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). |
| 税務上の居住地 | 182 日後 — 182 days in calendar year; or <182 days linked to adjacent continuous 182-day period |
| あなたのルート | 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 |
| 旅券 | 159 か国へビザ免除または到着ビザで渡航可能 |
| Economic growth | +4.5% (2025), forecast 4% (2026) |
| 気候区分 | tropical rainforest · 32° / 33° (Kuala Lumpur) |
| 戦争・紛争 | none — No conflict; kidnap-for-ransom risk off eastern Sabah |
| すべての自然災害 | 5.6/10 |
| 銀行の健全性 | 7/10 · A- |
| 財産の保護 | 6.5/10 |
| 冬の住宅の暖かさ | 8.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Malaysia
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Silver — 投資額 CHF 228'000 · open · 2026-10
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Gold — 投資額 CHF 580'000 · open · 2026-10
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Platinum — 投資額 CHF 1'160'000 · open · 2026-10
- MM2H – Special Economic / Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ, e.g. Forest City) — 投資額 CHF 115'600 · open · 2026-10
- Sarawak MM2H (S-MM2H) — 投資額 CHF 27'000 · open · 2026-10
- DE Rantau Nomad Pass — 所得 / 年 CHF 19'200 · open · 2026-10
- Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) — 投資額 CHF 180'000 · open · 2026-10
- Employment Pass — 所得 / 年 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?
182 日後. 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
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