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Moving guides

From Italy to Malaysia

What changes in tax when you move from Italy to Malaysia: what you pay today, what you would pay there and the rules Italy 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 Italy€39,000
In Malaysia€0
Yearly difference+€39,000

Full guide: Malaysia →

Leaving Italy

  • Residence (habitual abode) for most of the year. You are resident if your habitual abode is in Italy for more than 183 days in the tax year (184 in a leap year), counting fractions of days, under the rules in force since 2024.
  • Domicile: centre of personal and family life. Since 2024 domicile means the main centre of your personal and family relationships, which now weigh more than economic interests. Domicile in Italy for most of the year makes you resident.
  • Physical presence. New since 2024: simply being physically present in Italy for more than 183 days in the year, including fractions of days, makes you resident.
  • Registry of resident population (anagrafe). Being registered as resident for most of the year creates a presumption of residence. Since 2024 it can be rebutted with proof; registering in AIRE (Italians abroad) alone is not enough.

Rules that can follow you after leaving

  • Presumption for moves to blacklisted countries. Italian citizens who deregister and move to a country on Italy's tax haven list are presumed still resident unless they prove a genuine move. The burden of proof is on the taxpayer.

Exit tax in Italy

No exit tax for private individuals

Individuals holding shares or other assets privately are not taxed on unrealised gains when they leave Italy. The exit tax in article 166 TUIR applies only to businesses (companies and sole traders carrying on a commercial business) that transfer residence or assets abroad.

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.

Other destinations from Italy