Malaysia
A standout retirement base. Ranked 6 of 40, strongest on affordability, softest on retiree visa.
Key facts
Visa & residency
MM2H is deposit-driven rather than income-driven: the official page requires maintaining a fixed deposit (RM100,000 for age 50+, RM150,000 for under 50) plus proof of offshore income of about RM10,000/month (roughly USD 2,100). The overall financial bar is high because of the large locked deposit.
The fixed deposit must be kept until the participant leaves the programme; partial withdrawals are allowed from the second year for property, children's education or medical costs. Proof of medical insurance and a health check are required.
Healthcare
Two-tier system: subsidised public universal care plus a strong private sector. Many JCI-accredited hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Penang; doctors speak English and are often trained in the UK, US or Australia.
Care is affordable; expats mostly use private hospitals and still save versus the West. Basic private cover can start around USD 400/year, with international plans (AIG, BUPA, Cigna) also available.
Cost of living
Numbeo estimates single-person costs at about RM2,173/month (roughly USD 465) excluding rent.
A one-bedroom city-centre flat averages about RM1,599/month and RM1,118 outside the centre, a fraction of typical US rents.
Safety & climate
Ranked 12th on the 2026 Global Peace Index (score 1.513), among the most peaceful countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Tropical climate with consistently high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.
Community & language
English is an active second language widely used in cities and business, giving high day-to-day English friendliness; an established expat community exists, supported by the formal MM2H second-home pathway.
Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the official language; English is an active, widely used second language.
Taxes
Foreign-sourced income received in Malaysia by resident individuals is normally taxable, but a broad exemption applies to most foreign-source income received from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2036, subject to conditions; pensions generally fall under these rules.
Comprehensive double-tax agreements with the UK, Netherlands, Canada and Australia; note there is NO tax treaty between Malaysia and the United States.
Compare Malaysia with its closest rivals
The three countries whose RetireScore sits nearest.
