Looking for employment can be a daunting experience, especially if you are relocating to a different country and need to find work there. Not only does the process involve finding a job, but you will also usually have more paperwork to fill out, you will need to apply for and get a work visa, and go through the process of moving your life to a different country. If you decide to live and work elsewhere in the world, Malaysia is the ideal choice of destination. English is widely spoken here, the cost of living is cheap, and with the right process, finding work and accommodation can be easier than you think.

Check You’re Eligible to Work in Malaysia

Before you begin looking for a job, you’ll need to make sure that you meet all the requirements to work in Malaysia. There are various work permits and passes that you may be able to qualify for, so do your research to check your eligibility before you apply. In general, you will be required to have the relevant experience and qualifications and you must have a job offer in place with a minimum salary that meets a minimum level before you can apply for a work visa.

Finding Employment

The first step to finding employment in Malaysia is to research your potential job industry or sector. How easy you will find getting a job here will depend on your chosen career since some sectors are growing at a faster rate than others. With many luxury resorts and tourist attractions opening recently, tourism is an industry that is currently flourishing, and there shouldn’t be many problems with finding work here. However, bear in mind that there are strict laws regarding hiring locals first, so securing employment before you move is important. The best way to do this is to work for an international company that can station you in Malaysia.

Applying for the Job

You will need to apply and be accepted for the job that you want before you can apply for a work visa in Malaysia. There are lots of different job websites that you can use to find employment in this country and connect with potential employers. Again, bear in mind that you will need to do this before arriving in Malaysia, as the Immigration Department of Malaysia will need to approve your work permit application before you will be able to begin working and living in the country.

Getting a Work Visa

Once you’ve accepted a job offer and finalized all the details, you will be able to apply for an employment visa. Foreign professionals are welcome to work in Malaysia as long as the required criteria are met, and you have the appropriate work permit. For an employment pass, you will need to have the right qualifications for the post you will be working in and be able to prove that you will earn a minimum of RM3,000 per month. Visa-required nationals need to apply for a Malaysia Visa with Reference from a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate in order to be allowed to enter the country. Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to submit your passport and pay for your work pass at the Malaysian Immigration Department. Once your application has been processed, you will get a work permit card and can start working in the country.

Finding Somewhere to Live

Once you have an offer of employment in place, you’ll need to find somewhere to live in Malaysia as you adjust to your new life. You can find houses and flats for rent and for sale at Property Guru, the top property search site for Malaysia and Singapore. Along with local property listings, you can also use Property Guru to find out more about buying or renting property in Malaysia and get all the information that you need before you make the move, including chatting to others who have relocated to Malaysia at the Property Talk forum.

Making the Move

Once you have an offer of employment, work permit, and somewhere to live, you’ll probably want to make your move as quickly as possible. By now you will ideally have planned everything you need including flights and moving companies. It may be worth getting legal advice especially if you want to make sure that the people in your life are sure of your wishes before you relocate overseas, especially regarding factors like a power of attorney and your will. An attorney may also be able to advise you on the best steps to take if you are going to receive any money from your home country including paying taxes while you are living in Malaysia.

If you want to find employment and move to another part of the world, Malaysia is a great choice. This country has many lucrative industries to work in and qualified, experienced professionals from overseas are usually able to work and live here as long as they meet the requirements for one of the various work permits available.