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Moving guides

From France to Malaysia

What changes in tax when you move from France to Malaysia: what you pay today, what you would pay there and the rules France applies when you leave.

What you would save

With €150,000 a year in dividends or foreign income, compared as a genuine resident of each country.

Today in France€47,100
In Malaysia€0
Yearly difference+€47,100

Full guide: Malaysia →

Leaving France

  • Home (foyer) or main place of stay. You are resident if your household (spouse, children) habitually lives in France, or, failing that, if France is where you spend most of your time.
  • Main professional activity in France. You are resident if your main work activity is in France, unless it is ancillary. Executives of French-headquartered companies with turnover above EUR 250 million are presumed to work mainly in France.
  • Centre of economic interests. You are resident if France is the centre of your economic interests, for example your main investments, business seat or the source of most of your income.

Rules that can follow you after leaving

  • French nationals in Monaco remain taxable in France. Under the 1963 France-Monaco tax convention, French nationals living in Monaco are generally taxed in France as if resident, unless they lived there before 13 October 1957 (five years' residence by 1962).

Exit tax in France

Exit tax (article 167 bis CGI)

  • Tax resident in France for at least 6 of the 10 years before leaving.
  • Securities and company rights worth at least EUR 800,000 in total, OR at least 50% of the profits of a company.

Unrealised capital gains (and earn-out receivables and previously deferred gains) are taxed on departure as if realised, at the flat tax (12.8% income tax plus social charges) or progressive rates if elected.

Exit tax → · Am I still resident? →

Arriving in Malaysia

Personal income: 0% abroad · Company tax: 24%

MM2H visa (Malaysia My Second Home) or an employment or business permit.

182 days a year to be tax resident.

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.

Living there

Monthly cost for one person, rent included
Kuala Lumpur€1,050–1,350
George Town (Penang)€850–1,150
Climate
Tropical rainforest; 27-33°C year-round, frequent afternoon rain.
Direct flights to
London, Dubai, Doha, Singapore, Istanbul
Safety
High
International schools
Many
Fixed internet
168 Mbps

Steps to residency

  1. 1 weeksChoose MM2H tier or DE Rantau / Employment Pass via own Sdn Bhd
  2. 4 weeksOpen bank account and make fixed deposit (MM2H)
  3. 12 weeksSubmit application and get conditional approval
  4. 2 weeksMedical check, insurance and visa endorsement

About 19 weeks in total

Official websites: Tax authority · Immigration

Approximate figures that change often; check them before deciding.

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