Living And Working In Brunei: A Comprehensive Guide

Brunei is a small, tropical country with a population of around 450,000. It is an oil-rich nation with a high standard of living and a booming economy. Expats make up a large contingent of the population, with many working in the oil and gas sector. Brunei has a good public healthcare system, a safe environment, and a low cost of living. The country is ideal for expats looking to raise a family, with good schooling and convenient travel options in the region. However, it is important to note that Brunei is a strictly Islamic country, and expats should be prepared for cultural differences and a conservative social environment.

Brunei's high standard of living

Bruneï's High Standard of Living

Brunei has one of the world's highest standards of living, thanks to its bountiful oil and gas reserves. The country's economy is booming, and it offers a high quality of life to its residents. With a population of just over 440,000, Brunei is a small, tropical country with a large expat community, making up around 40% of its population. The main draw for foreigners is the prospect of lucrative employment packages and tax-free income, as Brunei is a tax-free country with no income or sales tax.

The oil and gas sector is the primary source of employment for expats, with many working for large multinational companies. The construction industry also employs a significant number of foreign workers. Expats in Brunei can expect to earn well and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, as the cost of living is relatively low compared to Western Europe and North America. Food and travel are particularly cheap, and the country has a low crime rate, making it a safe destination.

Brunei has one of the world's top public healthcare systems, with locals accessing public medical care at no cost, and expats typically paying low rates. There are also several private hospitals of high standards, usually located in major urban areas, which are covered by comprehensive health insurance policies. The country's public education system is relatively young but is continuously improving thanks to extensive government investments, and English is the primary language of instruction in most public schools.

Brunei's natural environment is another drawcard, with its extensive coastline, beaches, and gorgeous rainforests providing plenty of outdoor activities for families. The country has a tropical rainforest climate with hot and humid weather and plenty of rainfall. It experiences two monsoon seasons each year, from December to February and June to October, with an average year-round temperature of 81°F (27°C).

Overall, Brunei offers a high standard of living with a mix of modern conveniences and a rich cultural experience. While some may find the strict Islamic laws and cultural differences challenging to adjust to, the country provides a rewarding and memorable experience for those with an open mind and a spirit of adventure.

The culture, food, weather and surroundings

The culture of Brunei is heavily influenced by Malay culture and Islam. The country is also influenced by its demographic makeup: more than two-thirds of the population are Malay, and the remainder consists of Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups such as Murut, Bisaya Brunei, Brunei Dusun, and Kedayans. Standard Malay is the official language, but Brunei Malay is more commonly spoken and differs significantly from Standard Malay in pronunciation, lexis, and syntax. English is also widely spoken and taught in schools. Mandarin Chinese is also widely used by the sizable Chinese minority.

Brunei's food is heavily influenced by the cuisines of countries with which it has strong ties, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and India. The national dish of Brunei is Ambuyat, a flavourless sago that is usually dipped in a sauce called cacah and served with other dishes, including ikan goreng (fried fish), pakis or biring (vegetables), hati buyah (cow's lungs), beef rendang (slow-cooked beef stew), and more. Another popular dish is Nasi Katok, which consists of a bowl of rice, a piece of fried chicken, and sambal (dip).

The weather in Brunei is hot, oppressive, and overcast, with high humidity and heavy rainfall. The temperature typically varies from 75°F to 90°F (23°C to 32°C) throughout the year. The best time to visit Brunei for hot-weather activities is from late January to late March.

Brunei is located on the island of Borneo, bounded on the north by the South China Sea and on all other sides by the Malaysian State of Sarawak. The terrain in the western part of the country is predominantly hilly lowland, while the eastern part consists of rugged mountain terrain. The country is covered in tropical rainforests, and eco-tourism has gained importance in the country's economic activities. Brunei is an oil-rich country, and revenues from crude oil and natural gas finance its development programs. The capital of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, where the famed Water Village of Brunei (Kampong Ayer) is located.

The visa and work process

People who want to work in Brunei will need to apply for a work permit, which is valid for two years. Applications will only be approved if a company already exists. After a permit is issued, expats must apply for a Brunei Identity Card, which is mandatory for anyone staying in the country for more than three months. Expats wishing to stay longer can apply for citizenship by passing exams in Malay and will also be tested on Bruneian culture and customs.

Brunei is well set up to accommodate expat workers, who make up 40% of the population. Workers are attracted by a high standard of living and often lucrative and tax-free salaries. The construction industry also employs a significant number of foreign workers.

Brunei does not tax individuals, which makes the country attractive to expats. However, there are hidden taxes that expats need to be aware of, such as stamp duty. There are two kinds of stamp duty: the first applies to property transfers and shares, while the second applies to insurance policies and legal documents. The amount of stamp duty paid is dependent on the amount involved.

The retirement age in Brunei has been increased from 55 to 60. Expats who have worked in the country for many years may qualify for a state pension if they have made sufficient payments into the government system, although this is rare. Expats who are not entitled to a pension may be able to claim a pension from their home country on a reciprocal basis.

Healthcare and education

Healthcare

Brunei's healthcare system is managed by the Brunei Ministry of Health and funded by the General Treasury. It consists of around 15 health centres, 10 clinics, 22 maternal facilities, and two private hospitals. Healthcare is charged at B$1 per consultation for citizens and is free for anyone under 12 years old. The government covers the cost of sending citizens overseas to access treatments and facilities not available in the country. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death in the country, with a life expectancy of around 75 years.

Education

Education in Brunei is provided or regulated by the Government of Brunei through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The former manages most of the government and private schools in the country, while the latter specifically administers government schools that provide Islamic religious education. English is the main medium of instruction in most primary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities, while Malay is the medium of instruction for Malay- and Brunei-related subjects.

Compulsory education in Brunei consists of either general education or Islamic religious primary education. General education takes 12 years and includes preschool, primary, and secondary school. Islamic religious primary education is compulsory for Muslim pupils and lasts seven years. Post-secondary education includes sixth form and technical and vocational education, while higher education is provided in four government universities. Schooling for compulsory education is fully subsidised by the government for citizens of Brunei and often extends to post-secondary and university.

The cost of living

For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are around $3,004.70 (without rent), while for a single person, the estimated monthly costs are approximately $826.30 (without rent). Rent prices in Brunei are significantly lower than in the United States, with an average of 56% less.

When it comes to food, Brunei offers a variety of dining options to suit different budgets. Local markets provide fresh produce at affordable prices, and there are plenty of inexpensive Malay, Thai, and Chinese restaurants and grocery stores. However, as a significant amount of food is imported, the costs tend to be higher compared to the rest of Southeast Asia.

Transportation costs are also relatively low, and water taxis provide an affordable and unique way to get around the city. Basic utilities, such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal, are available for a one-bedroom apartment at competitive rates.

Brunei has a high standard of living, with modern and well-equipped houses, excellent international schools, and a variety of leisure activities. The country also boasts low crime rates and a well-developed infrastructure. Overall, the cost of living in Brunei is lower than in neighboring countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life at a reasonable price.

Frequently asked questions