Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the easiest countries in the region to live and work in. English is widely spoken, Kuala Lumpur has modern condos with pools and gyms at prices that surprise first-timers, public transport is good, and the food scene, mixing Malay, Chinese and Indian cooking, is outstanding. Penang's George Town suits people who want heritage streets and a smaller city, and Langkawi is the duty-free island option.

Most Western passport holders get 90 days visa-free on arrival and must file the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card. For longer stays, the DE Rantau Nomad Pass runs from three to 12 months and can be renewed up to 24 months in total. Under the rules in force from August 2026, it needs an income of US$24,000 a year for tech roles or US$60,000 for other professionals, with a fee of RM1,080.

The weather is hot and humid all year, with showers most afternoons rather than a long dry season. The west coast, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang, sees its wettest months around April and October to November, while Langkawi is at its best from November to April.