Living in Malaysia
Advice for British people living in Malaysia, including information on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Malaysia. Read about how the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Malaysian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British nationals abroad guidance sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Malaysia for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Malaysia in our travel advice.
Visit the Malaysian Immigration website for further information and contact details of your nearest office if you wish to settle, visit or work in Malaysia.
Do not overstay your visa, or violate the terms of entry. Malaysian authorities consider overstaying a serious matter. Even if you overstay for just a few days, you can be fined, detained, deported to the UK and blacklisted. Flight costs will be the responsibility of the individual. Conditions in prisons and immigration detention facilities can be poor with limited healthcare services.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Malaysia.
Check the Malaysia travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Malaysia
There is no reciprocal National Health Service agreement in Malaysia and medical costs must be met by the individual.
The Malaysian medical system consists of private hospitals, government hospitals, specialist clinics and general medical practices. The medical care is generally good, but can be expensive. There is no reciprocal National Health Service agreement in Malaysia and medical costs must be met by the individual.
Patients can choose providers from the government or private sector. In an emergency, patients can go at any time to the 24-hour Accident and Emergency departments located at government, or some private hospitals. It is usual for all hospitals to take an initial deposit from a valid credit card before treatment commences. You may also need to show your passport to access medical treatment.
UK travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Health insurance
If you are resident in Malaysia ensure you have taken out an appropriate health insurance policy.
If you are a visitor, arrange comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. Make sure your policy covers the following:
- an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home by this means
- full medical cover (medical bills can be expensive) including for pre-existing conditions
- repatriation of your remains in the event of death
- repatriation of your family in the event it is necessary for you to return home due to illness or injury
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Malaysia. Certain medicines may not be available in Malaysia (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Malaysia to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines.
Working in Malaysia
If you are planning to move to Malaysia and work, you may need a visa. For further information please visit the website of the Malaysia Immigration Department.
Before entering Malaysia it is essential you have the right visa. Do not overstay any visa granted. Malaysian authorities consider overstaying, or not having the correct visa a serious matter. You may be held in detention, fined, deported and blacklisted.
Studying in Malaysia
If you plan to study in Malaysia, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Malaysia to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Malaysia so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Malaysia. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Malaysia.
Read guidance on:
- tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad
- paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Malaysia, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR / RM). It is easy to convert most major currencies at official money changers, banks and hotels. Passport identification usually will be required for the exchange. ATMs are a safe option to withdraw cash and they are widely available.
Debit and Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments. Smaller shops and restaurants will only accept cash and will not have a credit card facility, particularly in the more remote areas.
To set up a local bank account you may be asked for your passport, visa and a letter from your employer. You should contact the bank directly to find out.
Accommodation and buying property
Foreigners are subject to various rules and regulations in respect of purchasing property in Malaysia. This does vary from state to state. For further information please refer to the local land registry department for the state which you have an interest in.
Driving in Malaysia
British nationals who wish to drive in Malaysia must possess documents recognised by the Malaysian authorities. This can be either:
- a valid British driving licence and a (UK-issued) International Driving Permit
- a Malaysian driving license
For those driving under a British licence, an International Driving Permit may be obtained directly from the Post Office in the UK. UK-issued International Driving Permits cost £5.50 and you must have a valid UK driving licence and be 18 or over.
Note that Malaysia will only recognise a UK-issued International Driving Permit for one year following your date of entry into Malaysia (regardless of the validity date that appears on the card itself).
To obtain a Malaysia driving licence you should contact– JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan); the Malaysian Road Transport Department.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (e.g. the DVLA).
Guidance for travelling by road in Malaysia see Road Travel.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see Taking vehicles out of UK.
For more information about driving abroad see Driving abroad.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Malaysia you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Malaysia read our guidance on:
- what to do if someone dies abroad
- bereavement guidance for Malaysia
- English-speaking funeral directors in Malaysia
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Same sex marriage services are not provided in Malaysia.
Pets
If you’re moving to Malaysia with your pet, read the guidance about taking your pet abroadand ensure you comply with the regulations.
Emergencies
Dial 999 for an ambulance or the police anywhere is Malaysia.
While the healthcare system is efficient, the quality and response times of ambulances can take up to 30 minutes or more depending on where you are calling from. Consider taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing app.
Dial 994 for the Fire Brigade.
Dial 999 to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Malaysia, read the Malaysia: information for survivors of rape and sexual assault
See also victim of rape and sexual assault abroad.
Find an English-speaking lawyer in Malaysia.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Updates to this page
Published 25 March 2013Last updated 15 December 2022 + show all updates
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Annual review of the living in guide.
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Updated the entire guide with latest information for each section.
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Updated information for British nationals driving in Malaysia
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Added section Death in Malaysia
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Scams in Malaysia added.
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First published.