Singapore is notorious for its high cost of living. From rising GST to sky-high property prices. It’s no wonder many Singaporeans spend weekends dashing over to Johor Bahru (JB) for cheaper groceries and even the occasional RM50 massage.
But beyond quick getaways, a bolder question emerges: What if you actually live in JB and work remotely for a Singapore company? In other words, can you earn in SGD while spending in RM, legally and comfortably?
This article takes a look at whether Singaporeans can truly work from across the Causeway, and what it’s like to be a “digital nomad” based in JB.
Digital Nomad in JB: Can Singaporeans Really Work From Across the Causeway
- The lure of earning SGD & spending RM
- The ‘work-from-home’ revolution has certainly helped
- Commuting and proximity issues can be dealt with fairly easily
- How about housing, internet quality, and general lifestyle?
- What about the more important (boring) stuff: Visas, taxes, and other legalities
- Any drawbacks about adopting the lifestyle of a digital nomad in JB?
- Final thoughts about Singaporeans working from JB
The lure of earning SGD & spending RM
Living in JB while drawing a Singapore paycheck sounds like the ultimate life hack. The biggest pull factor is clearly cost of living. Everything from housing to hawker food tends to be cheaper in Malaysia.
How much cheaper you may ask? Well, groceries alone could be typically 50% cheaper in JB compared to Singapore. With the exchange rate hovering at historic highs (SGD to MYR hit ~3.31 while I was writing this), a Singapore salary stretches a long way in JB.
Besides saving money, there’s the lifestyle upgrade. Rent in JB is a fraction of Singapore’s – think condo living for the price of an HDB room. For example, a 4-5 star condo near the Causeway might rent for around S$500+ a month, whereas a similar unit in Singapore could easily cost 3-4 times more. It’s not just about condos either; spacious landed homes become accessible (some Singaporeans even purchase JB properties as retirement homes).
The favourable costs mean you can enjoy little luxuries, from having a car to weekend cafe-hopping. Essentially, JB offers the tantalising prospect of a slower-paced, budget-friendly lifestyle without giving up that Singapore paycheque.
The ‘work-from-home’ revolution has certainly helped
So the money’s great, but what about the work itself? Until recently, the idea of working for a Singapore firm while living in Malaysia would raise eyebrows.
Now, thanks to the work-from-home revolution accelerated by COVID-19, it’s increasingly viable. Many companies have learned that employees can be just as productive remotely. A survey of 1,000 Singapore workers found two in five would refuse a job that doesn’t allow remote work, and 77% said flexible WFH options are “important” to them.
In short, Singaporeans want the option to work from anywhere—and some forward-looking employers are on board.
It helps that JB’s infrastructure can support remote work. Internet connectivity in Johor Bahru is generally decent, with video calls and online work running smoothly on Malaysian broadband. The state even rolled out 5G in the city to boost speeds.
And if you’re worried about power outages or tech hiccups, JB has plenty of modern amenities (plus you can always hop to a co-working space or cafe). In other words, the tech side of remote working from JB is mostly a non-issue. It’s come down to whether your job role and company culture allow it.
Thankfully, an increasing number do. Surveys in 2023 show over 70% of Singaporean workers (especially Gen Z and millennials) prefer remote work to being in office, pressuring employers to offer more flexibility. The remote-work genie is out of the bottle, making the JB digital nomad lifestyle more attainable now than ever.
Commuting and proximity issues can be dealt with fairly easily
One huge advantage of JB compared to any other “digital nomad” haven is physical proximity to Singapore (you can literally see Woodlands from Johor). This closeness is a comfort if you still need or want to pop back to Singapore regularly.
In fact, some JB-based remote workers do head into the Singapore office or meet colleagues in person once or twice a month. Off-peak, a car or bus ride across the Causeway can indeed take under an hour—quicker than some intra-island commutes in Singapore!
Timing is everything, of course. The infamous Causeway traffic jams are real, especially during weekday rush hours or holiday periods. If you attempt to commute daily at 7am, you might spend 2+ hours in line at immigration, a nightmare that defeats the purpose of “working from home”. That’s why most who live in JB and work for Singapore do not commute every day. They either work fully remotely, or arrange to travel during off-peak times when needed.
(Pro tip: If you must cross on a schedule, get ready to be an early bird or night owl to beat the queues.)
The good news is, better connectivity is on the horizon. By the end of 2026, a shiny new RTS (Rapid Transit System) Link train is slated to start service, shuttling passengers between JB and Woodlands in just 5 minutes. This will be a game-changer for cross-border mobility because imagine hopping on a train and zipping to Singapore for a meeting, then back to JB for dinner, no traffic jams involved. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?
But until then, we have to make do with driving, public buses, or the occasional KTM shuttle train. Still, thousands of people already move back-and-forth daily (even pre-RTS), which proves the commute is manageable if planned right. Being neighbors means Singapore and JB are tightly linked—so you’re close enough to enjoy the benefits of both worlds, which is a huge plus for would-be cross-border workers.
How about housing, internet quality, and general lifestyle?
In a word: comfortable.
Housing is the first big change. Instead of squeezing into an HDB, you could be chilling in a spacious condo with a pool or even a landed house with a garden. As noted earlier, rental prices for apartments in JB are significantly lower: for instance, a modern studio might go for ~RM1,500 (≈S$400) a month, and a 3-bedroom condo could be RM2,000-3,000 (S$800 or less).
With the cost savings, some remote-working Singaporeans “upgrade” their lifestyle, maybe even getting a second car, enjoying weekly cafe brunches, or having more space for their kids to play. The purchasing power difference is real, thanks to earning strong Singapore dollars while spending weaker ringgit.
Daily conveniences in JB are a mixed bag of pleasant surprises and slight adjustments. On the plus side, you’ll find plenty of familiar amenities: huge malls (hello, Mid Valley Southkey), supermarkets with international products, and even outlets of popular Singaporean eateries.
Dining out or taking Grab rides won’t hurt your wallet like in SG. Groceries and petrol cost less, and even healthcare and medications are more affordable (many medicines that need a prescription in SG can be bought OTC in Malaysia). You’ll likely enjoy exploring JB’s hawker-style stalls, night markets, and new cafes popping up catering to expats and locals alike. English is widely understood in the city, so language won’t be a barrier for you.
In many ways, JB can feel like an extension of home, just with more space and more kampung vibes.
Of course, some things remind you that you’re not in Singapore anymore. Public transport within JB is not as well-developed. Most people drive, so owning a car (or using Grab regularly) becomes important if you live there. Traffic in JB city can be hectic, though generally not as dense as Singapore’s. Safety is another common concern: JB has a reputation (perhaps slightly exaggerated) for crime.
However, those who actually live there say it’s mostly a myth. Still, common-sense precautions (e.g. don’t flash valuables, lock your doors) apply as in any city. Within gated communities or condos, security is usually decent.
And what about our crucial lifeline aka internet connectivity? Fear not: broadband and mobile networks in Johor Bahru are up to the task. The government’s push for 5G coverage in Johor means speeds are improving further. If working from home gets lonely, you can always pop into a co-working space. JB has several modern co-working offices (e.g. at Mid Valley, JB City Centre) where you can rent a desk and enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi and free coffee—a nice way to meet fellow remote workers or entrepreneurs.
Lastly, living in JB offers an intangible benefit: a slight change of scenery and pace, while still being close to Singaporean friends and family. You might find the lifestyle in JB more laid-back. Think evening strolls in your neighborhood, less crowded public spaces, and the charm of Malaysian hospitality. It can feel like a mini-escape from the fast-paced Singapore life, without actually being far from it.
What about the more important (boring) stuff: Visas, taxes, and other legalities
Alright, time to address the not-so-fun part: can you legally just live in JB and work for a Singapore company?
The short answer: yes, with proper planning. Singaporeans enjoy visa-free entry into Malaysia for visits of up to 30 days. So if you’re only going to JB for a few weeks at a time, it’s straightforward—no special visa needed.
However, if you intend to stay in JB long-term (months or years) while working remotely, you shouldn’t just hop in and out on back-to-back “visa runs.” Malaysian immigration can and will notice if you exit and re-enter every month without a proper long-term visa.
Doing daily crossings or constant 30-day resets could raise red flags, and you risk being questioned or even blacklisted at the border. In other words, don’t try to game the system indefinitely. It’s better to get the proper paperwork sorted.
Route #1 – Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme
One legal route is Malaysia’s “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) programme, essentially a long-term residency scheme. Under MM2H, Singaporeans (and other foreigners) can stay in Malaysia on a renewable 5-10 year pass.
This comes with a multiple-entry visa and lets you bring your spouse and kids along. The catch: MM2H has fairly steep financial requirements (historically a high fixed deposit and proof of hefty monthly income, though criteria were under review as of end-2023 to be more attainable for middle-income folks. If you qualify, MM2H is a comprehensive solution—you essentially become a resident of Malaysia while keeping your Singapore job.
Route #2 – Malaysia Digital Nomad Pass (DE Rantau)
If MM2H isn’t for you, another newer option is the Malaysia Digital Nomad Pass (DE Rantau). Launched in 2022, this pass is designed for remote workers like you to stay in Malaysia from 3 up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
It’s a special Professional Visit Pass that requires you to show proof of employment or freelance income (to ensure you can support yourself) but doesn’t tie you to a Malaysia-based employer. Singaporeans can apply, and you can even bring your immediate family on this nomad visa.
The Malaysia Digital Nomad Pass is one of the most practical ways to live in JB for an extended period while working remotely for a Singapore company.
If you stay in Malaysia for more than 182 days in a year, you’ll be considered a tax resident. Now, this doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be taxed on your Singapore income. Malaysia currently exempts foreign-sourced income for many tax residents—including salaries from overseas employers like those in Singapore—particularly if the funds aren’t formally brought into the country. So, in many cases, your remote income won’t be taxed in Malaysia.
Still, as tax rules can change and exemptions may depend on how your income is received, it’s wise to check with a tax professional to be sure.
Route #3 – Other shorter term visa options
For shorter stints, some remote workers simply take advantage of the 90-day Single-Entry Visa or multiple-entry social visit passes. Officially, as per immigration rules, if you want to stay beyond the basic 30 days, you should apply for a visa in advance. And if you genuinely commute daily for work (meaning you work in SG physically), there are other passes (like a multiple-entry work permit). However, those only apply if you’re employed by a Malaysian company or for specific business travel.
Honestly though, in the scenario we’re looking at here (Singapore job, living in JB), the digital nomad pass or MM2H are the cleanest solutions if you’re committing to this lifestyle.
Lastly, don’t forget practical matters like maintaining a Singapore mailing address (perhaps with family) for official documents, and ensuring your CPF and other contributions remain properly handled by your SG employer. There’s no law against a Singapore company having you work remotely overseas, but some employers set their own policies—e.g. limiting how long you can be abroad for compliance reasons.
It’s wise to have an open conversation with your boss or HR if you plan to base yourself in JB long term. Many have successfully gotten approval, but it’s case-by-case. Transparency beats sneaking around, since both you and the company could face complications (tax, insurance, etc.) if you’re unofficially working overseas for too long.
Any drawbacks about adopting the lifestyle of a digital nomad in JB?
I’ve covered a few but let’s take a closer, more summarised view here.
Drawback #1: Commuting hassles
If your job requires you in Singapore frequently, the commute can become a chore. Peak-hour jams at the Causeway or Tuas Second Link are legendary (think hour-long waits or more).
Even with improvements coming, it’s wise to schedule any physical meetings on one or two days a week and avoid the Monday morning rush.In short, living in JB is ideal for fully remote work or occasional office visits, but not for daily on-site roles unless you’re ready to sacrifice sleep and sanity.
Drawback #2: Border controls
As discussed, immigration is a gatekeeper. There’s always a tiny risk that an officer might question your pattern of stays. Having a proper long-term visa (or at least evidence of your plans) can provide peace of mind.
Also, keep an eye on travel advisories. Pandemic border closures in 2020-2021 actually stranded many who lived across the border. While we hope for no repeat of such events, it’s a reminder that international borders can introduce unpredictability to your routine.
Drawback #3: Services and infrastructure differences
While JB is a modern city, some things may not match Singapore’s efficiency.
Banking, postal services, or bureaucratic processes could be slower. You might miss the ease of SingPass and BankID for everything. Even simple errands like paying bills or renewing car insurance might require more old-school methods (or a trip in person).
It’s usually minor inconveniences, but be prepared for a bit of culture shock when it comes to red tape or customer service.
Drawback #4: Social and family factors
Moving abroad (even if it’s “just JB”) means you won’t be in Singapore for every birthday or spontaneous weeknight meetup. If you have school-going kids, schooling in JB versus Singapore is a big consideration (there are international schools and local schools, but that’s another topic).
Some folks also report a sense of FOMO, or fear of missing out, on events in Singapore since you’re not immediately there. The upside is you’re close enough to visit often, but it does require planning. And if most of your friends work 9-5 in SG, you may find yourself on a slightly different daily rhythm when living in JB.
Drawback #5: Employer perceptions
Though remote work is popular, not every company is fully convinced. Only 16% of Singapore employers support fully remote arrangements for knowledge workers (per a 2023 EY survey)—which means some companies still prefer staff nearby or in-office.
Be prepared that not all employers will enthusiastically approve you working from Malaysia. You might need to demonstrate that your productivity won’t drop and clarify that there’s no additional cost to the company. If you sense your company isn’t open to it, you might have to either postpone the JB dream or look for a more flexible employer down the line. The trend is moving in favor of remote flexibility, but it’s not universal yet.
Final thoughts about Singaporeans working from JB
Yes. it’s entirely possible for Singaporeans to work from across the Causeway, and plenty have already paved the way. With strong internet, a supportive employer, and the proper visa in hand, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—Singapore-level income and career opportunities, coupled with Johor Bahru’s relaxed (and affordable) living.
That said, making it a sustainable reality requires some legwork. You’ll need to sort out immigration formalities (no one likes visa stress), adapt to minor lifestyle differences, and ensure you stay productive away from the Singapore office buzz. It’s not about “escaping” Singapore so much as extending your reach. You’re close enough to pop back for a team meeting on short notice or meet Singapore-based friends, but you get to come home to JB where things are a bit slower and cheaper.
In the end, being a digital nomad in JB comes down to individual preference. Some love the adventure and savings, others prefer the convenience of staying in Singapore. But at least now we know: the cross-border remote work dream is achievable, and for Singaporeans willing to take the leap, JB might just be the affordable paradise next door.
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About the author
Having been writing for a little over 10 years, KC has flexed his pen in a variety of industries—think automotive, fitness, entertainment, and finance. He’s ultimately on a mission to prove that any topic, no matter how serious, can be made fun.
Off-duty? It’s all about food, drinks, parties, and gaming marathons.