Living in Johor Baharu: the ultimate expat guide

Johor is Malaysia's top investment destination and home to major multinational corporations including ByteDance, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Micron. The state attracted the highest foreign direct investment among all Malaysian states in 2022, particularly in manufacturing and services. Many expats work in Singapore while living in JB, benefiting from higher Singaporean wages and lower Malaysian living costs.

Key Employment Sectors

The tertiary sector dominates JB's economy, with growing opportunities in advanced manufacturing, logistics, digital economy, renewable energy, and healthcare. The JS-SEZ offers a special 5% corporate tax rate for up to 15 years in high-growth sectors like AI and aerospace, attracting significant investment.

Work Permits and Visas

Foreign professionals require an Employment Pass (EP) sponsored by a Malaysian employer. The EP has three categories based on salary: Category I requires RM 10,000+/month, Category II requires RM 5,000-9,999/month, and Category III requires RM 3,000-4,999/month. Processing takes 6-8 weeks for Categories I and II.

The following table provides key employment indicators for Johor Bahru:

Sources: Numbeo, Iskandar Regional Development Authority

Johor Bahru has emerged as a regional education hub, anchored by EduCity Iskandar, a world-class integrated education township hosting renowned international institutions. The city offers affordable tuition compared to Singapore while maintaining high academic standards and global recognition.

Leading Universities

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is Malaysia's top-ranked university in the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, placing 51st globally. Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) offers the same UK medical degree as its parent institution, recognized by medical councils in the UK, Malaysia, Thailand, and India. University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) provides foundation through doctoral programs with options to transfer to the UK campus.

Tuition and Admission

International students benefit from affordable fees. Programs at branch campuses like Southampton Malaysia, MDIS Malaysia, and Sunway College Johor Bahru offer pathways to UK and Australian degrees. Most universities require TOEFL scores of 60+ or equivalent English proficiency. Applications are submitted directly to universities, with multiple intakes throughout the year.

Sources: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, University of Reading Malaysia

Malaysia's My Second Home (MM2H) program makes Johor Bahru an attractive retirement destination. The revised 2024 program offers three tiers: Silver (10-year visa), Gold (15-year visa), and Platinum (20-year visa). A special MM2H-SEZ category for Johor's economic zones offers simplified requirements.

MM2H Requirements

The Silver tier requires a USD 150,000 fixed deposit and RM 600,000 property purchase. Applicants aged 50+ under the SEZ category need only USD 32,000 fixed deposit and must purchase property in Forest City. All categories require medical insurance and a health check. Applications must be made through licensed MM2H agents.

Benefits for Retirees

MM2H participants enjoy multiple-entry visas renewable every 5-20 years depending on category. Dependents including spouse, unmarried children under 34, and parents can be included. Malaysia does not tax foreign-sourced income, making it attractive for retirees with overseas pensions. Healthcare is world-class and affordable, with private GP visits costing under RM 150 and specialist consultations around RM 200-400.

Sources: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia

Johor Bahru offers over 20 international schools with British, American, Canadian, and IB curricula. Fees are typically 30-50% lower than equivalent Singapore schools while maintaining rigorous academic standards. This makes JB an attractive option for cross-border families seeking quality education at accessible prices.

Top International Schools

Marlborough College Malaysia is a prestigious British boarding and day school on a 90-acre campus, offering IB and British curricula for ages 3-18 (fees: RM 60,000-159,000/year). Invictus International School provides Cambridge Primary through A-Levels (fees: RM 22,500-48,500/year). Fairview International School offers the complete IB curriculum from preschool to Year 12. Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens combines the National Curriculum for England with global perspectives.

Enrollment and Fees

Most schools require entrance assessments, valid passports, and previous academic records. A standard security deposit of 1-2 terms' fees is typical. Many schools offer sibling discounts of 5-10%.

Sources: International Schools Database, Numbeo

Johor Bahru offers diverse housing options from modern high-rise condominiums with pools and gyms to spacious landed properties. Rental prices are significantly lower than Singapore, allowing expats to enjoy larger spaces and better amenities within budget.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods

Bukit Indah is family-friendly with parks, shopping malls, and good schools. Taman Mount Austin is known for its food scene and proximity to international schools. Iskandar Puteri (formerly Nusajaya) offers modern developments near LEGOLAND and international schools. Danga Bay provides waterfront living with entertainment options. Areas near the CIQ checkpoint command premium rents but offer convenient Singapore access.

Rental Costs and Procedures

Standard deposits are 2 months' security + 1 month rent + 0.5 month utilities. Most leases run for 12 months minimum. Popular rental platforms include PropertyGuru and iProperty.

Sources: Numbeo, PropertyGuru

Johor Bahru offers a rich tapestry of entertainment, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. From world-class theme parks to historic heritage sites, the city caters to diverse interests and ages.

Theme Parks and Family Fun

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort features over 80 rides, shows, and attractions across 31 hectares, including Malaysia's first international theme park and a water park. Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park combines water slides, rope courses, and an ice skating rink. Dinosaurs Alive Water Theme Park at KSL Hotel offers animatronic dinosaurs and water attractions. Danga Bay is JB's largest recreational area with a theme park, petting zoo, and waterfront dining.

Culture and Heritage

The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque offers stunning views overlooking the Straits of Johor with its unique Victorian-Moorish architecture. Istana Besar (Grand Palace) now houses the Royal Abu Bakar Museum. The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is a remarkable Hindu temple constructed entirely of glass. Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street showcases Johor's Chinese heritage with colorful murals and restored shophouses. The Kota Tinggi Firefly Park provides magical nighttime boat cruises to view thousands of fireflies.

Sources: TripAdvisor

Life in Johor Bahru blends Malaysian warmth with urban convenience. The city enjoys a tropical climate year-round with temperatures averaging 27-32°C. English is widely spoken alongside Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil, making daily interactions straightforward for newcomers.

Getting Around

Public transport is improving but most residents rely on private vehicles or ride-hailing services like Grab. The myBAS50 monthly bus pass costs RM 50 for unlimited rides. Cross-border buses to Singapore (CW1) start from RM 2.60 one-way. The RTS Link, opening in late 2026, will connect Bukit Chagar to Singapore's Woodlands North in just 6 minutes, serving 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

Everyday Essentials

Shopping is convenient with numerous malls including Mid Valley Southkey, KSL City Mall, and Johor Bahru City Square. Cashless payments via DuitNow QR and contactless cards are widely accepted, though small cash is useful for hawker stalls. Major supermarkets include AEON, Giant, and Lotus's. Healthcare is excellent with both public and private options, and Malaysia is a renowned medical tourism destination.

Sources: Land Transport Authority Singapore

Johor Bahru offers exceptional value with living costs 66% lower than Singapore and approximately 31% cheaper than Bangkok. This affordability extends across housing, food, transport, and entertainment, making JB attractive for both working professionals and retirees.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following table outlines estimated monthly costs for a single expat:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo (October 2025), Expatistan