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Moving from Malaysia to Singapore
Everything Malaysian professionals need to know about the Employment Pass (EP), tax, housing, and settling in.
Largest foreign workforce in Singapore. ~450,000 Malaysians.
Employment Pass Minimum Salary
SGD 5,600/month (age 23)
Tax Comparison
Malaysia 0-30% vs Singapore 0-24%
Tax Treaty
Full Double Taxation Agreement (DTA)
What works in your favor
- ✓Closest neighbor — Johor Bahru (JB) is 30 min from Singapore Central Business District (CBD)
- ✓Malaysia-Singapore DTA with favorable rates
- ✓Malay language widely understood, familiar food culture
- ✓Can visit home frequently (budget flights from SGD 30)
Things to watch out for
- ⚠Malaysian Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions stop during Singapore (SG) employment
- ⚠Johor Bahru (JB) commuting option exists but immigration queues 30-90 min
- ⚠Some Malaysians face higher COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) C3 diversity scrutiny (large nationality share)
Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) Details
Full Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) — dividends 5-10%, interest 10%, royalties 8%