Malaysia is NOT an Option Anymore / Where to Move Instead?
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
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Unfortunately, the new and updated MM2H (Malaysia my second home) program is not exactly what people expected it would be. Many would consider it a disaster - an immigration program that's designed to keep foreigners out of Malaysia.
But for many expats, Malaysia, and especially Kuala Lumpur is a lovely place to live! You get a first-world city, with third-world prices. It's beautiful, modern, safe and people are quite friendly. Prices of real estate are quite reasonable, so it doesn't surprise why many foreigners wanted to live there.
Unfortunately, for many of them, this is not an option anymore, so naturally, the question arises ''Where to move instead of Malaysia?''
Today, we are covering some options that might be comparable, and we will talk about different aspects: costs, weather, visa and immigration process, real estate, taxes, etc.
Should you consider Cyprus, Malta, or Portugal? What about Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, or Hungary?
How about UAE? Singapore or Thailand? Is Vietnam perhaps a good option? We are covering all that you need to know!
Who are we and what do we do?
We are Offshore Citizen team. We help people become global: get a second passport, set up a second residency, pay less taxes, do banking abroad, etc.
We have lots of interesting articles on different topics, we have relevant information up to date.
Author: Michael Rosmer
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Retired expats who invested their life savings in Malaysia under the My Second Home programme now can’t meet the new stricter financial criteria to renew their visas. So now the overseas consultants who were shilling Malaysia are now spinning around looking for other countries to promote.The lessons might be: only invest what you can afford to lose in a foreign country & do your own research and don't pay for "expert" advice because half of the time the experts will end up being wrong.
It has nothing to do with the experts though, its just Malaysian Gov being a C of highest order.
I like how you present things in an unbiased manner that caters to everybody, rather than talking about yourself and shilling for a destination just because you live there, like certain "Nomads" do. Lots of useful info on your channel.
Thank you for the support. Your kind words are truly appreciated!
What is your opinions about the whole Malaysia situation?
I feel the same way too. I love his input and unbiased information.
@@OffshoreCitizen Malaysia changes this stance all the time. I am not surprised if after new Prime Minister is installed, they might change the requirements for MM2H again.
@@OffshoreCitizen Something tells me once the election comes, They will change the MM2H yet again...
@@OffshoreCitizen long story short, screwed
The Sultan of Johor just announced his dissatisfaction over the revised MM2H policies. Hopefully it will spur the government to do something about it. Don’t lose hope everyone!
Even if they don't revise MM2H, who would be willing to be locked down in any hermit state of South East Asia. If they open in the future, they will lock down for years when a new virus comes. Asia is not an option for me anymore.
@@ErkekAdam We have to fight this together my friend. Strength in numbers. We all want Malaysia to be the preferred destination for expats, and to do that, we have to band together, petition, and involve the locals. No decent resident wants Malaysia to be a financial or intellectual backwater, trust me.
@@ErkekAdam personal experience of this Viet Nam - they have destroyed the economy here (for everyday people) while the rich steal everything, 90% expats gone
@@tarunsukhani9250 You and your government should serve yourselves first than just being an expat colonial settlement. I don't know that much about Malaysia, but I find you people have this weak colonial mentality. You people need to learn how to protect yourselves and your country.
Doesn't matter. Malaysia has cemented itself as too erratic for any financially intelligent person. It's ironic that this very action dissuades the top 1% from retiring there. - WW
Not the whole Malaysia, we Sarawak have our own immigration law. Sarawak still retaining the same old MM2H policy. Welcome to Sarawak, Malaysia.
Yeah, I live in KL now and I am considering MM2H in Sarawak!
Actually, Sarawak's MM2H is a lot better than the old MM2H! The age limit will be an issue for a lot of people though.
Fantastic. I'm from nigeria
@@filipgs What's the age limit?
Yes but that can change in an instant. Malaysia has now proven itself as an erratic and financially dangerous place for expats. - WW
Don't worry. You can still consider Sarawak. Sarawak has it's own immigration rules that is superior to the rest of Malaysia. Sarawak is a beautiful state with pristine nature. Kuching is a lovely city with high standards of living with international facilities like international schools. Miri is close to Brunei and has high standards of living. The people are friendly and welcoming. They do not have racial discrimination and you can practice your religion freely. The cuisine is mouth watering. Once you get Sarawak MM2H, you can easily travel to other parts of Malaysia. Even the native Peninsula Malaysian cannot buy land in Sarawak, but Sarawakians can buy land in the Peninsular! which shows they have greater privilage than another part of Malaysia. Sarawak uses English widely officially and unofficially. Enjoy Sarawak... the best state in Malaysia.
Sounds lovely!
Are you in Sarawak?
Apakah kewajarannya bahasa rasmi ditukar dari bahasa melayu ke bahasa inggeris
Orang puteh nak beli tanah kat serawak boleh x
Please do not forget that when there's foreigners with huge amounts of money buying properties , it will cause every property value to spike and every outlet will try charging a lot more than usual. The locals will eventually find that property cost is way higher than your income can afford.until we can become a high income nation or or currency strengthens , this will always be a challenge.
Sarawak is cheaper than the mainland visa but around 40k to pay with all the fees and the 33k of it is locked up in a Malaysian bank for 2 years and only 40% can be taken out
I noticed that you have completely left out Penang in Malaysia which in my view happens to be a better place 2 live than Kuala Lumpur and it is still larger than Lisbon
Malaysia was #1 before the change and we still like Asia, but two kids make access to schools a must. Thailand has been a possibility that will now move into top slot. Cyprus is our higher cost fall back.
Great options!
When are you planning to make your move?
@@OffshoreCitizen Next summer. I retire end of June from the UAE. Am going to get on your calendar regarding Labuan Director’s Visa, but figured I’d see what MM2H ends up looking like.
@@amarkmanpeters bank offshore in Belize, (Bermuda a top safe choice)...note:=keep your money apart fr your FT residence .. :)) trust no one
The best alternative will be the Sarawak mm2h program which allows you to stay in either peninsula Malaysia or Sarawak.
Your video proves that Malaysia is somewhat unique. The current MM2H situation - because of the possible political changes which may lead to a pragmatic review of the new MM2H policies, I'm now quite sanguine. I must admit just before you mentioned Turkey - I was thinking you might mention Sri Lanka. I know I'm in the retiree mindset and not the full-on entrepreneur perspective many are here! It does show me one thing... no matter how certain you think the world is, change can happen swiftly! I have been reading ex-pat forums and everyone seems to expect to exit Malaysia if the current MM2H policies become law and many trade associations are not happy! I don't know the political situation in Malaysia but I'm sure 'feathers have been ruffled' by these unexpected turn of events.
What do you like about Sri Lanka? Obviously a great tourist destination, but what else?
@@AskAkseli infrastructure might be ok in 10 years with a lot of investment. Some English, ex-British colony, very cheap, good food and I think it has some potential. Can get a longterm visa
any clues on where the expats who are going to leave Malaysia are moving to?
@@haych27 Going back to their original home?
@@tinglestingles not the next trending place?
Malaysia will get new govt or new kind of administration in a few weeks. so some policies regarding immigration will change as well.
Do you think anything will change about this programme?
@@OffshoreCitizen maybe
@@zaki-pq1ps Malay run government is always changing the rule and making detour. They don't get feedback from public before proceed to new regulation.
Dont think so. They are busy on clingging on power.
And...."Malaysia urged to reintroduce GST". Great idea, introduce a consumption tax during a major pandemic/recession, is there no end to the excellent economic thinking?
Dont worry sir...the malaysian prime minister has fallen and will be replaced soon
Are they so naive, or simply don’t care, seriously need wise sincere honest leadership. With regards to MM2H in my opinion they think of as a mistake in the past and decided now to get rid of MM2H
@@nishi3154 "old wine in a new bottle" I'm afraid? Hopefully not.
You are absolutely correct. Reintroduce the GST taxation system. 80% of countries in the world uses GST as their taxation system.
@@masifdada I think the government and the majority race has the phobia of Chinese and that is the reason they raise higher requirements. MM2H used to be under ministry of tourism & culture purview but it has changed to immigration department which is under interior ministry
I understand the 90-day tourist visa allows entry once every 6 months. So, most can stay in Malaysia for 6 months per year.
- for free.
that's nice for hanging your hat/medical needs..but does nothing for taxes
@@stevemyers2092 I'll be tax resident in Portugal under NHR - so it's a bit better than my home country.
If that's the case that must of changed, a friend of mine lived in Malaysia for years by doing a border run to Thailand for 1 day after every few months then return straight to Malaysia.
@@stevemyers2092 Taxes are a whole new game ...even with a tax residency a person is not necessarily guaranteed to be free from the shackles of your home country. Malaysia threatened to tax remitted income from abroad late last year. They suspended plans on that until 2026 but in their suspension notice gave some pretty clear indications of what might be exempt (remissions from income already subject to tax in the home country). Tax residents are still bound by the terms of the mutual tax treaties which generally DO tax income deriving from the home or producing country. By and large one could not work in Malaysia under MM2H, though one could invest. tax rates were low for those tax residents who do WORK in Malaysia...but that's different visa.
Thanks for this video. Thanks for sharing your wonderful valuable knowledge.
You're welcome, Yasin!
Anything you'd like to see next?
@@OffshoreCitizen Thank u. 😀
As a MM2H holder and regarding the new policy , hmm I'm thinking of Guam USA. As an American I can at least get my medicare without going to the mainland. And only 3 to 4 hours to most SEA countries.
Sounds interesting. Do you have any other information about Guam?
@@OffshoreCitizen There's tons of information and video's on youtube on Guam and Saipan
@@Photojouralist123 Last I checked Guam prices for rent and stuff seemed pretty high compared to other places in SEA, I'll have to check again, but I enjoyed my time deployed there back in 80-82, I wouldn't mind going back.
Great to hear about Vietnam. I'd love to hear more about Turkey, esp the treatment of women...an additional factor women have to consider when expat'ing. While I'd love to visit Latin America, esp Mexico to expat in the current situation from Aust is extremely difficult and too uncertain. Options for me basically have to be permanent because I'm not coming back to do two weeks quarantine and unlikely to get permission from gestapo govt to take a holiday.
Funny you talk about treatment of women in video about Malaysia. i mean compare to Malaysia, Turkish women enjoy far greater freedom.
@@harukrentz435 BS!
FYI "Aust" is ambiguous!
@@harukrentz435 including Chinese Malaysian women?
I lived in Vietnam for several years. Dating is difficult unless someone you know (one of the expat married women) introduces you to one of the men in the oil business. However, many men there are entralled with the nationals and I can't tell you how many Western women lost their husbands to gold diggers there. Of course men who eventually lost their money also lost their Vietnamese wife or girlfriend. This is not hearsay-----I witnessed it. If you could get work in Singapore, I would recommend that instead. i would strongly recommend visiting and going to the International Women's Club meetings and talking to expat women from different countries. Good luck!
Thank You Michael. I definitely enjoyed these options. You've given us a lot to think about. 👍🏿
Regarding where I would go....in a perfect world I would spend 6 months each in Turkey and Mexico but because of high taxes in both of these countries, I would spend 3 months in Georgia ( my proposed tax residence), 4 months in Turkey and 5 months in Mexico. I would have considered Colombia but I have heard that customer service is terrible there and things don't work as they should so that is out for me.
You're welcome, I'm happy to hear that!☺
Which option did you like the most?
Customer service can be ok in Colombia if you know the quality of the work of the person you use through recommendation. Like anywhere else, check them out as much as possible. Spanish is a must. Only 5 percent of Colombians can converse slowly in English.
please do an updated video on the russian residency by investment program for real-estate.
Will see what we can do! Stay tuned😊
How did you like today's video?
Hoping to retire to Malaysia in due course, your channel is a wonderful resource for knowledge and planning, love it.
Thank you, David! Happy to hear that.
Anything else you'd like to see on our channel?
David
Where do you come from.
Welcome to Malaysia
why would you want to live in Malaysia-you need 10K USD income, $250K bank fixed deposit. with that kind of money you can live in many other countries
Aku sedih/kecewa sebenarnya dgr ni tapi nak buat macam mana kan..Kita sejak covid Makin bersepah..then orang tua perangai cam budak2..haih.. I'm really sorry for foreigners that currently livin in Malaysia 🙏🏼🥺 I hope we could recover our country n u can be more confident to live here again ❤️🥺
Isn't the Sawarak MM2H intact, in terms of reasonable requirements?
At the moment.
Are you mean Sarawak?
One of the issues with Turkey for me would be the breakdown in relations with the UAE & constant threat of war with fellow NATO member Greece. I mean if you have any kind of international structuring or tax planning that doesn't want to keep the UAE at least on the table as an option for part of a comprehensive strategy you may be doing it wrong. Tension with the EU, US & key players in the Gulf region puts it on the places I would be leery of list, just because it is too easy for an international sanction regime to play holy hell with your life.
and no one would DARE start a real war with Turkey. They would blast them into oblivion.
@@stevemyers2092 LOL ! you are an ignorant idiot. Have you seen value of Lira lately ?
Very well said.
I was looking forward to retiring in Malaysia, but its off the cards now!!
Do you like any of the alternatives?
@@OffshoreCitizen Thank you for your reply, What I liked about Malaysia is a large number of the population speak English, and also its proximity to my home country Australia. I wanted to be able to come home on a regular bases to see family and friends. Cheers mate
Michael you are such a great treasure trove of valuable outlooks. I would love to see how you build a trifecta or two locations lifestyle that has that tax efficiency and great cities with low cost of living. Wonderful thoughts.
Thanks for the video. I know some people from Turkey and the political situation there is just too unstable IMO. Plenty of turks have emigrated elsewhere. Thoughts on Uruguay?
Post-Erdogan it will skyrocket economically, at the moment most public, commercial money is sitting in dollar denomination, that's stagnating the economycurrently. When this money be freed, current situation will reverse. Depositor are just waiting the upcoming devaluation. 10y treasuries are below the 2y since 8 months now, not much time left, can't keep long like this .
may i ask why you choose bulgaria instead of montenegro? Thanks a lot!
Oh no, Michael the world has gone mad!
For an Australian I don't have the realistic choices as others. Montenegro is fun and has some advantages and some disadvantages....
Thank you for keeping us up to speed with the changes....
You're welcome, Franki! Always our pleasure.
What do you think about other suggestions?
@@OffshoreCitizen Well Thailand is interesting for me as an Australian with the tax-treaty, is competitive for manufacturing. I need to stick to the countries having tax-treaties with Australia as I'm very wary of the ATO.
For my planned business the market focus is situated in nth Europe for the online business. Eastern is Europe handy for development and manufacturing. If the business goes well then maintaining a summer residence in one of the Balkan countries would be wonderful....
@@Bri-wi8kq The ATO and their new rules for what they consider NON tax resident is absolute bulls**t. Been out of the country 4 years. havnt been a tax resident under the old rules. Now becasue we have 1 single bank account that we put 400 a month in to to pay our disabled sons medicine and health insurance, the Gov wants our blood. We do not make anything on it there is NO money the day after itis deposited. iTS A FKN DISGRACE
@@deltabravo21 kotor!
It is interesting that you mentioned Turkey as an equivalent to Malaysia. I am a Malaysian living in New Zealand and I have been to Turkey several times. Every time I travelled to Turkey I always felt at home there and I could see myself living there, for some reason. There is a lot of things that I could draw equivalence from between Turkey and Malaysia.
Wow, that's very interesting that you felt at home.
How are you liking NZ?
@@OffshoreCitizen NZ is a great country to live in if you love slower pace of life, outdoor living with beautiful natural scenery, friendly people, but it lacks some excitement in life that you get in some world class cities, and it is also an expensive country to live in, even by Western standards bar Switzerland and Nordic countries. I’m trying to make a transition to having a dual home - one in KL and one in NZ, so I get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Shuttling between the 2 countries is a difficult thing to do right now with the pandemic still raging and no quarantine-free access at the border yet. I’m hoping for better days ahead.
@@brandonwan9938What is KL?
How is Turkey and Malysia similar/ Apart from religion
Do you think that there's a possibility Malaysia will ease its requirements in near future, due to pressure from real estate sector? There will be a surplus of high end condos with fewer foreigners arriving.
irrespective of the impact on the property market, the malaysian govt will eventually realise the repercussions and will make a uturn. this decision is covid centric in my opinion and not practical
Politics here always changing since alot of chaos happened since February 2020. This will only take some time. We might have general election earlier by next year.
If the govt transition happen once again post GE, high chances are the MM2H programme will back to its old policies just depends on which party will won and who’s the minister
This chaos will take time
They recently tried to impose an additional tax on foreign income (brought into the country) but changed their minds on it when they realised spending is going to go downhill from there because most locals don't earn living wage (so they won't have enough spending power). whether they change their minds on MM2H will depend on the economic fallout, it's one thing to use a 'policy change' as political leverage for the elections, but It's not quite so simple when it results in businesses closing down / jobs being lost / towns being abandoned.
My main concern is the visa. A visa run every 3 months is something I don't find attractive
Would love to hear more about Vietnam and that 5% tax rate you mentioned.
Stay tuned 🙂
How did you like this video?
@@OffshoreCitizen Great, as always.
Vietnam is becoming more nationalistic and discouraging expats from the Anglo European world. They are all dealing with serious covid shut downs and there is no access for any non citizens for foreseeable future. This could change but hard to plan when there is no time line. Portugal is still very attractive and it's in EU, and Mexico is still a good option on cost of living, weather and health care😍
Have you seen our video on Mexico czcams.com/video/caiNRUTJ19Y/video.html ?😊
Yeah. This part of Asia is becoming a bit hostile on a daily basis sort of thing.
Vietnam is great on paper but I would say "mainstream ant-foreign" sentiment is on a huge rise. Might not affect taxes but running into "racist" issues even once a month can change your mindset quite a bit.
Thank you for sharing your valuable experience.
Well Indonesia have far welcoming attitude to the foreigners but their imigration law scuks big time and foreigners arent allowed to own property there, only lease.
Vietnamese people on the whole are wonderful, but policies have destroyed the confidence for investment here (VN) - factory workers aren't returning to the factories because of the suffering during the lockdowns and they lost all the money they worked so hard to earn - no point in repeating that - so foreign companies should be suspicious of any investment here and tourism is destroyed, if they ever open, Thailand will always be 5 steps ahead of them. You have no idea how many expats lost everything here with the lockdowns - so many boarded up business, hotels, apartments, etc. no retirement visa, attitudes are pretty poor, employment/labor laws are non existent for foreigners and routinely abused - don't think just because you have a contract that it actually means your work/conditions/hours/business etc. will every be honored.. they take full advantage of knowing the local systems, the difficulties with language and costs of legal action, the situation and visas have degenerated severely and there are so few expats here, you're looking at a life of loneliness, QR codes for movement everywhere, even street food, masks even while swimming - foreigners ignore a lot of this, but it only goes to fuel the friction with the Vnese so obedient to their government - it is communist, next door already has their social credit scoring/citizen control in place and the influence of that neighbor grows each year - I don't see long term prospects for foreigners in the country, especially westerners
We lived in Turkey, it is the Heaven on Earth! Only, my mother is waiting for a crematorium to be built.
All the places I like are cooler and under crazy authoritarian leadership. Chile, NZ, or Australia. None of those are good options today but they are still nice places. While the heat in Dubai is stifling for part of the year, if you have the ability to pair Dubai with someone cooler in the summer that would be an amazing option. What everyone should be looking closely at is stability; many countries I thought to be stable two years ago are not today. I would encourage everyone to abandon the MM2H and find a place that wants them. What parts of Turkey have the highest standard of living?
Basically the parts of this map of Turkey that are in red.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Turkish_presidential_election#/media/File%3ATurkish_presidential_election_2014.png
Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir. But again, it all depends on the budget and the neighborhood...
How unstable is it really ? To me it seems the only option is still Malasia maybe with a help from other country, for example live in Malasia but Have taxes and money in Dubai ?
I am not necessarily politically-minded, but I noticed that, despite your very thorough coverage of many aspects of life overseas, in this video you didn't really enter into the minefield that is the varying politics in these different countries, including potential for "unrest" or "clamp-downs" or more "authoritarian" rule in the future. I admit that these may be difficult issues to determine, but I feel they should come into the equation for anyone contemplating settling down in these places long term. Countries which spring to my mind in this ever-changing world are Turkey, Philippines, Thailand, for example. I feel it's certainly worth thinking about such issues, and at least worth bringing the thought to people's attention, however briefly. Thank you.
How do you optimze taxes when youre living in germany? I heard the only way currently is via Georgia and having someone (CEO) + substance actually there. Then the dividents are taxed with 26% in germany. Is there a better legal way without moving?
I'm not speaking for Malaysia government! But seems like everyone is so superficial to blame M govt directly, I bet they were under pressure from a regime to stop HKer from running out from its autocrat regime.
South East Asia countries “most” of the weather is hot and humid. Singapore, everyone conducts their daily lives in an apartment or shopping mall. I’ll pass.
Thailand Trousim Authority said in 2021 only 100,000 people came in, in past years before covid it was just about 40 million so it's not as coward at the moment, rents/apartments are very cheap. Also, if you are 50 you can retire there very cheaply.
A country that you have over looked and is similar in terms of weather and a good portion of the population being able to converse in English easily, and that offers a good retirement visa and that is Sri Lanka. I have been living here for the last 11 years. Vietnam does not currently offer a retirement visa for foreigners.
Thank you.
New MM2H is unacceptable for many expats. Malaysia wants to value itself more closer to Singapore.
You're welcome!
What other options do you like?
@@OffshoreCitizen Thanks for asking. In pandemic I am curious if super cheap 1-year business visa of Cambodia is available or suspended?
You said that we can pay 5% taxes in Vietnam??Can you eloborate or maybe make a video on it 🙏
Probably will make a video on it in the future, stay tuned😊
How did you like this one?
@@OffshoreCitizen this one was very informative thank you 🙏
@@OffshoreCitizen definitely would be interested
he makes Thailand sound like New Orleans!
Not many know that sarawak has an independent residency program with low requirements like the old m2h. Applicant just need to stay 15 days in sarawak and the rest can be in other parts of Malaya. Check it out.
Will do, thanks for sharing!
Are you in Malaysia?
A lot of great information from this video.
Thank you!
Anything you'd like to see next?
What about Taiwan and South Korea? They seems to be just as competitive as Singapore or even more competitive than Malaysia.
Taiwan could be taken over by China and South Korea could go to war with the North. Seoul is only around 30 miles from the North Korean border.
@@darrylknight2675 the entire region is gaining tension over the claims of the chinese in the South China Sea, etc..
most cities in SE Asia are pretty chaotic, I spent some time in Chang Mai in Northern Thailand and whilst not a big city its clean and the weather is a little cooler than Malaysia and there is a biggish expat community which can help and I found many very helpful.
Sounds great!
Would you like to go back?
@@OffshoreCitizen Chang Mai in Burn off season is HELL
Chiangmai and BKK are currently the most polluted in the world ranking #1 and #10 respectively, 200,000 people are suffocated, sick and hospitalised..
I am a Turkish citizen and I used to like Asia and was planning to live in Malaysia with MM2H. Not any more. Turkey did not close its borders and stayed open in the pandemic. I needed to travel 2 times to Asia and stayed 1 month in total in quarantine. Totally changed my mind over living in Asia.
I am of course a biased source but foreigners living here are quite happy. Living cost is super cheap too.
So, your new plan is to stay in Turkey?
@@OffshoreCitizen Yes, it seems like that. I am trying to sell my property in Asia and exit for good. Greece especially islands also looks good but lets see how things will go between Turkey and Greece in 5 years. Now it does not look good.
Dont stay here lah
Just jalan2 cari makan
Please send my regard to aysegul
No doubt Malaysia is the "poor man's Singapore" despite Singapore's foundation being based on being a Malaysia reject. Philippines will never have credibility until they overhaul their whole internet system, I was there in a heavily populated built up area for 6 months and their 4G was buffering most of the day, their dodgy fixed broadband also had the stench of corruption considering it cost $40US per month for 10 MBPS on a 12 month contract only when their workers are on less than $2 per hour, equivalent countries generally have double the speed for less than half the cost, Philippines imported goods also seem to cost almost double compared to Malaysia, same with fuel costs.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us all.
Anything you liked about Philippines?
I lived in the Philippines for a total of 3 yrs. Interned is spotty at times and brown/blackouts are fairly common. Once Elon gets StarLinks "Net" over SE Asia you will pay $100 month for exceptional up/download speeds. That is the only option I want there.
To Auzzie Capitalist : Having Lived In Phills For The Last 7 Years,I Can Assure You That Internet Speeds Are Very Suspect But This Is The Least Of The Problems Here.....First And Foremost Is Corruption,And So OnAnd So On....
Turkey is good except it's winter. Not warm enough.
Well, I'm not going to move yet, probably in like 5 years when I finish up some stuff, including my Ph.D. degree. I was always interested in southeast Asia and Asian culture in general because as a kid I used to live in Shenzen, China (near Hong Kong). So I'm looking to relocate somewhere, although KL was one of my main contenders to move to, this type of change saddens me a little bit, but given the fact that there is still some time until I will be moving, and seeing how there is a massive uproar in the public about this MM2H change, I hope things will change.
I have a few friends in Singapore and believe me, it is not nice to be locked in a small city for 18 months. No guarantee they won't do it again and again in the future.
Of course it's not. Do you know about any other restrictions they imposed?
@@OffshoreCitizen They had a few soft lockdowns but for the last 18 months main problem is if you are not resident and go out, you may not be taken in. And if you manage to go in, you need 14 days quarantine and pay 2000 Dollars for it.
No comments on Sarawak? It is exempt from the MM2H requirements. They have their own program.
Yes it's an option, slightly different but ok
There really is no place quite like Thailand, tops all else
You live there?
Yes, have visited Penang, Bali, HCMC and KL many times and and considered each to live but all in all Bangkok ticks the most boxes as home base.
I agree.No comparison.Thailand has a better capital city and better beaches in Krabi and Samui.
I am glad you mentioned Turkey. It is certainly a viable option vis-a-vis Malaysia. The English language challenges as well as private schooling expenses may pose problematic to some.
True.
What do you think about some other suggestions from the video?
How about freedom within a country? You can have a great quality of life, but no freedom to enjoy it. Especially now, this is a primary concern as governments around the world are becoming increasingly tyrannical.
Have you seen our video on Mexico czcams.com/video/caiNRUTJ19Y/video.html ☺
How about Philippine and Guatemala?
As a Malaysian, I don’t think the foods in the supermarket has a lot of option. Sad. We need food.
I love Malaysia and if the remove the ! million RM fixed deposit, i will do it. Tying up 1 mil RM in a Fixed deposit is just not worth it with inflation eating your deposit
how about Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria these are low cost centers and yet pretty clean except for language
The cities are pretty good and developing because of EU handouts, but outside of major cities Eastern Europe is quite primitive.
Kindly suggest some good second Citizenships for Discharging Batteries🔋
Hi, I have £2.7m, I am 61, looking to move / retire somewhere stable, non polluted, pleasant people, low cost(40k spending per annum) economically and politically stable, cultured, and unproblematic residency issues. Any suggestions?
Tons of options, depends on your culture and lifestyle preferences
If you had to live in the USA what city would you live in ?
Anchorage, Alaska
Lake Placid, NY state....in the ADK region= breath taking :)) & unbelievable crazeee amt of summer tourists (like Cape May on c,, r,, @,, c,,, k,,, (equivalent To runner up= Cape May, New Jersey...if U buy a farm/farm land taxes are like $1,500 / year...(Gross sales of products from the active farm land must average at least $1,000 per year for the first 5 acres..not including land where your house is..How to cut your property taxes in N.J.? Start a farm.$150,000 & U R a farmer in NJ :)) (...now & then they have tiny tornadoes... but it's nothing really :))
# 1 = all around year round choice = rural Litchfield County, Connecticut...U can farm there :)) sell ure farm stuff right on front of your house / in your barn etc by US Constitutional laws... (now also pickled items) & life is good...& NYC is near & Berkshires , Massachusetts (also a GREAT TOP choice =mini city like = is 25 minutes knock off a couple of tourists is also in the north west corner corridor of ny/ct/ma)
@@mela6046 interesting
Many Florida east coast cities. Fairly tropical, beaches, no state income tax, attracts people from everywhere.
Vietnam is beautiful etc but it's a Communist country, there is no rule of law, independent judiciary, individual rights or property rights and there is no retirement visa. There is an investment visa but I wouldn't consider that and the place is corrupt. Apart from all of that, it's a great place. I would invest money in Singapore which does have rule of law and travel to Vietnam on a tourist visa and rent.
Head and shoulders above all is Hong Kong where I lived and worked in companies for 5 years but it's gone. The party is over.
Agree….I live in Vietnam & would never invest in anything I couldn’t fit in a suitcase. At the moment , you can’t even get to an airport from regional Vietnam. That investment visa is a joke. It’s only good for 12 mths & they want $135,000 bucks invested in a VIetnamese company. What happens when it’s up for renewal…..your balls are already in the vice, your moneys in the game ,,,,,so they up the renewal amount.
Anyone as an individual thinking to “invest” in a local company in an communist country for visa purposes is simply nuts.
Everything you say about Vietnam is true. And the corruption flows from the top right down to your neighborhood, a pyramid of who has power to circumvent rules. Yet doesn't that description also apply to all but top tier countries? Isn't there corruption and a lack of rights to foreigners in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Panama, and so on? I've resigned myself to the tradeoff of better lifestyle, lower costs, renting, and still keeping my finances in a tier one country.
FWIW here are Corruption Perception Index from wikipedia. Only one factor in deciding where to live of course.
2. Singapore
14. USA
20. Portugal
43. Indonesia
44. Thailand
44. Vietnam
45. Panama
46. Philippines
51. Malaysia
59. Cambodia
@@dancooper5741 people need to understand the banking system is VERY DIFFERENT here from other places and accounts get frozen at the drop of a hat, until the government decides to allow access again - pumping real sums of money into the country - you better know the right people....
Fantastic video as usual... Unfortunately I don't agree with you on Vietnam becaming the next Malaysia.
I lived there for 2 years, fantastic country but unfortunately its a communist country with really high capital control, horrible banks and banking systems.
They have been increasingly requirements for Visa issue.
Please dig more into this..
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Anything you liked about Vietnam?
@@OffshoreCitizen absolutely yes.
Fantastic weather in South Vietnam, nice and friendly people ( English unfortunately is not very common, but it is improving fast ), living cost still reasonable ( increased recently), young and vibrant population, easy to set up a small company (there are many varieties to consider), very nice mountains, hills and beaches.
it really could be a huge country without the communist government.
Capital control is at China level, banking sector is terrible, Too much bureaucracy and corruption..... and of course if anyone says something against the communist party.. Will disappear in the Mekong, foreigners can't own land.
@@OffshoreCitizen
I forgot to mention that Vietnam is a very safe country, with low level of violence.
One more thing... Not crypto friendly
@@paacorvix5785 good to know about crypto. Another one off the table
Most mm2h applications were from China and HK. This is a major ethnic concern for Malaysia. Once they enter the territory they never leave. Malaysia does not want a ccp invasion.
That is pretty much proving my point. Malaysia is run by racist and corrupt idiots of single race. Do you know Chinese on MM2H program bring in billions of Ringgit to Malaysia? Do you know the requirement of old MM2H that applicants need to deposit 350k to 500k in FD?
@@stmpo5595 Malaysia does not want to become the next Vancouver or Sydney. Freedom and territorial integrity is more important than corrupt ccp money. Malays need to be really careful when dealing with ccp people. Malaysia can easily become the next Taiwan...
@@stmpo5595 True, the racist government in Malaysia prefers racial purity than the billions of dollars in extra income. Also, people go there to retire and live temporarily, there will never be a ccp invasion, only racists and fools think there will be.
Yea, there are hundreds of thousands of Indonesians who comes here to live and work. And they don't want to leave too. And they are also taking away jobs. Why don't you whine about that than complain about those rich Chinese who comes here to live and spend. It's not free visa for pete's sake. No wonder, our pandemic control is out of hand because we are so lenient to these illegals including rohingyas. That's the major issue dude. Open up your eyes bigger.
@@samsadeniz UMNO kleptocrats' corrupt money is alright but Chinese ordinary citizens money is considered corrupt. That is why Malaysia is known as Kelptocracy after 1MDB scandal. Malays will blindly support their politicians no matter how corrupt and incompetent they are. Malaysia future is doomed.
Slovenia ?
Uruguay ?
The cost of things are not necessarily low. A TV that cost 2K USD (on sale) is almost double the price here and you get the older model anyway. Come see car prices while you are at it. Just a glut of apartments offering low rental.... btw this video just reinforces the 'reasons' why Malaysia thinks it can charge 'more'
Malaysia is a developing country..in 5 years time at least it will be more developed and make a come back as Asia Tiger again.. But most of all its good to be underrated..as it's easy to manage , reserve and conserve country's natural beauty, resources, cleanliness and safety etc..
I hope so but I'm skeptical. They've got some root issues they need to address & not sure they have it in them to solve those
But in Asia you can't get the passport. For me that was important.
what passport would you prefer?
SSRV retirement visa allows U to stay forever in the Philippines & like $15,000 in the bank....
U might like capital Vientianne, Laos....12 minutes fr Thailand over a small bridge that a Laos ambulance is ALLOWED to Be accepted in the ER of a Thai hospital $80 = ER fee in northern Thailand ...U might meet a Laos lady also...the most kindest sincere ppL in SEA...& nicest looking :)) also...
@@mela6046 wasn't so long ago that it was illegal to have a romantic relationship with Lao national and marriage forbidden, I have friends who have so much difficulty with Lao government, their relationships, their children, etc.
I want to buy a home in Turkey buy can't get clear answers on how not to become a tax resident. Any help? From the way I read it once you own a home you are or could be taxable.
Hi, is Vietnam as of Nov 2022 still an option ? I believe they only provide a 30 day visa now ( requiring Visa runs for renewals ). Lots of Expats have had to leave Vietnam. Things change quickly !
I’m in Vietnam it’s basically impossible to stay longterm if you don’t have a job or are married
Sadly Africa is the future of humanity and nobody talks about this!
Africa has had millions of years to develop…and has Not done so.
To begin to understand why…Read Charles Murray book The Bell Curve.
Only if the climate shift projections floating around make the northern part of the continent a bread basket for the world. Otherwise... TIA
"Africa is the future", I've been hearing that for 50 years...
You mean Asia, and Asia cares least about Africa.
Do you think that Cambodia will be like how Malaysia is now a 10-15 years in the future?
If so, is it a good alternative to Malaysia and Thailand?
I am CDN with a UK 2nd passport - wife is Philippina, and we both like Thailand...well, pre-covid. Remote business with freelancers in the Philippines. 1 employee of my company: me. I will bring in a manager who will not be part of my company but will receive profit sharing using a JV or something. I want to keep all shares. No idea what I can do - but i need to visit Canada (kids) a few x a year but I want to cut my taxes as much as possible. What about Mexico? Cabo is OK PV is OK. Close to USA/Canada. How is the tax situation there for a potential move?
Have you seen this video czcams.com/video/caiNRUTJ19Y/video.html
I would love to assist you make the best strategy! If interested, feel free to book a call calendly.com/michael-rosmer
San Miguel de Allende is freakign beautiful. DONT try for TR until you have visited.
The change of MM2H program in Malaysia only in Peninsular Malaysia. East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo(state of Sabah and state of Sarawak) MM2H still using the old one.
Actually they are not using the "old MM2H". They had their own program. Sarawak WAS more independent that Sabah and had two options for income proof- either a Fixed Deposit OR a Pension/Salary. They were always more oriented toward retirees, but recently announced they would allow some options for professionals/those with special skills/credentials to work with gov't approval. They also have options if your kids go to a Sarawak International School, for long-term Medical Tourism, and for those 40-50 willing to buy a property.
The down side is Sarawak recently have stated to require BOTH the FD + Proof of Income, although in seems in flux...they allowed a RM50,000 Savings deposit (either abroad or in Sarawak to substitute for the pension/Salary. The program seems somewhat unstable given all the changes. Maybe always have a back up plan when applying for these long-stay programs. You may only get the same terms for the length of the visa.
Sabah is supposed to announce their new regulations in October 2022. They assert that they want to make it more affordable and accessible.
mtcp.sarawak.gov.my/page-0-179-49-Sarawak-Malaysia-My-Second-Home-Explanation-Flyer-Forms.html
Call me crazy, at this moment, it's China, you get really advanced cities like Shanghai, Beijing, much more than many western countries and you can still see old cultural inherited locations from thousands of years. Try searching CZcams videos of westerners living there, my last trip to China in 2018 amazed and surprised me having visited China in the 90s, 2000 and 2006.
Can you see yourself living there?
@@OffshoreCitizen, yes definitely if I do not have the kind of attachments I have now. I do not know Mandarin language but many westerners' videos I've watched were similar, some went there to teach English (well sought after) intended to stay for a year but ended up for many years while some went there to build their business of import/export from Chinese manufacturers back to their countries. I'm now approaching 60, quite rooted where I was born and raised with family and assets, won't be able to do what I like anymore unfortunately. Maybe watch couple of YT videos and just go for a vacation, a week would be nice to observe the people, developments and lifestyle, I did and must say I was more than impressed.
Yeah sure you can live in china by eating all wild exotic animals.ccp will be watching you like a cia spy ,who on the earth think of China I don't understand,lots of cheap tofu housing project ,if u want to buy a tofu house you are welcome.
@@pavansrivastava5541 why do i find comments from indian hindus so hateful? What is going on in your country?
@@pavansrivastava5541 I hope you have never said a disparaging word about China / CCP because that's jailable and good luck getting out
Can still move to Sarawak.
I honestly don't know if this is a popular request but just in case that you're hurting for video ideas hahaha
What about best low tax countries for expats where X-language is spoken? (maybe skip english since there is tons of information on that online) but maybe French?
Sounds like a great idea!
Thank you for this interesting suggestion, we'll see what we can do☺
How did you like this video?
Can you give me your opinion on Bonifacio Global City.
Doing a little research I see that this place is comparable to Kuala Lumpur believe it or not more than Singapore.
Would you consider
Bonifacio Global City might be in the ranking of these two class A cities that I mentioned.
On the subject of
quality of living
Tax structure
Banking for Americans
and Global accessibility
Thank you for your feedback.
Blessings to Ya.
Isn't Vietnam recently kicking out many foreigners on working visas?
Yes they stopped renewing visas at the beginning of the delta virus breakout this year, after giving automatic renewals for a year. Even though most on business visas didn't have jobs anymore bc lockdowns. The reason was to protect their ridiculous zero covid policy. Blamed cases of visa agents cheating work visas, and these workers bringing in corona virus. Overreacted by stopping renewals. The visa program will get an overhaul before they open the borders. (I'm on a marriage exemption)
things are unstable here, always has been.... (visas) the lockdowns have hurt many including the vietnamese, I don't trust the situation any longer, you shouldn't either, even if it changes and becomes normalized - you need to understand the environment of the all powerful communist government needing to blame foreigners for anything they don't want to take responsibility for
I have been to Turkey, I would not live there. Montenegro, or that area is better, but the weather sucks. Winters are harsh. But summer, that's when the tourists show up. And the prices.
Why not Turkey?☺
@@OffshoreCitizen I just didn't find it that interesting and it was to dirty. That is Istanbul of course. Turkey lacks a lot of amenities. Culturally it is interesting, but lacks modernization.
Malaysia wasn't an option for me even b4 they closed it. You can never get the passport. I choose Colombia low cost of living and better weather than Malaysia and Portugal and you can get the passport in 5 years🇨🇴
Are you planning to move to Colombia?
@@OffshoreCitizen I'm here now. It's very cheap and perfect weather
@@kyler565 covid tyranny ?
@@kyler565 Where area/s do you like in Columbia?
Interesting. Vietnam may overtake Malaysia.
Do you like that idea?😄
@@OffshoreCitizen I don't like the idea but I have no choice because it is run by racist idiots.
not in a fit.... you need to live here to understand it better
What about Phuket in Thailand or Mauritius as an alternative to Malaysia?
The new tax law in Thailand is definitely a negative if you stay for more than 180 days a year. Their current view of tax implies all your assets even outside Thailand are subjected to Thailand tax. That is very dangerous. How about Taiwan as an alternative ?
Do check out Sarawak. They are not gonna change the policies.
Will look into it 👍
Are you in Malaysia?
This was a great overview and helpful, though I am not in your target group of tax refugees. I am a retired American in Saigon, I happily keep my accounts in the US, my tax bracket is low. It is good having a base in Vietnam with my Vietnamese wife. I see Cambodia and Laos and Philippines and Indonesia as a step down in lifestyle options. We lived in Bangkok for a year, that was a step up, and we will certainly live there for portions of the year when my wife stops working. So much more to do, big step up in infrastructure, love the transportation options, shopping, food, parks, rivers, it is a much easier adjustment for retiring Westerners than Vietnam. In some ways, Thailand is too modern, too Western, so people looking for a more exotic, going-back-in-time experience, may prefer the smaller countries. I haven't been to Malaysia for decades, I assume it is on par with Thailand. We look forward to exploring Malaysia, hope the epidemic is over next year. Also looking forward to months in Bali, but don't tell anyone about Bali.
But Malaysia is still perfect for expat that met the requirements. I'll wait.
Family cannot visit, you cannot leave the country for almost 2 years. 2 years long border control. What is perfect about it?
Well well ... Singapore is high end because it is a tiny little island, 2nd Singapore is cleaner because they cross the boarder and throw make Malaysia dirty, and they fine you for even the smallest thing, come here, move here in Malaysia because I literally cried when I was in Singapore wanting to come home...
Where in Malaysia do you live?😊
@@OffshoreCitizen hey there, I'm in Klang Valley, means in between Kuala lumpur and Selangor, very near to Sunway Pyramid, I don't know about the new rules, can you just bend it? 🤗
The Malaysian Government has made Malaysia a very unattractive option. Your country cannot be trusted anymore.
Singapore is high end because of good business sense. Most island countries are dirt poor.
Turkey is good option. Except for the taxes right.
Have you ever been to Turkey?
This pendimic Malaysia would be difficult due pendimic and controlling issues, without pendimic yes fr Malaysia is suitable due tax and currency worth to stay.
Any thoughts on different visas to get into Malaysia? I’m thinking education visa or similar…
Spouse visa, of course only you can get a Malaysian wife
Could you do a video on Vietnam Michael ? Thanks for the video
You're welcome!
We'll see what we can do about Vietnam😊
How did you like this one?
@@OffshoreCitizen It was great ! Really agree that KL ticks that sweet spot between urbanisation / cost of living that most cities in this price range simply don't offer.
Just saw the Malaysian PM resigned but the candidates to succession are not making me that confident about the MM2H situation.
The Vietnam embassy said there isn't a long term retirement program. Not sure how to get Vietnam with a similar to mm2h
There is no retirement visa in Vietnam. Many long term expats were on 1 year work visas some via loophole . The visa rules are TBD, due for changes when border reopens.
Mexico is looking better all the time. Asia seems hellbent on getting rid of western expats. I'm thinking I'll be happy to oblige being Asia is typically 24 to 30 hours each way. If someone wants too much of my money I'm more than happy to leave them alone.
Have you seen our video on Mexico czcams.com/video/caiNRUTJ19Y/video.html ?😄
It is a lesson learned for many: you need to be very cautious about buying properties in foreign countries. The political elements need to be factored in as always.
True that.
Have you ever thought about buying property abroad?
Never buy, consider that courts are not like Western courts. and foreigners are less than citizens. Why gamble on property appreciation when you can make 12% in dividend income? You can also get out fast if things change. How many foreigners who own condos in SE Asia, Oz, NZ (100,000?) cannot even enter those countries now?
Great video as always Michael, I think that places like Mauritius and Seychelles can be quite good too and probably Gambia as well, what do you think?maybe you can make a video about these places too.
Thanks.
Will see what we can do! Thanks for the suggestion and support 😊
Have you ever been to any of those countries?
@@OffshoreCitizen
Yes,I have and they're fantastic especially Mauritius and Seychelles.
@@cash777ful What's interesting about The Gambia?
Very sad story of Msia nowaday....change the gov...huhu.
Hi Michael. I have a clear definition of where to go and where not to go. The country must have relatively low public corruption and the %debt to gdp must be reasonable. I consider reasonable being less than 80%. On the public corruption index that means less than 60. My list will include Ireland, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Qatar, Malaysia, and Chile. Georgia is also on my list but its public corruption seems to be getting worse again. I love Vietnam but corruption is rampant and the rules change frequently. Just my thoughts.
When are you planning to make your move and where are you currently located?
Ireland unless you want to live OUTSIDE major cities if horrifically expensive for acommodations. both rental and purchase.