Immigrate to Malaysia from UK

The Recovery Movement Control Order was approved by the Malaysian Prime Minister in August 2020, restricting the entry of foreigners in Malaysia, including UK nationals. These COVID-19 entry restrictions were lifted on 1 April 2022; until then, exemptions were provided for particular types of workers or residence visa holders. Our lawyers in Malaysia have experience in immigration matters and can help British citizens obtain a visa or a residence permit. We are here to help you relocate to Malaysia.

Who can enter Malaysia from UK?

Since 1 April 2022, British citizens can again enter Malaysia without COVID-19 restrictions. This also applies to UK citizens who have permanent residence status and who must return to Malaysia. British spouses of Malaysian nationals, temporary workers, dependants, and family members of Malaysian citizens or those holding professional visit passes can enter Malaysia without restrictions. A British national must observe the immigration rules that constantly change in Malaysia:

1. The local Embassy, Immigration Directorate, or High Commission in Malaysia issues entry permission for UK nationals in Malaysia.


2. British citizens living in Malaysia and wanting to make a short trip to UK and back no longer need prior permission from the Malaysian authorities (the COVID-19 exit/re-entry approval has ended).


3. For the moment, UK nationals face no COVID-19 quarantine or testing requirements (abolished in 2022), but must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).


4. An employment pass or permanent residence allows British citizens to travel to East Malaysia.
   
   

The legal advice offered by our immigration lawyers in Malaysia is extremely useful because the immigration rules continue to change quite often. Our specialists can represent your interests from a legal point of view and help you relocate to Malaysia.

Do I need a visa for Malaysia?

British nationals do not need a visa to enter Malaysia and stay for 90 days. However, the Malaysian authorities will issue permission to stay, showing the registration is made in this country. In the case the visit prolongs in Malaysia, the diplomatic mission enters the discussion for specific types of visas. It is important to note that the Malaysian authorities continuously fight against illegal immigration and impose severe fines and penalties on foreigners who overstay in the country and who do not respect the immigration rules. Please make sure you have legal advice by your side before you immigrate to Malaysia from UK. Also, the British passport must have a validity of at least 6 months from the moment you entered Malaysia. More about how to move to Malaysia can be discussed with us.

What are UK Emergency Travel Documents?

The UK Emergency Travel Documents or ETDs are special exit passes from Malaysia. These are also used to enter or transit Malaysia, but the High Commission will have to make the necessary verifications. One of our immigration lawyers in Malaysia can provide legal advice for ETDs. Need to know more about how to move to Malaysia? Get in touch with us to find out how to immigrate to Malaysia.

Health risks for Malaysia

Malaysia is classified as having risks for Zika virus transmission, and dengue fever caused by mosquitoes. In this sense, the British authorities warn people who must travel to Malaysia to consider the healthcare conditions and precautions imposed. Updates in this matter are also provided by the Malaysian Ministry of Health.

Company relocation in Malaysia

Owners of foreign companies who want to benefit from an appealing business environment like the one in Malaysia can consider relocating the firm. Besides reducing production costs and paying fewer taxes, a British company can enjoy a stable and reliable business environment. In order to relocate a British company in Malaysia, the de-registration must be done in the home country. The next step refers to the registration of a limited liability company in Malaysia and the application for the necessary business license. It is important to note that the Malaysian authorities will analyze the business benefits of the British company prior to the relocation, to see if there is a positive impact on the economy. Otherwise, the Malaysian authorities can refuse company relocation. We have gathered some facts and figures about the economy in Malaysia that might attract the interest of British investors:

1. Approximately USD 169 billion was the total FDI stock for Malaysia in 2019.


2. The World Bank's 2020 Doing Business report ranked Malaysia 12th out of 190 economies; the series was discontinued in 2021.


3. About USD 9 billion was the total value of the greenfield investments in Malaysia.

Would you like to immigrate to Malaysia from UK? We invite you to contact our team of lawyers in Malaysia with experience in immigration matters. We can help you obtain a visa, a residence permit, or Malaysian citizenship.