Any type of relocation can be demanding, and international moves have the added pressure of research and planning, as well as adapting to the cultural change. Malaysia is becoming more and more attractive as a destination for expats from all across Asia, with many Hong Kong nationals relocating for work, uni, or just a change in lifestyle. Whatever your needs, our international movers in Hong Kong can guide you through the move.
Why Move to Malaysia?
There are so many reasons to move to Malaysia, from the easy-going lifestyle to the safety, infrastructure, and affordability.
The Malaysian community is also incredibly welcoming towards expats, helping new arrivals to settle in and feel at home.
Language
While Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, is the official national language in Malaysia, there is also an emphasis placed on English proficiency. Thanks to this, English is a commonly accessible language for locals and foreigners to communicate through.
Healthcare
The Malaysian healthcare system currently ranks 49th in the world, providing universal healthcare to all citizens and legal residents.
Weather
Malaysia enjoys an equatorial climate year-round, with temperature generally staying between 22°C and 32°C. There are two monsoon seasons each year though, so you can expect to see a little more rain than you may be used to in Hong Kong.
The Paperwork
Hong Kong nationals are in a fortunate position where they can enter Malaysia for up to three months without requiring a visa. As this is considered a tourism-related entry, they are not permitted to work during this stay. Instead, many use this period to gain an understanding of the Malaysian lifestyle, and can use the time to investigate work opportunities, school, universities, or housing.
Work visas
When it comes time to obtain a work visa, Malaysia is considerably easier than many other countries. With the MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) program, entrants can apply online and stay for up to 10 years, provided they meet certain financial and medical criteria. If this visa is not for you, there are a number of work permit and visa options that may be more suitable. If you are being relocated from Hong Kong to Malaysia for a work opportunity, we recommend looking into Allied’s employee relocation services.
Studying in Malaysia
If you want to move from Hong Kong to Malaysia to study, you can apply for a Malaysian student visa. Before you apply, you need to have already been accepted to study at your chosen educational institution.
Schooling
Those moving to Malaysia from Hong Kong with children will need to consider their schooling options. Malaysia boasts a multilingual national school system, along with fee-paying private schools.
Children are more likely to be impacted by cultural differences than adults, so choosing the best schooling option for your child may be imperative to their adjustment. Many expats opt to send their children to private schools where they will get to interact with other children who are experiencing a similar shift to them.
Life in Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its family-oriented lifestyle, making it an ideal country to relocate to if you find that Hong Kong isn’t quite meeting your family’s needs.
Most expats who come to Malaysia choose to live in cities more often than rural areas. It’s important to remember that Malaysia is still considered to be a ‘developing’ or ‘emerging’ economy, so will likely be quite different from life in Hong Kong. For this reason, many expats who move to Malaysia tend to stay in cities. Kuala Lumpur is also considered to be one of the best cities for expats in Asia, making it quite attractive for Hong Kong nationals who are looking for a change.
Housing
When it comes to housing in Malaysia, MM2H holders are eligible to purchase properties, as long as they meet certain criteria and have a Malaysian sponsor. The regulations and guidelines vary from location to location, with minimum purchasing prices also in place. With so much red tape to get through, we recommend working with a real estate agent who is experienced and can guide you through the process.
Transport
While traffic in Hong Kong is considerably good for a major city, traffic congestion is one of the downsides to living in Malaysia. Drivers here can be quite erratic, with swerving and crossing lane markings being common. There is also a high fatality rate when it comes to road traffic accidents, so many expats choose to forego driving in Malaysia. There is a light rail line through Kuala Lumpur which is a convenient means of transportation, with integrated transit systems in other cities, too. Thanks to this, you will be able to navigate your new home easily, even without a car.
The Move
Moving can be a costly process, so be sure to read up on our money-saving tips for international moves. As soon as you’re ready to start planning your overseas relocation to Malaysia, get in touch with the Allied Hong Kong team