Gulf and Asia · Rank 12 of 25 in the overall ranking
Taxes in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur · Penang
How to get residency
MM2H visa (Malaysia My Second Home) or an employment or business permit.
Days you must stay
182 days a year to be tax resident.
Small print
Foreign income received by resident individuals is exempt until 31 December 2036. Local income up to 30%. Good cost of living and connections across Asia.
If you move here
To stop paying tax at home you must live in Malaysia most of the year, have your centre of life there and, if you own a company, run it from there. A tax residency certificate from Malaysia is your best proof.
Also check whether an exit tax applies to you and read the tax treaty, if there is one.
Am I still tax resident at home? · Calculate the exit tax · Compare Malaysia with other countries
Sources · reviewed on 2026-11-01
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