Malaysia (MY)
Multicultural, English-friendly Malaysia offers affordable living, world-class street food, tropical lifestyle, and a well-developed expat infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Leaving Malaysia
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
3 months before departure: Notify employer; begin job handover. 2 months before: Give rental notice. 6 weeks before: Apply for tax clearance at LHDN. 4 weeks before: Apply for EPF full withdrawal online. 3 weeks before: Cancel utilities (give notice). 2 weeks before: Close or transfer bank accounts. 1 week before: Collect EPF cheque or confirm transfer. Final days: Return housing keys, confirm EP cancellation with employer/Immigration, ensure no outstanding fines or obligations (traffic fines via MyBayar, council tax, etc.). On departure day: Keep departure stamp in passport — needed for EPF withdrawal if applying after leaving. After departure: Tax return for the year of departure must still be filed by April 30 of the following year — file online via e-Filing from overseas. Continue to monitor Malaysian bank account for EPF/final salary credits.
Deregistration
Malaysia has no formal address deregistration system. However, you must: (1) Cancel your Employment Pass / notify Immigration: your EP is cancelled when your employer informs the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of your termination/resignation — this should happen within 7 days of your last day. Failure to cancel EP is your employer's responsibility but you should confirm cancellation. (2) Cancel your Dependent Pass and related passes at the nearest Immigration office. (3) Notify your local council if you have a registered dog licence. (4) Return any company-issued documents. You are not legally required to notify the government of your departure as an individual, but your EP cancellation with Immigration effectively closes your official status.
Tax clearance
Tax clearance (Letter of Clearance / Surat Pengesahan Cukai) is required if you are leaving Malaysia permanently and need to close your tax file. Apply at your nearest LHDN branch or online at MyTax (mytax.hasil.gov.my). Your employer must submit Form CP22A (notification of cessation of employment for departing employees) to LHDN — this triggers a tax clearance assessment. LHDN will issue a Tax Clearance Letter once all taxes are confirmed paid. Without the clearance letter, EPF withdrawal (for foreigners) requires additional documentation. Obtain tax clearance at least 1 month before your intended departure date. Outstanding tax liabilities must be fully settled before a clearance letter is issued.
Pension portability
EPF (Employee Provident Fund): Foreign nationals who are leaving Malaysia permanently may apply for a full withdrawal of their EPF savings (including employer contributions) — this is the primary financial exit for most expats. Application: submit EPF Form KWSP9(M) (Withdrawal on Leaving Malaysia) at any EPF branch or online at kwsp.gov.my. Documents: passport, EP cancellation confirmation, flight booking, bank account details. Processing: 3–7 business days for online applications, up to 14 days for branch applications. EPF sends payment to your Malaysian bank account — transfer to overseas account via your bank or Wise. 20% withholding tax applies to the taxable portion of employer contributions — tax relief may apply under Malaysia's bilateral tax treaties. EPF balance earns 5.5–6.5% dividend until withdrawal date — do not rush to withdraw if leaving before your travel date.
Health insurance
Your SOCSO (social security) coverage ends on your last working day. If you are on a private employer medical insurance plan, coverage ends on your last working day or at month end depending on your employer's policy. Process any outstanding insurance claims before leaving — most insurers require claims within 30 days of treatment. Cancel any individually purchased private medical insurance in Malaysia with adequate notice (typically 30 days) to receive any unused premium refund. Your home country's health insurance typically does not cover you while in Malaysia — arrange travel or international health insurance for the gap period between leaving employment and your return home.
Bank account
Malaysian bank accounts can be maintained after leaving Malaysia — there is no requirement to close them when you depart. Useful for receiving EPF payout, final salary, and any outstanding deposits. To close: visit the branch in person (online closure may not be available for all bank types). Banks may freeze dormant accounts after 6–12 months of inactivity. Keep the account active until EPF withdrawal is received. Transfer remaining balance via Wise or SWIFT transfer to your home country account. Retain all bank statements for tax purposes in your home country (especially if Malaysia tax-resident in the departure year). Notify your bank of your overseas address if maintaining the account after leaving.
Utilities
Cancel TNB electricity account: call TNB hotline 15454 or visit nearest TNB branch — provide termination date and request a final meter reading. Cancel SAJ/SYABAS/Air Selangor water account at your local water utility. Cancel Unifi/Maxis/TIME internet and mobile phone contracts — note early termination fees if within contract period (typically 24-month agreements). Cancel Touch 'n Go card: refund remaining balance at customer service centres at LRT/MRT stations or selected outlets. Cancel LPG gas subscription if applicable. Retrieve all security deposits from utility companies — usually returned within 1–3 billing cycles after final settlement.
Rental contract
Give notice per your tenancy agreement — typically 2 months' written notice for a 12-month tenancy. Arrange a joint move-out inspection with landlord or agent. Document condition of property with photos/video before handover. Security deposit (typically 2 months' rent): deductions for damage beyond fair wear and tear are common — dispute any unjustified deductions through the Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims (Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah) or Small Claims Tribunal if under RM50,000. Return all keys, access cards, and parking stickers. Cancel any standing orders for rent from your bank account.
Leaving the Country
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