Living in Malaysia
Asia — Expat guide for moving and living abroad
Country overview
Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Currency
MYR
Continent
Asia
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Entry requirements
Check if your passport needs a visa for Malaysia.
Check visa requirementsPopular passport access to Malaysia
| Passport | Status | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| India | Evisa | 30 days |
| Austria | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Belgium | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Bulgaria | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Croatia | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Cyprus | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Czechia | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Denmark | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Estonia | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Finland | Visa Free | 90 days |
Detailed visa guides for Malaysia
Monthly costs
Kuala Lumpur
Rent (center)
2,500 MYR/mo
Groceries
800 MYR/mo
Transport
100 MYR/mo
Est. Monthly Total
3,650 MYR/mo
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Work permits
Malaysia offers a Digital Nomad / Freelance visa option.
-
DE Rantau (Digital Nomad Pass)
Duration: 3-12 months, renewable
IT freelancers and remote workers with minimum income of 24,000 USD/year
-
Employment Pass (EP)
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable
Foreign professionals with a contract from a Malaysian employer, minimum salary MYR 5,000/month
-
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
Duration: 5-15 years, renewable
Foreign nationals meeting financial requirements (fixed deposit and income proof)
Salary & tax
Income Tax Range
0% – 30%
Social Security (Employee)
0.11%
Annual thresholds in MYR. DE Rantau digital nomad pass available. Low SST 6%.
Calculate your net salaryUseful services
Insurance
SafetyWing
Nomad health insurance for your stay in Malaysia. Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.
Get a SafetyWing quote →Connectivity
Airalo
Malaysia eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.
Get an Airalo eSIM →Language
iTalki
Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.
Find a tutor →