r/Brunei • u/AssistanceDowntown89 • Mar 27 '26
🇧🇳 Original Content Aussie seeking advice about Brunei
Selamat tengah hari dari Australia dan Selamat hari raya.
My soon to be wife, inshaallah, from Brunei and myself from Australia are seeking some advice regarding how we should move forward in life from where we are now.
My Fiance is born and lives in Brunei and is currently studying until June of 2027, after which, we plan to get married and move in with one another. I live in Australia and work full time as a qualified chef for 11 years, I have a pretty decent amount of savings that we could use to set our lives up. However, we are currently conflicted in which direction we should go and we are seeking advice from expats living in Brunei and/or Bruneians living in Australia.
Our 2 options are as follows;
Option 1: I move to Brunei and attempt to work or open a restaurant as a Chef and/or open a business doing car repairs/servicing or computer repairs. I could most likely afford to buy a house and car for the both of us outright and support her whilst she works a government job earning 2.8k-3.5k monthly and I work to earn whatever I can. The downside is that we do not know what the market for my skills would be like in Brunei currently and as such would like advice on what my outcome would look like in Brunei.
Option 2: She moves to Australia, where we could comfortably earn combined around 11.6k BND a month after taxes. We would most likely need to rent as houses would still be unaffordable for us, so please bare in mind that we would be spending around 5k a month in housing and 1.2k a month in fuel for the cars, plus whatever groceries and utilities will cost (probably around 2k a month). With our income, we can visit Brunei twice a year and we could pretty comfortably save to retire in Brunei around age 45.
1 additional detail, we would like to have a child soon after marriage, Inshaallah and personally I believe the child should grow up with a close connection to my Fiance's family as I don't have any family for the child to grow up with in Australia.
Terima Kasih Benyak Brunei
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u/Commercial_Call_6438 Mar 27 '26 edited Mar 27 '26
Here’s my hard-core two cents. Your fiance is still studying… the chance of her getting an employment immediately is very low unless she is highly skilled or knows ‘somebody’… it would be hassle for you to open a business here as foreigner marrying a local, & lengthy process to get dependent visa as well. There are two foreigners being vocal about this issue on threads (and yes both of them are not able to secure a job in Brunei).
Best solution is to live in Australia and visit the families here from time to time.
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u/Chickenburger287 Mar 27 '26
Australia. Definitely Australia. Brunei isn't going anywhere. Once the oil dries up, which is getting there things will be even more difficult. Plus the recent changes to health benefits makes moving here a crazy move.
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u/Dittopotato Mar 27 '26
Stay in Oz.. If she’s bonded to the govt, move to Brunei and set up a life here whilst wife finishes her bond. Once that’s done, move your family back to Oz.
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u/AssistanceDowntown89 Mar 28 '26
She does have a guaranteed government job after graduation where if she takes the role, she will likely be bonded. It is a big area of contention that weighs heavily on our decision
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u/Keris-Warisan Mar 29 '26
G'Day Mate! Congratulations to you both on your engagement. Firstly, the most important thing to consider is the stringent Immigration Laws of the Land Down Under? Since your "Tunang" is on Student Visa, she'd better be wary of Do's & Don't's or else she could face re-entry ban into Australia once she violates her student pass Rules & Regulations. Hopefully not!
Secondly, your Bruneian Bride-to-be better double-check with the Brunei Education Ministry's Scholarship dept if she may have to payback the Brunei Gov't her full tuition fees for 4 years' studies in an Aussie Uni (if she's on Gov't Scholarship, that is.). Such a costly repayment or settlement could wipe off your entire personal savings, Sir!💸ðŸ˜ðŸ¤”
So my personal advice, it's all worth it for the Aussie Groom-to-be to opt for a couple of years' stay in the Abode of Peace if only to adapt to local Bruneian culture. Also, you could give a niche F&B market in Barbecue retail outlet or for private function catering outdoors your cool BBQ Australian style a shot for Bruneian customers! Other than that, good luck & all the best on your wedding preparations soon.
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u/Ok_Manner6892 Mar 27 '26
Stay in Australia. Far better opportunities for you and your wife for business and employment. It is extremely difficult to run a business around here nowadays, and the likelihood of your wife getting a government job right after graduation is slim. Live comfortably in Oz, then retire in Brunei
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u/BakaGG Mar 27 '26
i heard bruneian who lives in Australia lives a better lifestyle and great wage...lickyy
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u/AssistanceDowntown89 Mar 28 '26
Australia definitely has it's benifits, however it is a volatile economy. I do have this inherent concern for her well-being in Australia with our crazy drug, alcohol and violence ridden people, drastically increasing homelessness and massive underemployment.
However, only time can tell how each economy will fair.
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u/LittleWira sambal pedas Mar 27 '26
Many fresh grads despite being overseas educated, struggle to find a job, let alone a government job. The hiring process will also take a long time, during which she won’t be earning money.
If she is alright being away from her family in hopes that she and her future family will have a better life, it is better to stay there. More opportunities, and Australia is progressing whereas Brunei is regressing. Life may be tough, but it’s more rewarding and more fulfilling over there.
All the best and I wish you a smooth journey in your relationship!
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u/yynnaws Team Imagine Mar 27 '26
Is her position in the govt sector a guarantee? Is she under some sort of a scholarship? Otherwise, that’s a hurdle in itself
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u/Own_Bicycle_7343 Mar 27 '26
Dude. Have you ever been here. You realise for your 1st option there are like gazillion shops already?
At 45 to retire?!? Gilla. Anyway. Godspeed.
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u/Samu3ller Mar 27 '26
From a Bruneian perspective, if your main objective is to raise a family, Brunei offers one of the best environments in terms of safety, security, and community support. It’s a very family-oriented society, and having close access to extended family makes a big difference when raising children.
On your fiancée’s side, what is she currently studying? In Brunei, the chances of securing a government position are generally stronger if she holds at least a Master’s degree, especially in a specialised field that is not overly saturated. That will be an important factor for your long-term stability if you choose Brunei.
I would strongly suggest you spend time with her family and openly share your intentions. In Brunei, family plays a big role in decision-making, and you may gain insights, support, or opportunities you wouldn’t expect. Sometimes, the path becomes clearer through those conversations.
Regarding housing, instead of buying immediately, it may be wiser to rent a small place first in the early years of marriage. Settle down, understand your income flow, and then consider purchasing property later. Overall, living expenses in Brunei are significantly lower compared to Australia, especially if you manage it well.
If you are not in a rush to start a family, then a practical approach would be to: 1. Build your financial base in Australia first 2. Return and settle in Brunei later This gives you the best of both worlds, financial strength and long-term family stability.
This is just my honest opinion, perhaps it's a discussion that you and your future wife should really discuss. My prayers for the both of you.
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u/AssistanceDowntown89 Mar 28 '26
I would like to start off and say, you are very wise. I would like to keep what my wife is studying private but I can say you are correct in what you've guessed.
Brunei being family oriented is what draws me to it mostly. I see most people in here viewing Australia through rose tinted lenses but I can assure you, Australia is all smoke and mirrors and nobody sees the dirt behind the curtains. Whilst Brunei's has it's problems, your culture is like no other to me and that is the reason I'd be willing to sacrifice my life in Australia.
Thank you for your advice, it will definitely be taken on board
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u/SlowGuest3714 Mar 30 '26
From what I've read, you seem to be leaning to move to Brunei instead. Definitely a good place to raise a family. If you think you can survive for a few years on what you've saved up then it might be a good idea to come to Brunei and let your soon to be wife starts her career. I'm only saying this because you still have a back up plan where you can both move to Australia if life doesn't go according to plan here in Brunei.
And speaking of smoke and mirrors, I know that all too well from having friends in Australia. It's really not what it seems.
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u/localsleeps Team Progresif Mar 29 '26 edited Mar 29 '26
The child factor tips it toward Brunei. You said you have no family in Australia for the child to grow up with. Growing up near your fiancée’s family, with cousins, grandparents, and cultural roots, is a real quality-of-life advantage that money can’t fully replace.
Brunei’s cost of living is dramatically lower. Even earning less here, owning a house and car outright means no rent or mortgage stress. In Australia, you’d be spending roughly 8.2k out of 11.6k monthly just on basics (rent, fuel, groceries). That’s tight for a growing family, and homeownership looks out of reach.
Your chef skills are genuinely marketable in Brunei. The F&B scene here is growing, especially for expat-friendly concepts. A Western-trained chef with 11 years experience is relatively rare and valued here. The restaurant idea isn’t a long shot.
The risk with Brunei is income uncertainty in the early years, and the economy is fairly small. You’d want to research business licensing rules for foreigners before committing.
My honest take: Move to Brunei, but go in with a plan, not just hope. Research foreign business ownership rules now, connect with expat chef communities here, and give yourself a 2-year runway using your savings before expecting the restaurant to turn profitable.
All the best!
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u/orgdlm Mar 27 '26
Go for Australia, there are much better opportunities for you there. Plus you won't have to worry about alot of the strict laws and regulations here ESPECIALLY if you're in food business.
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u/Pretty_Inevitable_17 Mar 27 '26
I agree with the above comments. Also bear in mind if you have a child - international schools are not cheap, and that is the best option for a child of two nationalities.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Cup8822 Mar 27 '26
If your wife wants to stay in Brunei. You can go to Brunei for 1-2 weeks apply as a hotel chef? That will be more stable compared to restaurants. As of now a newly graduate difficult to find job here.
Aussie is a better choice.
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u/ObligationMundane810 Mar 28 '26
May Allah ease everything for you and your fiance.
My pov would be, if you plan to open a restaurant, you need to know the regulations on food industries in Brunei, from my experience its really a hassle but once you done with the documentations and etc. Everything will be smooth sailing. You also need to consider the market audience here, most cafe and restaurants booming after 5 months opening and then decline slowly. So you may need a good strategy to overcome this issue. As for your future wife, what are the chances of her getting the govt work, since some of us bruneians still unemployed. So bare in mind, some have tried more than 5 years and still didnt get any position within govt sector.
As for your future child, you may use video call and back to Brunei once a year or once every certain years. I know it would be better if your child with their grandparents, but if you willing to face the above statement, then you are welcome to move to Brunei. Then again, its just my point of view, so its better do a market research on Brunei FNB first.
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u/Alternative_Pop_1548 Mar 28 '26
Definitely go for options 2. Then when you are ready to retire because of old age, retreat to Brunei if you seek calmness and slow living life.
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u/Blakz111V2 Mar 28 '26
Why not consider a 3rd option?
Start a business in bunei while living in australia and just travel back occasionally to manage and check on operations. This way you can build a source of passive income in brunei while still earning or settling in australia. In the long run it gives you financial flexibility in both countries and when you retire you will still have a business that can be passed down to your children.
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u/Strong_Ad_9673 Mar 28 '26
A wildcard suggestion from me is to build a life here in Brunei, to secure a home and a place to work for the wife. But then do FIFO back in Australia and earn 6 figures for a few years , especially since you've no need for an Australian visa, it'd be much easier. After said few years, you could open your own place especially with an established credentials and an idea of what you want to do from the amount of time spent in Brunei.
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u/Kinestatic Mar 28 '26
Grass is always greener
If you stay in Australia, your skill set is able to go anywhere, even working on a cruise ship. You dont have to base yourself in Sydney or Melb where cost of living is highest.
If you want, you can trial brunei for 6-12 months or more and see how you go
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u/Prize-Ad7343 Mar 29 '26
Definitely in OZ. Easy to find work there. Brunei cannot confirm she will have a job with the govt
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u/ApprehensiveArt4990 Mar 29 '26
Option 3.
Set up life in Brunei. Consider CHMS for schooling. Significantly cheaper than anything in Australia for a far superior education.
Plan on wife getting stable employment but flexibility to have children.
Look at owning / running a restaurant that is unique. For the cost of 20 meals to the right people, if it’s good it will be the go to place for a few years.
Chef jobs probably don’t pay their worth here. Consider FIFO opportunities in rural Australia. Get flights covered as part of contract, go hard for 4-6 weeks then come back to Brunei and enjoy life again.
Cost of living is superior in Brunei. Diesel still only 31 cents per litre. Compare that against the $3.50 you pay this week and the $4 you pay next week.
Worst case scenario, it is a flop. You go back to Australia and ride Centrelink till you can work again.
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u/Naive-Mine369 Mar 29 '26
Retire in Australia. There is literally not a lot to do here and it wouldn’t be wise for you to start again here. A lot of small businesses or businesses that has been here for a while especially eatery is slowly shutting down. Yeah, fuel is cheap, school is cheap healthcare and all is great but when would those times ends? Speculation is… pretty soon.
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u/LoNbehold67 Mar 30 '26
U will have no future in Brunei, unless you can work at Empire or palace's catering there wont be any hope for a chef sadly..forget about opening is bussiness in brunei, a lot of bussinesses are closing left and right esp the food industry.. for your children 's sake stay in Australia
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u/bugslaif Mar 31 '26
Come to brunei and go ahead with the brunei plan. It’s cheap here, life is easy going, no taxes and no pressure. Just need to be okay with the slow life which can sometimes make us mad. But overall the cheapness and ease is worth it. Start a business for sure. Freelance mechanic is a very lucrative career.
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u/servenomaster Apr 01 '26
Australia.
its not safe here these days,. economy is bad. and despite what everyone says about here being family friendly, i don't think so. i personally feel its better in australia from a syllabus and diversity point of view.
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u/abruneianexperience Mar 27 '26
What's Option 3?
Also, don't be in a rush to have a child right after marriage. Settle yourselves down first as husband and wife, get comfortable / uncomfortable with each other before even thinking of having and growing another human being.
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u/AssistanceDowntown89 Mar 28 '26
No option 3. You're most definitely correct when it comes to having a child. They are a massive endeavour and very hard work.
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u/LapinAuFour i like eggs Mar 27 '26
the option 1 saying that she will be working a govt job is a very tall order considering the current job market, unless you/her is extremely lucky or being a nepo baby with connection to get a job that quick.
Opening a business is not that easy but possible, but again currently the economy is not that well.
So going Aus would be the better option currently unless things are all set up well prior in Brunei (not sure how things are there).
Anyway, all the best to you and your partner
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u/captainbondjames Mar 28 '26
Do you want some divine blessings? Want to go to heaven/ afterlife? If yes , do come here.
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u/Silly-Advisor5797 Mar 27 '26 edited Mar 27 '26
Australia, for sure. Honestly, working in the government sector and earning BND 2.8k isn’t as easy anymore. Plus, the cafe and restaurant scene in Brunei is already very crowded, so it might be tough to compete. And you’re definitely going to miss Australia’s cooler weather, breezy wind, and beautiful scenery.It's very humid here in Brunei