Long Term Living

Making Johor Bahru your home is more than just signing a rental contract, it’s about doing it right, legally and sustainably.

Many Singaporeans think they can simply rent a condo and commute, but long-term living requires proper legal paperwork and visas. This is important.

SgXodus encourages all who plan to stay long term in Malaysia to have the appropriate visa. It is illegal to stay in Malaysia long term without the correct visa issued by Jabatan Imegresen Malaysia (JIM).

​

This could mean applying for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) if you have a Malaysian spouse, exploring the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, or securing a valid work visa if you plan to be employed locally. Having the right pass keeps you safe from immigration issues and allows you to build a stable routine.

​

Once you’re set up legally, the savings can be significant. Dining out is far cheaper, enjoying café brunches or seafood dinners often costs less than half of Singapore prices.

Grocery shopping at local supermarkets like Lotus, Jaya Grocer or NSK can shave hundreds off your monthly budget. Owning a car becomes far more affordable, with lower road tax, insurance, and no COE.

For families, international schools and enrichment classes in JB typically cost much less than their Singapore equivalents, giving children a quality education without the heavy fees.

​

With the right planning, living legally in JB can deliver both peace of mind and a better quality of life.