Living in Malaysia

Living in Malaysia

OK, Malaysia used to be where sanity and Southeast Asia came together, but recent terrorist activities have left the country a bit too dangerous for expats in my opinion.

Despite that, there's a thriving economy and foreigners are not (usually) cursed, shunned, or stoned by the locals.

Recent changes in the law have made it possible for foreigners to purchase real estate in Malaysia, but there is a bit of red tape and some hoops to jump through.

Speaking of hoops, the government frowns on drug and serious alcohol offenses here and that hoop you're jumping through just might be a noose around your neck. So play it straight when you're in town. Caneing is still in favor here too, so don't get too froggy.

On the bright side, your pension money is tax-free as long as it comes from outside of the country. You'll be required to pay domestic income tax on anything you earn inside of the country whether from employment or investment. Offshore interest is tax free, however, so do what you think is best.

Map of Peninsular Malaysia
Map of Sabah & Sarawak

Here's an interesting note straight from the government's official web site:

"The "Malaysia, My Second Home" program welcomes "foreign nationals (except Israel, Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro) to stay in Malaysia on a long term Social Visit Pass under the "Malaysia - My Second Home Programme". Duration of stay is for a period of five(5) years with a Multiple Entry Visa."