Malaysia
MM2H programme, modern infrastructure and multicultural cities.
Important Notice: No Individual Advice
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal decisions.
Key Metrics
Cost of Living
Cost Breakdown
Quality of Life
Taxes
Tax information for Malaysia
Tax resident after 182 days of stay
2024
April 30th of following year
Yes - only domestic income
Income Tax
Only Malaysian income taxed (territorial principle)
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €950 | 0% |
| €950 | €3,800 | 1% |
| €3,800 | €6,650 | 3% |
| €6,650 | €9,500 | 8% |
| €9,500 | €13,300 | 13% |
| €13,300 | €19,000 | 21% |
| €19,000 | €47,500 | 24% |
| €47,500 | €76,000 | 24.5% |
| €76,000 | €114,000 | 25% |
| €114,000 | €190,000 | 26% |
| €190,000 | Unlimited | 30% |
MM2H visa allows tax benefits for retirees
Pension Tax
Foreign pensions not taxable in Malaysia
Capital Gains Tax
No capital gains tax (except real estate)
Dividend Tax
Dividends tax-free for individuals
Wealth Tax
No wealth tax in Malaysia
VAT
8%Sales and Service Tax (SST) of 6-10%
Important Notice
This is not tax advice. Malaysia uses territorial taxation. Consult a Malaysian tax advisor.
This is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws change frequently and can be complex. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult a tax advisor licensed in Malaysia for your specific situation.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Malaysia
Public + excellent private
Private recommended
Expat Access
Cheap but wait times
World-class, JCI-accredited
€80-200/month
Climate Change & Future Outlook
Climate risks in Malaysia
Malaysia: Moderately endangered. #54 readiness (good!), #135 vulnerability (low). KL floods, coast threatened. Better than neighbors, but risks rising.
Climate Scenarios
Switch between IPCC SSP pathways
SSP2-4.5
Current policy trajectory – ~2.7°C warming by 2100, moderate mitigation.
Values are approximations relative to our SSP2-4.5 baseline. They illustrate directional change, not exact national projections.
Overall Climate Risk
Projected risk index (0 = low risk, 100 = extreme risk)
Risk Categories
Personal climate risk assessment
Tune the analysis to your health profile and comfort level.
Age group
Sensitivity
Risk tolerance
Personalized risk index
Current level: Very High
Priority risks
Heat Stress
Base 84 → Personal 84
Floods & Coastal
Base 84 → Personal 84
What to prioritize
- •Prioritise shaded neighborhoods, AC-ready apartments, and early-morning routines.
- •Prefer elevated districts and buildings with flood-mitigation infrastructure.
- •Look for reliable shelter options and emergency communication plans.
Adaptation Measures
- •Net zero 2050, €8B climate fund, SMART Tunnel KL
- •Haze masks (Indonesia fires!), dengue protection
Climate Resilience
ND-GAIN #54/#135. BEST SE Asia! Good readiness, low vulnerability. Strong economy helps.
Tips
- 💡Cameron Highlands = escape (cool!). KL hot but livable.
- 💡Haze season (Aug-Oct): Indonesia fires = KL air quality poor!
Pros
- •BEST ND-GAIN SE Asia (#54!), net zero 2050, Cameron Highlands
Cons
- •Haze from Indonesia, Penang/Malacca endangered, palm oil -20%
Notes
BEST CLIMATE ADAPTATION SE ASIA (ND-GAIN #54!). KL moderately endangered, Cameron Highlands = escape. Main issue: Haze from Indonesia (PM2.5: 28). Net zero 2050 target. Better than Thailand/Philippines/Vietnam.
Data sources
Scientific Disclaimer
Climate projections are based on models with inherent uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ. We present mainstream scientific consensus (IPCC) but acknowledge uncertainty ranges. This is not financial advice. Consult climate scientists and experts for specific decisions.
Safety & Security
Safety & Crime in Malaysia
Safety Indicators
Comparison with DACH Region
For comparison: Germany (CPI: 78), Austria (CPI: 71), Switzerland (CPI: 82)
Notes
Standard precautions recommended in urban areas.
Visa & Immigration
Immigration Options for Malaysia
Visa Options
MM2H
Valid for 10 years
Digital Nomad Visa
12 months
Path to Permanent Residency
Permanent residency difficult. Citizenship nearly impossible.
Important Notice
Visa and immigration regulations change frequently. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult the official government website or an immigration attorney for current and accurate information.
Climate
Data Sources & Updates
Data Sources
- World Bank World Development Indicators(CC BY 4.0)
- NOAA Climate Data(Public Domain)
- WHO Global Health Observatory(CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
- World Bank World Development Indicators(CC BY 4.0)
- Numbeo(User-Generated Data)
- Numbeo Quality of Life Index(CC BY 4.0)