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With beaches, cosmopolitan vibes, and a rich blend of cultures and food, Malaysia is a top destination for expats. If you’re planning to move to Malaysia, this guide shows you what to expect in terms of costs, visa applications, lifestyle, pros and cons, and more.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom | £3,500 – £6,500 |
| Three-bedroom house | £7,500 – £12,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates. For more accuracy, request moving quotes.
The exact price of an international removal to Malaysia from the UK is based on distance, volume, additional services like packaging, and potential price fluctuations due to seasonality. You can save money by using sea rather than air freight and sharing a container.
When moving to Malaysia, door-to-door delivery and customs clearance are usually included. However, always read the conditions of the international removal company in Malaysia. Below are the estimated prices of moving household goods to Malaysia, based on ocean freight.
Want an exact quote on what moving to Malaysia costs for you? Estimate your price:
Estimate My Costs to Move to MalaysiaWhen looking for internal removal companies to Malaysia, it’s best to compare different offers and check what’s included. You’re encouraged to contact the removal companies with any prior questions to make the best decision.
Top 5 international removal to Malaysia from the UK:
When moving to Malaysia from the UK, the requirements are that you first need a visa for stays exceeding 90 days. Let’s look at the Malaysia visa options for UK citizens.
A Malaysia visa is required for UK citizens to work in the country. Different work permits are available, depending on the employment and skill level.
The Malaysia visa for British retirees is available through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. This visa is popular among retirees as it allows long-term residence with a renewable 10-year pass. Eligibility requirements include proof of financial stability, with specific minimum income and asset thresholds, as well as a fixed deposit account in a Malaysian bank.
Obtaining Malaysian citizenship as a UK citizen can be more complex. Malaysia generally does not allow dual citizenship and has lengthy requirements. However, if you’ve been in Malaysia for at least 5 years with a long-term visa, you can apply for permanent residency. There are different application routes for investors, experts, professionals, spouses, as well as a points-based system.
Relocating a pet from the UK to Malaysia involves several steps, including microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and health certificates. The rabies antibody titer test is recommended, but not required.
Moving your cat to Malaysia requires a UK-issued pet passport or an official veterinary certificate. An import permit is also required, which can be obtained from the Department of Veterinary Services in Malaysia. Since the UK is a “scheduled country” with low rabies risk, your cat will not need to quarantine upon arrival.
To give you a better idea of what you can expect to pay for things like rent and household items, we’ve made an overview of the cost of living in Malaysia compared to the UK below.
| Item | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | London, UK |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £3.50 | £20.00 |
| Pint of Beer | £3.33 | £6.50 |
| Regular Cappuccino | £2.27 | £3.72 |
| Single Transport Ticket | £0.53 | £2.75 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Centre) | £413.49 | £2,145.00 |
Source: Numbeo
Finding jobs in Malaysia for foreigners is doable, especially when you have specialized skills or are multilingual. British citizens working in Malaysia are often in tech, finance, hospitality, engineering, or education. Other popular job offers in Malaysia are for language-specific positions, like customer service, HR, and sales that support global operations.
Larger urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and Penang attract the most international talent.
Monthly salaries vary by industry and role. For job offers in Malaysia, the monthly pay ranges from RM3,000 (£525) for entry-level positions to RM9,000 (£1,585) or more for senior positions in technical fields.
Job vacancies for foreigners in Malaysia can be found on platforms like JobStreet, Jooble, and LinkedIn.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet coastal town or a bustling city, Malaysia can be tailored to your needs! Here are some of the best places for expats to live in Malaysia.
This cosmopolitan city has a boasting expat community, a vibrant social scene, international schools, and modern infrastructure. The cost of living is higher than in other regions, but still significantly more affordable compared to UK cities.
Penang is a fantastic alternative for a quieter, slower pace of life. Known for its heritage architecture and fantastic cuisine, this place is great for foodies and more intimate vibes, Penang attracts retirees and families, and has affordable housing, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural environment.
Langkawi has that relaxed island lifestyle that many digital nomads and retirees enjoy. There are beaches, lush rainforests, and affordable housing. There’s a growing expat community and international schools, but the internet speed isn’t always as reliable.
Just west of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya has modern amenities such as luxury housing and shopping. The city has a great food scene, residential areas, and numerous recreational spaces including the Taman Jaya Park and Sunway Lagoon theme parks.
Before embarking on such a big journey, you might wonder: “Is it good to move to Malaysia?”
With the diverse cities, low living costs, and international schools, many British expats vote yes for moving to Malaysia. But as with all places, there are cons to living in Malaysia too. Below, we’ll show you the living in Malaysia pros and cons.
Ready to move to Malaysia? Get excited and be well-prepared with this handy checklist.
