Changing Countries: Living Malaysia by those who've done it.
Discover an exhaustive summary of French-speaking expat journeys. From the hustle of Kuala Lumpur to the serenity of Penang, explore the realities of successful settlement in Southeast Asia.
Where to settle in 2026?
Each Malaysian city has its own DNA. Here is the typical expat profile according to their destination.
Kuala Lumpur: The Hyper-Center
Profile: Young professionals, families, entrepreneurs.
This is the economic heart. Between futuristic skyscrapers and street markets, KL offers world-class medical and school infrastructure. Average budget: 6,000 to 12,000 MYR/month for optimal comfort.
Penang: The Perfect Balance
Profile: Retirees, digital nomads, food lovers.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, George Town charms with its slower pace and legendary culinary scene. Ideal for those seeking the sea without sacrificing urban comfort.
Discover the climate in Penang →
Johor Bahru
The bridge to Singapore.
Attractive real estate prices. Ideal for those working in Singapore but living in Malaysia.
Kota Kinabalu
The call of Borneo.
Raw nature, diving, and absolute calm. A bold choice for total immersion.
Administrative Navigation: The Keys to 2026
Employment Pass (EP)
The most common for employees. Divided into 3 categories based on salary. In 2026, Category 1 (salaries > 10,000 MYR) offers maximum flexibility for family members.
MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home)
The new 2025/2026 conditions have eased bank deposit requirements for retirees, making the program competitive again compared to Thailand.
PVIP & Digital Nomad Visa (DE Rantau)
Essential for independent workers. Allows residency for 12 renewable months if you can prove stable foreign income.
Expat tip: "Don't try to handle everything alone. Using a licensed agent might cost 2,000 MYR, but it saves you exhausting back-and-forth trips to Putrajaya immigration."
Jean-Marc's tip (Living in KL for 3 years):
"Use the MYPGR app for your appointments. In 2026, everything is digitized; never come without a confirmation QR code!"
2026 Budget Simulator
Estimate your monthly expenses based on your expat profile.
Monthly Estimation
Approximately -- EUR / month
These figures include: Rent (Condo with pool), Utilities, Food, Transport (Grab), and Leisure.
The Real Estate Market: Renting Like a Local
Searching for housing in Malaysia is often a pleasant surprise for Europeans. For the price of a studio in Paris, you get a 120m² condo here with a gym, Olympic pool, and 24/7 security.
The 3 Golden Rules of Negotiation:
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1
Visit at Night:
Essential for assessing noise from neighboring air conditioners and traffic congestion around the residence.
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2
"Move-in Ready":
Don't hesitate to ask for a smart TV or a new mattress before signing. Landlords are very flexible.
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3
Check 5G/Fiber:
Indispensable in 2026. Some older buildings have poor coverage. Consult our telecom guide.
Recommended Neighborhoods in KL:
The Morel Family
Living in KL since January 2024
"Malaysia gave us back our time."
"In France, we were constantly chasing minutes. Here, with domestic help (Helper) and proximity to the international school, we've regained an invaluable quality of life. Our children already speak fluent English and are starting to learn Mandarin."
The hardest part?
The temporary nature of expat friendships. You bond quickly, but departures are frequent.
The surprise?
The absolute kindness towards children in restaurants or shopping malls.
The Art of Integrating
Beyond the visa, it's the attitude that makes the expatriation.
Bahasa Melayu
Although English is king, learning a few basic phrases ("Terima Kasih", "Sama-sama") opens unexpected doors. It's a sign of immense respect.
Our linguistic resources →Social Gastronomy
In Malaysia, people don't ask "How are you?" but "Sudah makan?" (Have you eaten?). Lazy susans are the best place to break the ice.
Where to eat in KL? →Vital Apps
Grab (Transport/Food), Setel (Petrol), DoctorOnCall (Health), and WhatsApp. Everything goes through the smartphone in 2026.
Stay connected →Working in Malaysia: Market Realities
In 2026, the country has positioned itself as the tech hub of ASEAN. Growth sectors include Cybersecurity, FinTech, and Industry 4.0 (semiconductors in Penang).
Taxation & Retirement
Tax residents (more than 182 days per year) benefit from a progressive scale. For retirees, Malaysia remains a tax haven for foreign-sourced income.
2026 Taxation Guide →Sustainable Development
Despite rapid growth, challenges remain in plastic management and local corruption. In 2026, many expat associations are committed to recycling and forest preservation.
Checklist: Your First 4 Weeks
- ✅ Buy SIM card (Celcom or Maxis)
- ✅ Install Grab and activate wallet
- ✅ Sign temporary housing lease
- ✅ Register with the local consulate
- ✅ Open bank account (Maybank / CIMB)
- ✅ Long-term apartment viewings
- ✅ Visit reference hospitals (Gleneagles / Prince Court)
- ✅ School enrollment (if applicable)
- ✅ First local market (Pasar Malam)
- ✅ Join an association like the AFM (Alliance Française Malaysia)
Ready to take the leap?
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