If you are considering moving from Malaysia to the United Kingdom (the UK), you aren’t alone! Many Malaysian residents are excited to relocate to the UK for a new job, to study abroad, or simply to enjoy a lifestyle change. The abundance of career opportunities, high standard of living, rich history and culture, are just some of the reasons why more Malaysian residents are keen to move to the UK.
Allied Moving Services has helped thousands of Malaysian residents successfully make the move to the UK, so we know how to successfully prepare for a relocation. In this moving guide, we explain what you need to know before relocating and how you can plan for your exciting international move!
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO THE UK
Deciding to move can be complicated, especially when choosing to relocate internationally. Before you pack your bags and board that flight to London, here is what you need to know before you move to the UK.
ORGANISING A VISA
To ensure that you can work, study and live in the UK, you’ll need to organise a visa. There are a few different visa options available to Malaysian citizens. To study in the UK, you’ll need to be offered a place by a licensed student sponsor before you can apply for your Student visa. There are numerous work visas you can apply for as a Malaysian citizen, popular visas include the Skilled Worker visa, the Global Talent visa, or if you’d like to start your own business, the Innovator Founder visa.
As Malaysia is part of the Commonwealth, you can apply for the UK Ancestry Visa to permanently settle, but you will need to prove that your parents or grandparents were born in the UK.
COST OF LIVING
The cost of living in the UK is considerably more expensive than in Malaysia. Overall, it is reported to be three times more expensive. You should expect to pay more for restaurants, groceries, transportation, clothing and some consumer goods, as well as childcare. Housing is also more expensive in the UK than in Malaysia. According to the Office of National Statistics, the average UK house price was £288,000 in June 2023.
It’s important to note that the cost of living can greatly fluctuate depending on where you are living in the UK. Residing in London will be much more expensive than living in Belfast, Northern Ireland, or Cardiff in Wales. Because of the greater cost of living, we highly recommend saving for at least six months of living expenses. If you are relocating for work, your employer may cover some of your relocation costs.
CHOOSING WHERE TO LIVE
Choosing where to live in the UK can depend on many factors, including career or study opportunities, affordability, and the type of lifestyle you desire. London is a bustling economic hub with a wide range of jobs, arts and culture, and nightlife. However, it can be highly expensive to live in as mentioned above. Bristol is located in the southwest of England, and can be a great choice for Malaysian expats due to its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There are many great schools, outdoor areas and parks, as well as a vibrant arts and music scene. Brighton is another good option as it provides many sights and activities to enjoy, as well as a high level of education and numerous job opportunities.
LANGUAGES
English is the official language of the UK, but you may also hear Welsh spoken in Wales, and Gaelic in Northern Ireland. As Statista reports there were at least 35,000 Malaysian nationals residing in the UK in 2021, you may find some fellow Malaysian expats who speak Malay.
MONEY & TAXES
In the United Kingdom, the Pound sterling (or GBP) is the official currency. At the time of writing, £1 (or a Pound) is worth MYR$5.87.
If you are earning an income in the UK, you will need to pay income tax. Fortunately, Malaysia and the UK have a double taxation agreement so you won’t also have to pay tax in Malaysia. As understanding tax requirements can be difficult as an expat, we recommend seeking advice and assistance from a professional accountant or tax professional.
CLIMATE
The UK’s climate can vary depending on where you are living, but overall it has a maritime, moist and temperate climate. Unlike Malaysia, the UK enjoys a moderate annual temperature range throughout the year. In the summer, you’ll find that it averages between 9–18℃ and occasionally reaches above 30℃ in a heatwave. The winter will be much colder than in Malaysia, as temperatures drop as low as 2-7℃ across the UK.
PLANNING TO MOVE TO THE UK
If you’re ready to make the move from Malaysia and relocate to the UK, now it’s time to plan your move! Here is how you can prepare for your new life and embrace everything there is to enjoy when living in the UK.
SECURE HOUSING
Having your accommodation secured before you relocate to the UK is ideal, as you’ll be able to settle into your new home immediately! As mentioned in the cost of living section, it is more expensive to rent and purchase a home in the UK than in Malaysia. Numbeo estimates that it is 320.6% more expensive to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city within the UK, costing RM$6,812.96 per month.
Housing in the UK usually is in the form of homes (freestanding or terraced) or apartments (known as Flats). Students and those who are on a tighter budget may consider renting a room in a house or apartment, as opposed to renting an entire property as it is much more affordable. Using a local real estate agent is a good way to find out about prospective properties, however make sure you review the property yourself before signing a lease or purchasing.
START PACKING
Packing is an essential part of any move, and relocating from Malaysia to the UK is no exception! As your belongings and furniture will be travelling over 10,576 kilometres to reach their new home in the UK, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve done the best possible packing job. We recommend getting started as early as possible on packing, and to begin with the seasonal and less frequently used items. You can follow our international moving checklist to make sure that you don’t forget anything! Use a professional packing service to have your belongings and furniture expertly packed for the international journey to the UK.
BOOK AN EXPERIENCED INTERNATIONAL MOVING COMPANY
To make your move to the UK a success, you need to choose the right international moving company. As an international move has multiple logistics and various processes, you want to work with movers who are highly experienced and have the right expertise to handle your move from Malaysia. Ask your moving company about their level of experience and if they have assisted in many moves from Malaysia to the UK. You also want a moving company with many positive reviews and a good reputation in the industry.
MOVE TO THE UK WITH ALLIED MOVING SERVICES TODAY!
Ready to make the international move from Malaysia to the UK Allied Moving Services Malaysia is here to assist you every single step of the way, and make your international relocation as smooth as possible thanks to our global network of movers. We have the right expertise, knowledge and skills to ensure that your move to the UK from Malaysia is a hassle-free experience. Get in touch with us today to discuss your move and receive a free quote today!