🇲🇾 Malaysia
Multicultural Southeast Asian hub with tiered long-stay residency and territorial-style taxation
Visa Options
- MM2H Silver (5 years (renewable)) — $150,000 fixed deposit + RM600k property purchase
- MM2H Gold (15 years (renewable)) — $500,000 fixed deposit + RM1M property purchase
- MM2H Platinum (20 years, incl. work rights) — $1,000,000 fixed deposit + RM2M property purchase
- Employment Pass (Category I/II) (1–5 years) — Job offer, min. monthly salary RM5,000–10,000+ depending on category
- Sarawak S-MM2H (regional alternative) (5 years (renewable)) — RM10,000/mo income (single) or RM100,000 liquid assets — no forced property purchase
Tax Overview
- Income Tax (residents): 0% – 30% (progressive)
- Foreign-Source Income: Generally tax-exempt for individuals under Malaysia's territorial system (conditions apply)
- Corporate Tax: 24% (standard); 15–17% preferential tiers for SMEs
- SST (Sales & Service Tax): 5–10% sales tax; 6–8% service tax — no unified GST
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): $1,000 – $1,600/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Kuala Lumpur): $450 – $800/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Penang): $350 – $550/mo
- Groceries: $180 – $280/mo
- Utilities: $60 – $110/mo
- Dining out: $3 – $15/meal
- Private health insurance: $60 – $150/mo
- Public transport (KL): $25 – $40/mo
Relocation Checklist
- Choose MM2H tier (Silver/Gold/Platinum) or Sarawak S-MM2H
- Prepare proof of funds and medical insurance (min. coverage required)
- Submit application via MM2H Centre or appointed agent
- Undergo medical examination (local, post-approval)
- Place fixed deposit in an approved Malaysian bank
- Complete required property purchase (if applicable to tier)
- Collect MM2H visa pass/sticker
- Register for a Malaysian tax file number if earning locally