Moving to Malaysia: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Malaysia: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 9 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Malaysia the top income tax rate is 30%, dividends are taxed at up to 2% and companies pay 24% corporate tax. Newcomers may use a special regime (0%): Territorial: foreign-source income of individuals exempt. Single-tier dividends (2% on >RM100k from 2025).
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Malaysia you need at least 182 days a year (182 days in calendar year; or <182 days linked to adjacent continuous 182-day period). The typical route is MM2H Silver (USD 150k deposit + property RM 600k): Age 25+; fixed deposit USD 150k (50% withdrawable later); buy property ≥RM 600k (held 10 yrs); health insurance; via licensed agent There are 9 open residence programmes in Malaysia — see the list below.
Living there
Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate with winter highs around 32 °C and summer highs around 33 °C. The economy grew +4.5% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 4% for 2026. Its passport opens about 159 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict; kidnap-for-ransom risk off eastern Sabah.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 30% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 2% |
| Corporate tax | 24% |
| Special regime for newcomers | 0% — Territorial: foreign-source income of individuals exempt. Single-tier dividends (2% on >RM100k from 2025). |
| Résidence fiscale | après 182 jours — 182 days in calendar year; or <182 days linked to adjacent continuous 182-day period |
| Voie de résidence typique | MM2H Silver (USD 150k deposit + property RM 600k) — Age 25+; fixed deposit USD 150k (50% withdrawable later); buy property ≥RM 600k (held 10 yrs); health insurance; via licensed agent |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 159 pays |
| Economic growth | +4.5% (2025), forecast 4% (2026) |
| Type de climat | tropical rainforest · 32° / 33° (Kuala Lumpur) |
| Guerre & conflits | none — No conflict; kidnap-for-ransom risk off eastern Sabah |
| Tous les risques naturels | 5.6/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 7/10 · A- |
| Protection de la propriété | 6.5/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 8.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Malaysia
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Silver — Investissement CHF 228'000 · open · 2026-10
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Gold — Investissement CHF 580'000 · open · 2026-10
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Platinum — Investissement CHF 1'160'000 · open · 2026-10
- MM2H – Special Economic / Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ, e.g. Forest City) — Investissement CHF 115'600 · open · 2026-10
- Sarawak MM2H (S-MM2H) — Investissement CHF 27'000 · open · 2026-10
- DE Rantau Nomad Pass — Revenu / an CHF 19'200 · open · 2026-10
- Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) — Investissement CHF 180'000 · open · 2026-10
- Employment Pass — Revenu / an CHF 10'800 · changing · 2026-10
- Long Term Social Visit Pass (spouse/family) — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Malaysia to become tax resident?
après 182 jours. 182 days in calendar year; or <182 days linked to adjacent continuous 182-day period Foreign-sourced income of individuals exempt to 2036; MM2H alone ≠ residence
How much tax will I pay in Malaysia?
In Malaysia the top income tax rate is 30%, dividends are taxed at up to 2% and companies pay 24% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Malaysia offer?
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Silver (CHF 228'000); Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Gold (CHF 580'000); Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Platinum (CHF 1'160'000); MM2H – Special Economic / Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ, e.g. Forest City) (CHF 115'600); Sarawak MM2H (S-MM2H) (CHF 27'000)
What is the usual way to move to Malaysia?
MM2H Silver (USD 150k deposit + property RM 600k). Age 25+; fixed deposit USD 150k (50% withdrawable later); buy property ≥RM 600k (held 10 yrs); health insurance; via licensed agent
Compare with nearby countries
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