Living in Malaysia
Rent, health cover and ways to get residency for a foreign retiree in Malaysia, checked 2026-09-26.
Rent for a one-bedroom flat
| City | Centre | Outside centre |
|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | MYR 2,468 | MYR 1,500 |
| Penang | MYR 1,648 | MYR 939 |
Condos with pools and gyms are the norm for foreigners in Kuala Lumpur.
Healthcare
Public hospitals charge foreigners higher rates, so most use private hospitals and buy private insurance.
- Private expat plan: MYR 100–MYR 500 a month
Residency routes
- MM2H Silver (Anyone 25+): US$150,000 fixed deposit and a property of RM600,000 or more. Five years; 90 days a year in Malaysia if under 50.
- DE Rantau Nomad Pass (Digital and tech remote workers): US$24,000 a year in income. One year, renewable once.
Tax on a portfolio
- Individuals pay no tax on capital gains from shares.
- Foreign dividends and interest brought into Malaysia are exempt until 2036, provided they were taxed abroad.
- Residents (182+ days) get the progressive scale; non-residents pay a flat 30% on Malaysian income.
When can you retire? · Where to retire