Malaysia relocation checklist — 2026
Everything beyond the visa — month by month, in order. Housing, banking, shipping, schools, driving, healthcare, and settling in. Message us to unlock the full checklist, then save it to your phone.
Months 1–2
Planning & visa application
The biggest lead-time items go first. Start your visa application and begin researching neighbourhoods.
- Choose your visa route — see our visa comparison table
- For MM2H: engage a MOTAC-licensed agent and begin the application (10–24 weeks processing)
- For DE Rantau: prepare income proof and apply (2–4 weeks)
- Order police clearance certificate from your home country (6–8 weeks in some countries)
- Research neighbourhoods — use our neighbourhood comparison tool
- If you have children: research schools and start the admissions process (some have 6–12 month waitlists)
- Get quotes from international shipping companies (sea freight takes 4–8 weeks)
- Notify your employer, landlord, and relevant authorities of your planned move date
Month 3
Housing, shipping & decluttering
- Book a recce trip (1–2 weeks) to view properties and visit schools in person
- Secure a rental — typical terms: 2 months deposit + 1 month advance + 0.5 months stamp duty
- Decide what to ship, sell, store and discard (see FAQ below for guidance)
- Book your shipping company — sea freight is cheapest; air freight for essentials you need on arrival
- Arrange storage for anything you’re keeping at home
- If buying property: engage a lawyer and begin the purchase process (see foreign buyer rules)
Month 4
Money, insurance & admin
- Set up Wise or Revolut for day-one spending and currency transfers
- Arrange health insurance valid in Malaysia — get this before you move (see healthcare guide)
- Inform your home bank you’re relocating (avoids card blocks)
- Check tax obligations in your home country — some countries tax worldwide income regardless of residence
- Update or create a will that covers assets in both countries
- Arrange travel insurance for the move itself (covers the gap before local insurance starts)
- Cancel or redirect subscriptions, memberships, and mail
- Get copies of medical and dental records, prescriptions, and vaccination certificates
Month 5
Pets, vehicles & final logistics
- If bringing pets: apply for an import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services, arrange rabies vaccination (30+ days before travel), get a health certificate
- If driving in Malaysia: arrange an International Driving Permit (valid 1 year) from your home country’s motoring authority
- Book flights — one-way tickets are often cheaper booked 6+ weeks ahead
- Arrange airport transfer and first-night accommodation in Malaysia
- Pack a “first week” bag: documents, medications, chargers, a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and snacks for the journey
- Scan and upload all important documents (passport, visa, birth certs, marriage cert, school records) to cloud storage
Month 6
Arrival & first two weeks
Your first two weeks set the foundation. Prioritise the essentials in order — most things cascade from having a bank account and a phone number.
- Get a Malaysian SIM card at the airport (Maxis, Digi, or CelcomDigi — RM 30–50 for a prepaid plan with data)
- Open a Malaysian bank account — see our banking guide (bring passport, visa, tenancy agreement)
- Register at the nearest immigration office if required by your visa type
- Set up utilities: electricity (TNB), water (local authority), internet (Unifi/Maxis fibre — RM 100–200/mo)
- Register with a local GP and dentist — private clinics are walk-in, no registration needed for most
- Transfer your children’s school records and complete enrolment
- Get a Touch ’n Go card or app for tolls, parking, and cashless payments
- Download essential apps: Grab (rides + food), GrabPay, Touch ’n Go eWallet, Waze, Google Maps
- Convert your driving licence to a Malaysian licence at JPJ (within 3 months of arrival)
Months 7+
Settling in
- Join expat communities: InterNations, local Facebook groups, neighbourhood WhatsApp groups
- Explore your neighbourhood: wet markets, hawker centres, local restaurants
- Set up recurring bill payments through your Malaysian bank
- If MM2H: complete post-approval steps (fixed deposit placement, property purchase) within the 6-month window
- Consider hiring a part-time cleaner or helper (RM 50–100 per visit, or RM 1,500–2,500/mo live-in)
- Register for the MyKad Khalayak (Long-Term Pass) ID card if applicable
FAQ
Common questions
How long does it take to relocate to Malaysia?
Most expats need 3–6 months from decision to move-in. The visa (MM2H or DE Rantau) is the longest lead item. Shipping takes 4–8 weeks by sea. Everything else — housing, banking, schools — can be done in 2–4 weeks once you arrive.
Can I ship my car to Malaysia?
You can, but it's rarely worth it. Import duties on foreign vehicles are extremely high (often 100–300% of the car's value). Most expats buy or lease locally. Second-hand car prices are reasonable.
Do I need to speak Malay?
English is widely spoken in KL, Penang and Johor, especially in business, healthcare and international schools. Basic Malay helps for daily life (markets, taxis, government offices) but is not essential. Most expats get by fine with English.
What should I ship and what should I buy locally?
Ship: personal items, sentimental belongings, specialty kitchen equipment, hobby gear. Buy locally: furniture (much cheaper), electronics (same brands, local warranty), linens and towels, kitchenware. Don't ship: cars (import duty too high), large appliances (wrong voltage/plug), perishables.
Can I bring my pet to Malaysia?
Yes. Dogs and cats require an import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services, a health certificate from your home country, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel), and microchipping. The process takes 4–8 weeks. Some breeds are restricted — check the DVS list.
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Message us — you’ll know your next move
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- Which MM2H tier your numbers actually reach — and the gap if they don't
- The 2–3 neighbourhoods that fit your budget, schools, and commute
- Your real all-in cost, and the one or two mistakes people in your situation make