Every year more foreigners are making the move to Malaysia, the vibrant Southeast Asian nation that sits between Thailand and Singapore on the Malay peninsula. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is the destination of choice for many of these. The bustling city is close to both the sea and mountains, and it boasts year-round high temperatures and a booming jobs market, so it is easy to see why they want to move there.
However, moving overseas is more complicated than simply packing up your belongings. To get the most out of the experience of moving to a new country, it pays to be well-prepared. This means planning as much as possible in advance. Here are some of the things you’ll need to arrange before moving.
- The relevant visa: Malaysia’s visas are based on the reason that you are moving there, and all the visa types generally fall into two categories – single-entry and multiple-entry. The former is for short-term visitors and lasts for up to three months. The latter is valid from three to 12 months and is designed for those taking up a long-term residency in the country. Each visa has its own requirements, and most people coming to the country for work, education, or to visit family need to provide a reference. A bank statement is also needed in many cases. This is to prove that you have the financial means to look after yourself during your time there. Regardless of visa type, it is best to prepare all this in advance and apply for the visa in your original country.
- Accommodation: Plan time when you first arrive to check out apartments such as DK Senza in the city and its surrounding areas. It’s best to see them in person as you cannot always trust the pictures online, which may be especially flattering or out of date. You can also get a better feel for the area in person. Many people stay in a hotel or hostel for their first few days while they choose a more permanent home. Be prepared to pay up to three months’ rent in deposits, and go through an agent who provides you with a written tenancy agreement.
- Employment pass: You can work in Malaysia for periods less than a year without one of these, but you will need to apply for a pass from the government to work any longer. Since the documents have to be submitted in person or posted, make sure you plan time for this. If your employer in the country is Malaysian, they should have somebody who can help you with the paperwork.
- Places to go for home comforts: Singapore’s city branding might have been stronger, but Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural melting pot that offers many of the same benefits, such as international supermarkets where you can find home comforts when you need them.
Expat Facebook groups tend to be very good places to discover where you can find things you need. Preparing these four things in advance can help you take much of the stress out of your move, allowing you to enjoy your exciting and exotic new home.
