More and more expats are choosing Malaysia as a country to move to, as the country has a well-developed economy, good career prospects and an affordable standard of living. Find out what migration options are open to foreigners in Malaysia and what legal problems an expat may face in this country

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Malaysia is a multinational country that offers a wide range of opportunities for immigrants due to its stable economy, developed infrastructure and high standard of living. However, the process of migration to Malaysia requires a careful approach, as any violation of the rules can lead to legal consequences. In this article, we will consider the main ways of migration to Malaysia and typical legal problems that immigrants may encounter.

Ways of migration to Malaysia

1. Employment pass

Malaysia actively attracts foreign specialists in the fields of IT, medicine, education, scientific research and other industries. To obtain a work visa, you must:

- Have a job offer from a Malaysian employer.

- Receive confirmation from the Malaysian Immigration Department.

2. Student pass

This type of visa is available to students who have enrolled in accredited educational institutions. An important condition is confirmation of financial capacity to cover the costs of living and studying.

3. Entrepreneur visa

Entrepreneurs can open a business in Malaysia. The main requirements are:

- Minimum authorized capital of the company (depending on the industry).

- Compliance with regulatory requirements, including obtaining licenses.

4. Malaysia my second home (MM2H) program

This program allows foreigners to obtain a long-term residence permit, subject to meeting financial capacity and investment requirements.

5. Marriage to a Malaysian citizen

Marriage to a Malaysian citizen may be a basis for obtaining a long-term residence permit, but this does not guarantee automatic citizenship.

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Possible legal problems when migrating to Malaysia

1. Violation of the visa regime in Malaysia

Working or staying after the expiration of the visa can lead to fines, deportation and even an entry ban.

2. Document errors

Incorrectly filled out documents, falsification or lack of necessary confirmations can lead to a visa refusal.

3. Violation of labor laws

Working without proper authorization (for example, on a tourist visa) is a serious violation and can lead to deportation.

4. Problems with business registration

Lack of licenses, violation of tax laws or failure to comply with local business regulations can lead to sanctions, including closure of the business.

5. Criminal liability

Violation of local laws, including drug laws, can have serious consequences, up to and including the death penalty.

6. Family law problems

In cases of marriages with Malaysian citizens, nuances arise regarding divorce, child custody and property division due to differences in legislation.

Recommendations for avoiding legal problems in Malaysia

1. Carefully study the requirements for the selected type of visa.

2. Use the services of certified migration agents or lawyers.

3. Comply with local laws, especially in the field of labor, business and family law.

4. Update permits in a timely manner.

5. Avoid falsifying documents, as this is punishable under Malaysian law.

Migration to Malaysia opens up wide opportunities, but requires strict adherence to the rules. Knowledge of the legal nuances will help avoid problems and ensure successful integration into a new country.

Reminder! Malaysia has introduced a travel requirement for foreign visitors - the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). We have already told you who should receive an MDAC in Malaysia and what information needs to be provided for smooth entry into the country.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.