Living in Brunei: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Brunei.
As Asia's third petroleum producer and the world's fourth natural gas producer, Brunei is deemed to be a promising country. In fact, it has been attracting many foreign investors over the years thanks to its economy and energy policies.
Brunei is an ideal destination for expatriates looking forward to discover new cultures and history. You will also enjoy the hospitality of a warm nation along with lush nature.
Brunei has been a British protectorate since 1888, and in 1963 when Malaya united with North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore to become Malaysia, Brunei chose to remain under the British Crown ' it eventually became independent in 1984.
In 2014 Brunei introduced the Islamic sharia law, making it the first East Asian country to allow punishments, which are condemned by the international human rights organisations. Although Brunei is tolerant of other religions, it is recommended that expats familiarise themselves with the sharia law and social customs, including dress, language, etc. But Brunei isn't merely a Muslim country ' Christianity and Buddhism are the two minority religions.
The tropical rainforests flourish in the all-year-round hot, humid, and rainy climate, with temperatures averaging at 26°C.
For leisure, Brunei offers many options such as boat rides down the winding rivers, traditional villages with homes on stilts, and native wildlife. Tours of the rainforest are available, for several activities on offer, including treks. Also, golfing is a favourite pastime in Brunei, and there are five courses to choose from.
The land of Brunei is oil and gas abundant, and this combined with tax-free earnings, means that it has one of the world's highest per-capita incomes. Natural gas and oil industry are the biggest job providers in the state, with large enterprises such as Shell, regularly offering placements for expats. Jobs are sometimes available in skilled labour, such as healthcare and education, and being a native English speaker can be seen as a big plus. It is worth noting that most visas are given on a fixed term basis.
