The Ultimate Guide to Malaysia

Malaysia has much to offer to both locals and expats. From its bountiful business opportunities, scenic views, low tax rates, to diverse cultures, many investors and expats are choosing Malaysia as the destination to live, work, and set up a business.

Ranked as the 4th largest in Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s economy is considered one of the freest economies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Malaysia allows foreigners to incorporate a company and solely own it so long as they have a legitimate residential address in Malaysia. This attracts many expats to incorporate or expand their business in Malaysia.

When it comes to digitalisation, Malaysia ranks second behind Singapore amongst the Southeast Asian countries. This fuels the rapid development of online businesses, especially during the pandemic.

Taxation in Malaysia adopts a territorial principal of taxation, meaning that only income earned in Malaysia is taxable. Malaysia uses both progressive and flat rates for personal income tax, depending on the individual’s duration and type of work in the country.

The corporate tax standard rate is 24% in Malaysia, including for non-resident companies and small or medium sized enterprises above MYR 600,000.

As for Personal Income Tax, the rate varies from 0% to 28% depending on an individual’s income and residency status, similar to other ASEAN countries.

However, foreign individuals do have to assess their residency status as there is a difference between non-residents, tax residents and those exempted from paying taxes in Malaysia.

Many international students opt to come to Malaysia to study as Malaysia has universities that are recognised worldwide and with some ranking high amongst prestigious overseas universities.

Since the schools that accept international students, offers curriculums such as IB and IGCSE, students from over 150 countries come to Malaysia to study. Eligible students for the student pass are allowed to bring dependents into Malaysia during their study period and issued a Multiple entry Visa to allow them to travel between Malaysia and their home country during their stay.

Malaysia is a Muslim country and is one of the most multicultural countries in Southeast Asia. The population of 32.7 million people comprise of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Indigenous people and expats.

The cuisine is heavily influenced by the locals – fusion food and traditional dishes from the various cultures are common and popular around Malaysia. Penang is also renowned for its food and is hailed as the Food Capital of Malaysia with its array of delicious food fusions.

Some unique practices adopted around Malaysia stems from Islamic practices such as saying ‘salam’ when greeting a senior, for example in workplaces, and dressing modestly.

Aside from the practices and multi-cultural society Malaysia is known for, it also offers a myriad number of attractions such as the rainforests, mountains and skyscrapers around the country.

With more expats moving to Malaysia and the rise of foreign-owned businesses, Malaysia has positioned itself as one of the best places in Southeast Asia.