Corporate Relocation Guide for Malaysia

Overview

Population

34.4 million people

Area

127,724 sq miles (330,803 sq km)

Standard time zone

UTC +8 hours

Local voltage

230V/240V, 50Hz

Country code

+60

Ethnic groups

Bumiputera (69.7%), Chinese (22.9%), Indian (6.6%), Other (0.8%)

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Language

Malaysia’s official language is Malay, locally known as Bahasa Malaysia. English is considered an unofficial business language and is widely spoken. English is also an important secondary language used in government, commerce, and education. Chinese dialects such as Mandarin, Cantonese and Tamil are also spoken by their respective ethnic communities.

Health

Depending on the treatment or service needed, public or private hospitals and clinics may be used. Foreign nationals must purchase a medical insurance plan (Foreign Worker Hospitalization and Surgical Insurance Scheme or FWHS) prior to obtaining a work permit.

Tap water in Malaysia is not considered safe for direct consumption. To ensure the safety of drinking water, it is recommended to use filtered or bottled water. If using tap water, it is recommended to boil it thoroughly before drinking or using it for cooking purposes.

Security

The most abundant crime in Malaysia is petty crime such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching. It is recommended to only use registered taxi services booked online or over the phone. All Malay nationals are considered Muslim and are subject to Islamic Syariah law.

Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, and same-sex marriage is not recognised. Members of the LGBTQ community may face discrimination and those of the Muslim faith risk imprisonment under religious laws.

Government Compliance

Beyond the Visa, there are no further local registration requirements.

Visa processing times are typically 5 – 10 weeks on average.

Transportation

Malaysia is well-connected via public transport. Major cities like Kuala Lumpur have rail systems connecting commercial areas and suburbs. A Malaysian license is required for foreigners to drive as of 2025. Some foreigners with an International Driving Permit may drive, but certain rules and exemptions apply, depending on nationality.

Banking

Malaysia’s official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit, abbreviated as MYR. Malaysia’s banking industry is highly regulated and efficient. Local banks are competitive with international banks and offer good customer service and numerous product offerings.

Housing

Finding a home is relatively straightforward. Not all rental contracts include a termination clause, so requesting one is important, especially if the assignee intends to stay less than two years. A visa is required before signing a lease.

Lease Term / Condition

Details

Typical lease period

12 - 24 months

Security deposit

2 months’ rent

Agent fees

Above USD 1,000 / month = typically paid by the Landlord; Below USD 1,000 / month = the tenant typically pays up to 1.25 month’s rent*

Diplomatic clauses /termination

Termination before 12 months = forfeit of security deposit; Termination after 12 months = no standard penalty

Types of leases

Personal & corporate

Rental payment cycle

Monthly

Utilities

Typically not included

Furnishings

Typically fully or partially furnished

*This information is intended as a general guideline. Residential leasing commission practices in Malaysia vary considerably by location, market segment, agency policy and negotiation. In some locations, no commission is payable by the tenant, and in others, up to 1.25 months’ rent may be payable.

Education Overview

There are a good number of international schools in Malaysia. Local government schools focus more on local students, and the teaching medium is usually Malay. Most expats opt for international schools. Demand for places can be high in top-tier international schools, and early application is advised to avoid waitlists. There is often a wide gap between standards in top-tier and second-tier international schools. Popular curriculum types, including IGCSE, IB and American curricula are available. An entrance exam and a personal interview may be required as part of the application process.