Boost your Career in the Heart of Southeast Asia
Working in Malaysia is no longer just an expat's dream; it's a strategic decision for French-speaking professionals seeking economic dynamism and an exceptional quality of life.
They recruit international talent in Malaysia
The 2026 Job Market: Why Malaysia?
In 2026, Malaysia establishes itself as the essential technological and financial hub of ASEAN. With robust growth and restored political stability, the country attracts massive foreign direct investment. For a French speaker, opportunities are no longer limited to traditional management positions; they now extend to tech sectors, AI, energy transition, and global business services (GBS).
The major advantage lies in the balance between competitive salaries for experts and a cost of living in Malaysia that remains extremely attractive compared to European or Singaporean standards. Working here means choosing a multicultural environment where English is the language of business, while enjoying a tropical lifestyle.
- ✓ Strategic position between India, China, and Australia.
- ✓ Pro-business government policy and tax incentives.
- ✓ World-class infrastructure (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor).
Key Sectors Recruiting French Speakers
Focus on areas where your expertise and language skills are major assets.
Information Technology & AI
Cyberjaya and Bangsar South are the lungs of tech. We are looking for Cloud engineers, cybersecurity experts, and Fullstack developers. The MSC (Malaysia Digital) status facilitates the hiring of foreigners in this sector.
View opportunities →
Global Business Services (GBS)
Many multinationals (Air Liquide, Sanofi, TechnipFMC) have established their service centers here. French is a rare and highly sought-after skill for customer support, finance, or HR.
Finance & Fintech
The new TRX financial district in Kuala Lumpur is attracting international banks. Expertise in Islamic finance and asset management is particularly valued.
Top-tier Education & Health
With the growing expatriate population, international schools like LFKL (Lycée Français de Kuala Lumpur) and luxury private hospitals (Gleneagles, Prince Court) are constantly looking for certified and multilingual profiles.
Professional Budget Simulator
Estimate your real savings potential in Malaysia.
Note: Minimum 5,000 MYR for an EP visa.
Average for a 2-bedroom condo in KL.
Estimated Result:
Net savings after taxes (~15-20%) and expenses.
Navigating Administrative Formalities
Obtaining a work permit is the crucial step. In Malaysia, it is the employer who must initiate the application with the ESD (Expatriate Services Division) or MDEC for tech companies.
"Never start working without your visa sticker being affixed to your passport. The law is very strict in 2026."
Employment Pass (EP)
The main key. Divided into 3 categories according to salary:
- Cat I: Salary > 10,000 MYR (5+ year Visa)
- Cat II: Salary 5,000 - 9,999 MYR (2 year Visa)
- Cat III: Salary 3,000 - 4,999 MYR (Restricted)
Professional Visit Pass (PVP)
Ideal for short-term missions (up to 12 months) or specific technical expertise. The expatriate remains employed by their original company.
DE Rantau (Digital Nomad)
For freelancers and remote workers. Allows living in Malaysia while working for foreign clients. Very popular in Penang and Langkawi.
More info on nomadism →Dependants
If you have a Cat I or II EP, your spouse and children can obtain a Dependant Pass. Note: Working for the spouse requires specific authorization.
Settling as a family →How to Land a Job in 2026?
1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile
In Malaysia, LinkedIn is the #1 tool. Your profile must be in English, with keywords specific to your sector. Connect with local recruiters based in Kuala Lumpur.
2. Use local platforms
Register on Jooble Malaysia and JobStreet. For French speakers, also check Workwide.
3. French-speaking Networking
The hidden market is real. Join French-speaking community groups and participate in CCIFM events (Chamber of Commerce International France-Malaysia).
Adapting to the Work Culture
Management in Malaysia is a fascinating mix of inherited British codes, respectful Asian hierarchy, and startup modernity. It is crucial to understand the concept of "saving face."
The Hierarchy
Respect for titles (Datuk, Tan Sri) and superiors is paramount. Decisions are often made at the top.
Time
Punctuality is expected, but flexibility (Malaysian Time) can sometimes appear in less formal contexts. Be patient.
Religious Diversity
Friday afternoons are often arranged for prayer. Meal breaks are sacred and are the best time to socialize.
Indicative Salary Scale (2026)
| Position | Experience | Monthly Salary (MYR) | EUR Equivalent (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Support (French-speaking) | 0-2 years | 7,500 - 9,500 | 1,600€ - 2,000€ |
| Software Developer Senior | 5+ years | 15,000 - 25,000 | 3,200€ - 5,300€ |
| Marketing / HR Director | 10+ years | 30,000 - 50,000+ | 6,400€ - 10,700€+ |
| Engineering Project Manager | 5-8 years | 12,000 - 18,000 | 2,500€ - 3,800€ |
*Indicative exchange rate: 1 EUR ≈ 4.7 MYR. Expat packages often include health insurance and sometimes a housing allowance.
They took the professional leap
Marc L.
IT Manager at Shell KL
"I arrived in 2024 through a recruitment agency. What surprised me was the speed of the processes here. In 2026, the tech ecosystem is even more mature. My purchasing power has doubled compared to Paris, and I live in a condo with a pool 10 minutes from the office."
Sophie R.
GBS Support Manager
"Speaking French was my ticket in. Many companies need us to manage their European markets from Malaysia. It's an incredible human experience in a country with rare kindness."
Frequently Asked Questions about Employment
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