Moving to Kuala Lumpur with your family: what to do in the first 90 days

Updated 29 October 2026. Prices, fees and taxes on this page are current at that date, are not guaranteed and may change in future. Sources are listed at the end.

Short answer: Sort out the pass first, then the school, then the home. Before you arrive, secure the right pass for the whole family and apply to schools, because popular international schools have waiting lists. In your first month, stay somewhere short-term and choose an area near the school. By the end of month three, you should be in a rented home, with a bank account and the basics running, and can decide whether buying makes sense.

Before you arrive

The pass, for everyone. Your employer applies for an Employment Pass and dependant passes for the family. The Home Ministry says all three Employment Pass categories may bring dependants from 1 June 2026, for a basic salary from RM5,000 a month. Remote workers can look at the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which allows a spouse, children under 18 and parents as dependants. For a long stay without a job here, see MM2H and Does buying give residency?
Schools. Apply early: the larger international schools ask for an application fee and may have waiting lists for some year groups. Compare fees and curricula on International school fees in Kuala Lumpur.
Documents. Bring birth and marriage certificates, school reports, medical and vaccination records, and your driving licence.
A budget. School fees, rent with deposits, a car, health insurance.

Days 1 to 30: settle in short-term

Stay in a serviced apartment or short-term rental near the school.
Get local SIM cards and set up mobile banking apps you'll need.
Visit the school and two or three neighbourhoods at school-run times to see the traffic.
Open a Malaysian bank account once your pass is endorsed. See Bank accounts.

Days 31 to 60: rent your home

Shortlist homes within a short drive of the school or office. See Where foreigners live in KL.
Expect a one- or two-year tenancy, a security deposit commonly of two months' rent and a utilities deposit.
Ask for a diplomatic or break clause if your job could move you.
Check what the building offers families: pool, playground, security, nearby shops.

Days 61 to 90: get the basics running

Register with a clinic and a private hospital near home; check your health insurance covers Malaysia.
Check the Road Transport Department's rules on using or converting your driving licence.
Set up utilities, internet and the maintenance fee in your name, if the tenancy requires it.
Start thinking about buying if you expect to stay five years or more. See Rent or buy?

Your checklist

When	Task	Done
Before arrival	Passes for the whole family	☐
Before arrival	School applications and assessments	☐
Before arrival	Documents gathered and certified	☐
Month 1	Short-term stay near the school	☐
Month 1	SIM cards and bank account	☐
Month 2	Tenancy signed and deposits paid	☐
Month 3	Clinic, insurance, driving licence, utilities	☐
Month 3+	Decide: keep renting or start looking to buy	☐

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do first when moving to Kuala Lumpur with family?

Secure the right pass for the whole family, then apply to schools, because popular international schools may have waiting lists. Choose where to live after the school, to keep the school run short.

Can my family come with me on an Employment Pass?

Yes. Under the revised policy from 1 June 2026, the Home Ministry says holders of all three Employment Pass categories may bring dependants. Your employer applies for the dependant passes alongside your Employment Pass.

Can a digital nomad bring family to Malaysia?

Yes. MDEC's DE Rantau Nomad Pass allows a spouse, children under 18 and the main holder's parents as dependants. Dependants cannot work on the pass.

Where do expat families live in Kuala Lumpur?

Mont Kiara is the best-known area for expatriate families, with Garden International and M'KIS in the neighbourhood. Families also choose Bangsar, Damansara Heights, Desa ParkCity and areas near ISKL in Ampang Hilir.

Should we rent or buy when we arrive?

Most families rent first, for six to twelve months, while they learn the area. Buying usually makes sense only if you expect to stay five years or more.

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About the author

Seann Siow is a registered estate negotiator in Kuala Lumpur (REN 34312) with more than 10 years in property. He helps foreign buyers and relocating families buy new condominiums in Kuala Lumpur.

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Sources

Checked 29 October 2026.

MDEC, DE Rantau Nomad Pass FAQ, version 10.0, 28 August 2026 (dependants) — mdec.my.
Bernama, Home Ministry statement of 14 January 2026 on the revised expatriate employment policy (categories, maximum durations, dependants allowed in all three categories) — bernama.com.
MIDA, Implementation of New Expatriate Employment Policy — mida.gov.my.
School locations and fees: Seann Talk Property, International school fees in Kuala Lumpur (checked 28 October 2026).
Tenancy practice: From transactions handled by Seann Siow (REN 34312).

General information, checked on the date shown, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change; confirm them for your purchase with the state land office, a lawyer or a tax adviser. All prices, fees, taxes and figures on this page are based on information current at the date checked, are not guaranteed, and may change in future. Seann Siow, REN 34312.