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Einreise Malaysia: Comprehensive Guide for Singaporeans Relocating to Malaysia in 2025


Einreise Malaysia: Comprehensive Guide for Singaporeans Relocating to Malaysia in 2025

Introduction to Einreise Malaysia: Entry Requirements & Relocation Process

Planning your Einreise Malaysia (entry to Malaysia) from Singapore? This comprehensive guide covers everything Singaporean citizens need to know about relocating to Malaysia in 2025. From streamlined entry procedures to long-term visa options, employment opportunities, property acquisition guidelines, business establishment processes, and practical aspects of daily life in Malaysia, we provide official, up-to-date information to ensure your transition is smooth and successful.


Requirements for Malaysia (Einreise Malaysia)

Visa-Free Entry and MDAC Exemption for Singaporeans

The Einreise Malaysia process is exceptionally straightforward for Singaporean citizens compared to other nationalities. Here are the key benefits you enjoy:

  • Visa-free stays for up to 30 days - Perfect for tourism, family visits, or initial exploration before permanent relocation

  • Exemption from Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) - Singaporeans are exempted from MDAC requirements at all entry points

For a comprehensive comparison of entry requirements for different nationalities, check out the Malaysia Entry Requirements Comparison & Visa Guide 2025.


Pro Tip: Although exempted from MDAC requirements, if you plan to use e-gate facilities in future visits, consider submitting your MDAC three days before arrival through the official Immigration Malaysia portal.

Essential Border Requirements for Einreise Malaysia

When planning your Einreise Malaysia, ensure you adhere to these important requirements:

  • Passport must have validity of more than 6 months at the time of entry

  • Passport should have at least one blank page for entry stamps

  • Ensure your passport is properly stamped by immigration officers upon entry and exit

  • Avoid passing through unmanned immigration counters, as this could lead to complications regarding your stay status

Additionally, it's highly recommended to register with the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel for security and ease of contact in emergencies.


Transit Through Malaysia

If you're wondering about transit requirements when passing through Malaysia en route to other destinations, the process is generally straightforward for Singaporeans. However, regulations can vary depending on your nationality and length of transit. For detailed information, read Is Transit Visa Required for Malaysia? Complete 2025 Visa Guide.


Long-Term Stay Options in Malaysia

Once you've made your initial Einreise Malaysia, you'll need to consider your long-term visa options if planning to stay beyond the standard 30-day period.


Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program

The MM2H program is Malaysia's premier long-term visa option, allowing foreign nationals to stay in Malaysia with a multiple-entry social visit pass. Since 2024, MM2H features tiered options to accommodate different financial capabilities:

TierFixed Deposit RequirementInitial DurationWork RightsBenefitsPlatinumUSD 1 million20 yearsAllowedComprehensiveGoldUSD 500,00015 yearsNot allowedStandardSilverUSD 150,0005 yearsNot allowedBasicSEZ/SFZVariesVariesNot allowedZone-specific

General MM2H requirements:

  • Minimum age (varies, generally 21-25 years depending on tier)

  • Valid health insurance in Malaysia

  • Medical examination in Malaysia

  • Certificate of Good Conduct

MM2H Benefits: Long-term visa, ability to bring dependents (spouse, children, parents), property purchase privileges, access to international education, and tax incentives.

Official MM2H information is available at the MOTAC official portal and MOTAC website.

For a more detailed explanation of the relocation process to Malaysia, including the MM2H program, check out Relocating to Malaysia in 2025: The Ultimate Guide for a Smooth Move.


Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP)

After your initial Einreise Malaysia, the LTSVP provides another pathway for long-term stays, especially beneficial for:

  1. Spouses of Malaysian Citizens

    • Valid for 5 years and renewable

    • Major advantage: Permitted to work or conduct business without changing pass status

    • Requirements: proof of valid marriage, sponsor's minimum income of RM2,000 monthly

  2. Dependents of Employment Pass Holders

    • For parents/in-laws, children above 18 years

    • Duration linked to the main Employment Pass holder's pass

    • Not permitted to work (requires separate Employment Pass)

Official LTSVP information is available at the Malaysia Immigration Department website.


Residence Pass

For those seeking enhanced rights after their Einreise Malaysia, the Residence Pass offers premium benefits:

  • Valid for 5 years costing RM500

  • Holders may work, study, and establish businesses without changing pass status

  • Available for individuals with family ties to Malaysian citizens (minimum 3-year stay in Malaysia) or with Permanent Residents (minimum 5-year stay)

Detailed information is available at the Malaysia Immigration Department website.


Working in Malaysia

Employment Pass (EP)

After your Einreise Malaysia, if you plan to work in the country, the Employment Pass is designed for foreign nationals filling professional, managerial, executive, or highly-skilled technical positions.

Employment Pass Categories:

  1. Category I

    • Salary of RM10,000 and above

    • Employment contract up to 5 years, renewable

    • Permitted to employ foreign domestic helpers

  2. Category II

    • Salary between RM5,000 and RM9,999

    • Employment contract up to 2 years, renewable

    • Permitted to employ foreign domestic helpers

  3. Category III

    • Salary between RM3,000 and RM4,999

    • Employment contract up to 2 years, maximum two renewals

    • Not permitted to employ foreign domestic helpers

Important: The EP application process is submitted by the employing company (not individuals) through the ESD portal.

Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

For short-term professional engagements following your Einreise Malaysia, the PVP is suitable for assignments up to 12 months:

  • For providing services or undergoing training on behalf of a foreign company

  • Salary paid by the foreign company

  • Limitation: Not entitled to apply for Dependent Passes for family members

PVP details can be accessed through the ESD Portal.


Work Rights Under Other Passes

Even after your initial Einreise Malaysia, several other pass types provide work rights without requiring a specific Employment Pass:

  • LTSVP for Malaysian Citizen Spouses: May work or conduct business without changing pass status

  • Residence Pass: May work, study, and establish businesses without conversion

  • MM2H Platinum: Permitted to engage in business, investment, or employment

  • MM2H Silver, Gold, SEZ/SFZ: Business, investment, or employment NOT permitted


Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Applying for Permanent Resident (PR) Status

After several years following your Einreise Malaysia, you might consider applying for PR status, though this is a highly selective process. Categories eligible to apply include:

  1. Investors and Experts (A1)

    • Investors: Minimum fixed deposit of USD 2 million in Malaysian banks

    • Experts: Individuals with "World Class" skills recognized internationally

  2. Professionals (A2)

    • Professionals with exceptional skills

    • Minimum 3 years working in Malaysian Government Agencies/Private Companies

  3. Spouses of Malaysian Citizens

    • Married and continuously residing in Malaysia for 5 years

  4. Point System

    • Assessment based on 7 criteria (age, qualifications, length of stay, etc.)

    • Minimum 65 points to qualify

Official PR information is available at the Malaysia Immigration Department website.


Malaysian Citizenship and Dual Citizenship Policy

Long after your initial Einreise Malaysia, you might consider citizenship through two main pathways:

  1. Naturalization

    • Minimum 10-year residence in Malaysia

    • Renunciation of all previous citizenships

    • Proficiency in Malay language

    • Commitment to permanent residence

  2. Registration

    • Foreign women married to Malaysian men (minimum 2-year residence)

    • Children born abroad to Malaysian mothers

Important: Malaysia does not recognize dual citizenship. To become a Malaysian citizen, you must renounce your previous citizenship.

Citizenship information is available at the National Registration Department.


Investment Opportunities in Malaysia

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Landscape

Following your Einreise Malaysia, you might explore investment opportunities. Malaysia actively encourages foreign investment with minimal restrictions, except in protected industries such as:

  • Oil and gas

  • Banking

  • Insurance

  • Education

  • Freight forwarding services

Some sectors may require Bumiputera ownership participation (70-30 financing structure).

2025 Investment Priorities: Malaysia, through the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and National Investment Aspirations (NIA), prioritizes investments that enhance local R&D, create high-value jobs, and meet ESG standards.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Support

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the principal investment promotion agency offering:

  • Facilitation from exploration to project realization

  • Fiscal incentives through Pioneer Status (5-year tax exemption)

  • Investment Tax Allowance (ITA) for qualifying capital expenditures

  • i-Incentives portal for comprehensive incentive listings

  • Project implementation support and networking

Investor Pass

Starting April 2025, MIDA launched the Investor Pass with benefits for those considering business ventures after their Einreise Malaysia:

  • 6-month stay, extendable for another 6 months (total 12 months)

  • Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) for cross-border mobility

  • Fast processing (5 working days)

Applications through the Xpats Gateway system.


Property Acquisition in Malaysia

Foreign Ownership Rules

After establishing yourself following your Einreise Malaysia, you might consider property investment. Foreigners may purchase property in Malaysia with certain restrictions:

❌ Cannot purchase:

  • Malay Reserve Land

  • Low and medium-cost housing units

  • Properties allocated for Bumiputera interests

  • Agricultural land (except with special conditions)

✅ Can purchase: Residential and commercial properties meeting minimum price thresholds

Minimum Purchase Price Thresholds by State

Price thresholds vary by location and property type:

State/Federal TerritoryLanded PropertyStrata PropertyNotesKuala LumpurRM1,000,000RM1,000,000Selangor (Zones 1 & 2)RM2,000,000RM1,500,000Penang IslandRM1,800,000-3,000,000RM800,000MM2H: lower thresholdsJohorRM1,000,000-2,000,000RM1,000,000Depends on zoneMelakaRM1,000,000RM500,000
Tip: MM2H participants often enjoy lower price thresholds in several states.

Legal Process for Property Purchase

The property purchase process for foreigners after Einreise Malaysia involves:

  1. National Land Code 1965 - Fundamental land law

  2. State Authority Consent - Mandatory for all foreign acquisitions

    • Process takes 4-6 months

    • Fees range from RM10,000-50,000 (varies by state)

  3. Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Approval - For certain transactions above RM20 million

Additional Taxes and Fees:

  • Stamp Duty (tiered based on property value)

  • Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) - 30% if sold within first 5 years

  • Legal fees, state approval fees

  • Mortgage (50-70% down payment for foreigners)

  • Ongoing fees (quit rent, assessment, maintenance)


Establishing a Business in Malaysia

Business Entities for Foreigners

After your Einreise Malaysia, if you're considering entrepreneurship, these are the main business entity options for foreigners:

  1. Sendirian Berhad (Sdn. Bhd.)

    • Most common form

    • Limited liability

    • 100% foreign ownership allowed in many sectors

  2. Branch Office

    • Extension of foreign parent company

    • Requires at least one resident agent in Malaysia

  3. Representative Office (RO)

    • For market research and coordination

    • No commercial activities/revenue generation allowed

  4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

    • Combines company and conventional partnership characteristics

Note: Sole Proprietorships and Conventional Partnerships are only available to Malaysian citizens/PRs.

Steps to Establish a Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia

Following your Einreise Malaysia, establishing a Sdn. Bhd. requires meeting these key requirements:

  • Unique company name (reservation through MyCoID: RM50)

  • Minimum one Malaysian resident director (18+ years old)

  • Minimum one shareholder (individual/corporate body)

  • Licensed company secretary

  • Physical office address in Malaysia

  • Paid-up capital (legally minimum RM1, but practically higher)

Online Registration Process:

  1. Create an account on the MyCoID portal

  2. Search and reserve company name

  3. Prepare and submit incorporation documents

  4. Pay registration fee (RM1,010 for standard Sdn. Bhd.)

  5. Receive Certificate of Incorporation from SSM

Post-Registration Compliance:

  • Appoint Company Secretary within 30 days

  • Open Corporate Bank Account

  • Tax Registration with Inland Revenue Board

  • Business Licenses specific to your industry

  • Annual Compliance: Submit annual returns and audited financial statements


Education Options in Malaysia

International Schools in Malaysia

After your Einreise Malaysia with family, you'll find Malaysia offers excellent education options, particularly in international schools that follow various curricula including British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), and others.

Prominent international schools include:

  • Alice Smith International School (British Curriculum)

  • The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL)

  • Garden International School (GIS)

  • The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) (American, IB)

  • Mont'Kiara International School (M'KIS)

School Fee Structure Example (BSKL):

  • Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable): RM1,500 per child

  • Registration Fee (one-time, per family): RM18,000

  • Annual Tuition Fees (varies by level):

    • Pre-Nursery/Nursery: RM53,965

    • Year 7 - Year 9 (Secondary): RM97,790

    • Year 12 - Year 13 (Secondary): RM116,850

Admission Process:

  1. Initial Inquiry: Complete online inquiry form

  2. School Tour: Visit the school or take a virtual tour

  3. Application Submission: Complete online application and pay application fee

  4. Assessment and Interview: Age-appropriate assessment session

  5. Offer and Acceptance of Place: If successful, school will issue offer letter

Malaysian Public Education

While international schools are popular among expatriates, Malaysia's public education system also offers quality education at a significantly lower cost. However, the primary language of instruction is Bahasa Malaysia, which may present a language barrier for non-speakers.


Retirement in Malaysia

MM2H as a Retirement Option

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is the primary pathway for retirement in Malaysia after your Einreise Malaysia. The program offers several advantages for retirees:

  • Long-term, multiple-entry visa

  • Ability to purchase property

  • Tax benefits (foreign-sourced income remitted to Malaysia is tax-exempt)

  • High-quality, affordable healthcare

  • Lower cost of living compared to Singapore

  • No minimum stay requirement for those aged 50 and above

Healthcare for Retirees

Malaysia offers excellent healthcare facilities, particularly in private hospitals, with costs significantly lower than in Singapore. Many expatriate retirees choose comprehensive private health insurance, which remains affordable while providing access to high-quality care.

Retirement Communities

Several retirement-friendly communities have developed in Malaysia, particularly in:

  • Penang (especially George Town)

  • Ipoh (cooler climate and relaxed lifestyle)

  • Kuala Lumpur suburbs

  • Johor Bahru (proximity to Singapore)

  • Kota Kinabalu (for those seeking a more relaxed coastal lifestyle)


Living in Kuala Lumpur

Travel Options Between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur

After your Einreise Malaysia, you might need to travel between Singapore and Malaysia regularly. Here are your transportation options:

ModeEstimated Total Travel TimeApproximate Cost Range (SGD)FrequencyPros & ConsBus4.5 - 6 hours20 - 50Very HighDirect, cost-effective; may be affected by trafficAir4 - 6.5 hours50 - 150+Very HighQuick flight time; longer total time due to airport procedures, higher costTrain7 - 9+ hours (including transfers)20 - 35LimitedScenic views; not direct, requires multiple transfers, lengthy travel time

Cost of Living for Expatriates

One of the most significant advantages after your Einreise Malaysia is the lower cost of living compared to Singapore, making Malaysia attractive for expatriates.

Monthly Cost Estimates (excluding rent, for individuals):

  • Approximately USD 1,018 (about MYR 4,785)

  • Range: USD 1,300 to USD 3,000 (MYR 6,110 - MYR 14,100) depending on lifestyle

Accommodation (Monthly Rent):

  • One-bedroom apartment in city center: USD 540 (about MYR 2,540)

  • Fully furnished modern 1-bedroom apartment (e.g., in Ampang): MYR 1,550 (about USD 330)

  • Luxury 3-bedroom apartment (e.g., in Cheras): MYR 3,000 (about USD 635)

Other Costs (Estimates):

  • Dining out: USD 3.72 (about MYR 17.50)

  • Coffee at a café: USD 2.79 (about MYR 13)

  • International School (annual): USD 8,912 (about MYR 41,900)

  • Mobile data (~10GB): USD 11 (about MYR 52) per month


Frequently Asked Questions

Immigration and Visas

Q: Do Singaporeans need a visa for Einreise Malaysia (entry to Malaysia)? A: No, Singaporeans can enter Malaysia visa-free for stays up to 30 days.

Q: What is the best long-term visa option for retirees? A: The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is ideal for retirees, with tiers depending on investment capability.

Q: Can I work in Malaysia as a spouse of a Malaysian citizen? A: Yes, with a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) for Malaysian spouses, you can work without changing your pass status.

Q: Do Indians follow the same Einreise Malaysia process as Singaporeans? A: No, the requirements differ. For Indian nationals, please refer to Malaysia Visa for Indians 2025: Requirements & Application Guide.


Property and Investment

Q: What is the minimum property purchase price for foreigners after Einreise Malaysia? A: It varies by state, ranging from RM500,000 to RM3,000,000. In Kuala Lumpur, the minimum is generally RM1,000,000.

Q: Can foreigners own 100% of a business in Malaysia? A: Yes, in many sectors, though some regulated industries require local equity participation.

Q: What taxes will I pay when buying property in Malaysia? A: Key taxes include Stamp Duty (tiered rates) and Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) if selling within 5 years (30% for foreigners).


Living in Malaysia

Q: How does healthcare in Malaysia compare to Singapore? A: Malaysia offers high-quality private healthcare at lower costs than Singapore, with excellent facilities in major cities.

Q: What is the cost of international education in Kuala Lumpur? A: Annual fees range from RM40,000 to RM120,000 depending on the school and grade level.

Q: What is the typical commute time in Kuala Lumpur? A: Commutes can range from 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times, with public transport options including MRT, LRT, and KTM services.


Ready to Plan Your Einreise Malaysia and Relocation?

Relocating from Singapore to Malaysia offers numerous opportunities but requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of legal frameworks and regulations. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of relevant aspects, from immigration procedures to investment opportunities, property acquisition, business establishment, retirement options, and practical considerations for living in Malaysia.


Need personalized relocation assistance? Get a professional assessment of your situation with a Free Relocation Assessment from LivinMalaysia. Their experts will analyze your specific circumstances and provide tailored guidance for your move to Malaysia.


With careful preparation and a good understanding of all applicable requirements, your Einreise Malaysia and transition can proceed smoothly and provide a positive experience for you and your family.

 
 
 

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