Guides will take you through each subject.