How to migrate to Australia from Malaysia: Everything you need to know

Australia is a prime destination for Malaysians, with about 175,000 visitors in 2023¹ and in the 2021 census, there were approximately 165,600 Malaysians living in Australia². The laid back culture, city life and high standards of living all contribute to the fact that Australia is a great destination for both vacation and relocation.

If you’re planning to migrate to Australia from Malaysia, this article will cover some of the basic information you’ll need to know to make an informed decision. We’ll also touch on how you can save a bit of money when moving with Wise - you’ll be able to exchange currencies at the mid-market rate³ with no markups, no hidden fees and manage your money across currencies for less.

How to migrate to Australia from Malaysia

Australia is a highly-developed English speaking country that offers plenty of job opportunities alongside a more Western culture with a love for sports, nature and a more carefree attitude. Larger cities offer the same conveniences and infrastructure that we’re used to, while beaches and nature reserves are just a short drive out.

Facts about Australia

Here’s what you need to know about Australia before heading over.

*Information correct as of 11 September 2024

Visa requirements to migrate to Australia from Malaysia

There are many visas available, but the right one for you will depend on your situation and what you’re planning to do in Australia.

Student Visa, Subclass 500⁷:

• When to apply: Apply from Malaysia, once you have been offered a place at an eligible institution
• Costs and fees: 1,600 AUD application fee unless exempt
• Validity period: Up to 5 years, or the duration of your course, whichever is shorter
• Any other things to note? You may be able to work limited hours during your course. This visa offers multiple entry options - you can come and go from Australia as you need to

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa, subclass 494⁸:

• When to apply: Apply from Malaysia, once you have been offered a job with an employer in Australia
• Costs and fees: From 4,770 AUD
• Validity period: 5 years
• Any other things to note? Several different visa options are available depending on the status of the employer who has offered you a position. On the Employer Sponsored Stream, permanent residency can be applied for after 3 years if eligible

Australia Business Owner Visa, subclass 890⁹:

• When to apply: You must already have been in Australia for 12 of the previous 24 months, and must have run a business in Australia for 2 years or more
• Costs and fees: From 2,890 AUD
• Validity period: Permanent
• Any other things to note? This visa offers permanent residency and a route to citizenship

How to get a job in Australia as a Malaysian

If you want to migrate to Australia as a Malaysian, you will need to get a job offer ahead of time. There are plenty of occupations that require manpower, but Australia is a little unique in that there are other industries that often lack personnel.

For those industries, Australia offers work visas based on filling these skill-based shortages, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa which allows the holder to stay in Australia for up to 4 years, as long as the occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List or Regional Occupation List.

Skills shortage lists are regularly reviewed and updated and cover short, medium and long term shortages, as well as information on local and regional shortage areas. Roles cover everything from accountants and civil engineers, to chefs and butchers and even carpenters. If you’re thinking of basing your visa application on employment opportunities, you should definitely take a look at the lists.

If you’re ready to start looking for a job in Australia, here are some popular online sites.

• LinkedIn - Hugely popular employment networking site
• SEEK - Australia’s number one employment platform
• Workforce Australia - Government site primarily for Australians, but packed with useful advice and information
• CareerOne - Jobs, career advice and resume writing services

Getting residency in Australia for Malaysians

If you’re keen on staying in Australia for good, you’ll want to look at permanent residency¹⁰ options, and even citizenship for the long future.

You will need to get Australian PR status first before applying separately to become a citizen. There’s a fee to pay, and you’ll have to remain in Australia while your application is decided. Australian citizenship is intended for people who have already spent significant time in Australia, learned about the country and intend to remain in Australia or keep strong links there in future. Malaysia does not permit dual citizenship, so if you’re thinking of becoming an Australian citizen, you’ll have to give up your Malaysian citizenship.

Here are some possible routes to permanent residency in Australia:

What else do I need to know before I migrate to Australia from Malaysia?

Before you make the big decision to migrate to Australia from Malaysia, you’ll want to get the clearest picture you can of important information like cost of living in Australia and how to find a place there.

Cost of living in Australia

Cost of living will differ slightly based on where you choose to live in Australia. Whether it’s Melbourne’s cafe and art culture or enjoying the beaches in Sydney, you’ll get a taste of Australia’s city life with that iconic laidback vibe. There are also other cities available if you prefer something a little less crowded or out in the countryside.

Costs vary, but it will generally be higher across the board compared to Malaysia.

• Excluding rent, life in Melbourne is around 85.4% more expensive than in Kuala Lumpur¹¹
• Including rent in Melbourne, cost of living is 109.1% higher than in Kuala Lumpur, on average
• Excluding rent, Sydney is 112% more expensive than Kuala Lumpur¹²
• Including rent in Sydney, the cost of living is 156.1% more expensive than in Kuala Lumpur on average

And here’s a bit more detail on the sort of average prices you may expect¹³:

Housing in Australia

Rental costs can vary wildly depending on which city you’re looking to move to, but here are a few online platforms to shop around to see if you can find a place that matches your budget and requirements.

• Domain - One of the leading property marketplaces for both rentals and sales
• Real Estate Australia - Online housing platform that offers both rentals and housing for sale
• Rent.com.au - Solely for rentals

Manage your money after moving to Australia from Malaysia with Wise

You’ll probably open a bank account once you settle down in Australia but before that, a Wise account is an easy and low-cost way to manage your money.

With a Wise account, you can convert between MYR and AUD at mid-market rate, along with 40+ other currencies, with low fees from 0.33%. You also get account details for 8+ currencies including both AUD and MYR to receive convenient transfers right to your Wise account.

If you order a linked Wise card, you’ll be able to make purchases in over 150+ countries and pay for expenses in Australia without having to worry about extra conversion fees, at the rate you see on Google. For times that only cash will do, you’ll even get some free ATM withdrawals of up to 1,000 MYR to tide you over before officially kick-starting your life in Australia.

For convenience that begins before making your move

🚀 Get started with Wise

Sources:

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics - Visitor Arrivals
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics - Malaysians in Australia
3. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
4. Australian Bureau of Statistics - Population
5. Australian Bureau of Statistics - Average Weekly Earnings
6. Australian Taxation Office - Tax Rates
7. Australia government - Student visa
8. Australia government - Skilled employer sponsored visa
9. Australia government - Business owner visa
10. Australia government - Permanent residency
11. Numbeo - Melbourne v Kuala Lumpur
12. Numbeo - Sydney v Kuala Lumpur
13. Numbeo - Melbourne v Sydney