Area: 330,290 km²
Residents: 32,049,700 (2017 estimate)
Population density: 97 E / km²
Form of Government: federal, electoral parliamentary monarchy
System of Government: parliamentary
Neighboring countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei
Capital: Kuala Lumpur National
language: Malay
Religions:
60% Muslims (State religion),
20% Buddhists,
9% Christian religions,
6% Hindus,
2.6% Taoists and Confucianists,
0.02% Jehovah’s Witnesses
Currency: Ringgit (MYR)
1 MYR = 100 Sen
Exchange rates: Indo -China-Time (UTC + 8)
1 EUR = 4.91 MYR
100 MYR = 20.35 EUR
1 CHF = 4.45 MYR
100 MYR = 22.43 CHF
(rate from 25.02.2021)
Telephone area code: +60

In 2020, 122 Germans officially emigrated to Malaysia and 331 came back to their homeland. Within the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, 2,419 Germans officially emigrated to Malaysia and 2,461 moved back to Germany.

According to best-medical-schools.com, Malaysia is currently not a typical emigration country for Germans. However, some important framework conditions make this Southeast Asian country very interesting. In addition to the warm climate, jungle and palm beaches, the following are attractive for emigrants:

• Politically stable
• Booming economy
• Good infrastructure
• Low cost of living
• Good health care
• Pleasant tax system
• Advantageous immigration program

Travel and Immigration

Changed travel regulations during and after the corona pandemic

Due to the “ Recovery Movement Control Order ” (RMCO), there is a general entry ban for foreign travelers. This regulation also includes German nationals who hold a long-term residence permit for Malaysia. This does not apply to holders of the following residence permits: Residence Pass-Talent (PR-T) and their relatives, Employment Pass (categories EP I, II and III), Professional Visit Pass (PVP), Dependant Pass for relatives of “expatriates” of all categories, Long Term Social Visit Pass (LT-SVP) for “expatriates” of all categories, foreign domestic workers for “expatriates” of all categories.

Crews of ships and aircraft, personnel from oil and gas companies and diplomats are not covered by the entry ban. The aforementioned groups of people must present a re-entry permit from the Malaysian immigration authorities and a travel permit from the Malaysian embassy in the country of departure.

For short-term as well as long-term business stays in Malaysia there is the possibility of entering Malaysia as part of a “One-Stop Center” (OSC). The respective requirements for the application process depend on the planned length of stay and are listed on the website of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

In emergencies and when entering the country for humanitarian reasons, the Director General of the Immigration Office (Immigration Malaysia) reserves the right to make a decision on a case-by-case basis. The individual permit must be applied for online on the MYEntry platform of the Malaysian immigration authorities.

All travelers are obliged to download the “ MySejathera ” app, activate it and register at least three days before leaving for Malaysia using a QR code. Information on the procedure and the associated QR code can be found on the website of the national authority for civil protection (NADMA).

Travelers must present an RT-PCR test result on entry, which must not be older than three days. The test result should be in English or be accompanied by a translation into English. Some airlines flying to Malaysia also require a negative PCR test upon check-in.

Travelers from so-called virus variant areas have to go into quarantine for 14 days. The list of countries that count as virus variant areas can be viewed on the website of the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MoH) and is continuously updated. Germany (“Jerman”) is currently listed there as a virus variant area.

Arriving travelers without symptoms and with a test result must go to a seven-day quarantine in a quarantine facility specified by the Malaysian authorities, travelers who cannot show the prescribed test result but are symptom-free in a ten-day quarantine.

A chargeable RT-PCR test is only carried out on arrival at the airport for travelers with symptoms. The traveler bears the costs, currently around 53 euros.

The travelers bear the costs for accommodation and meals during the quarantine. The costs of the quarantine depend on the booked category and duration. The daily rate for foreigners is currently RM 150 (approx. 30 euros) plus a processing fee of RM 2,600 (approx. 520 euros) and must be paid online in advance (via MySafeTravel or MyQr by MyEG). Proof of payment must be presented upon entry.

Source: Federal Foreign Office on July 24th, 2021

General provisions for travel and residence (until the corona pandemic)

As a German, Austrian or Swiss you do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days in West Malaysia. All you need is a passport, which is valid for at least 6 months after the trip. For Sabah and Sarawak only 30 days are usually granted, so that you may have to apply for an extension in good time.

If your stay exceeds 90 days, authorization is required. There are different ways of doing this. A basic knowledge of the Malay language is a great advantage when traveling through the country as well as in the case of immigration. Test here for free how well you speak and understand Malay (takes about 3 minutes).

Requirements for immigration

For people over 50 years

• One-time proof of finance of at least MYR 350,000 (EUR 82,000) in the form of a current account, fixed-term deposits, bonds, stocks, etc.
• Monthly Income of at least 10,000 MYR (2,400 euros – separate options on request) in the form of salary, fees, rental income, dividends, etc.
• Fixed deposit account with a Malaysian bank of at least 150,000 MYR (opening after MM2H approval – 3% interest per year)
• 50,000 MYR withdrawal after 1 year (for house purchase, real estate loan replacement, medical treatment, school fees, etc.)

For people up to 50 years

• Financial statement of MYR 500,000 (EUR 117,000)
• Minimum monthly income 10,000 MYR (2,400 euros – special options on request)
• Time deposit 300,000 MYR (70,000 EUR)
• 150,000 MYR removal after 1 year

For civil servants

• One-time financial statement of MYR 200,000 (EUR 48,000)
• Minimum monthly income 10,000 MYR (2,400 euros – special options on request)

Brief overview of the MM2H visa

• Period of validity of the MM2H visa: 10 years
• Extension for a further 10 years on request
• Free entry and exit of your own
• Children (under 21) and parents are allowed to enter the country
• Real estate purchases (houses, land, apartments from MYR 500,000) in your own name
• Purchase of a tax-exempt car (savings of up to 40%!)
• Foreign income tax-free
• Setting up a company including a work permit in one’s own name
• Over 50s with special skills are allowed to work 20 days a month
• Work permit for a domestic worker
• No inheritance tax, no gift tax, no wealth tax

Annual fee for MM2H visa 90 MYR (approx. 22.50 euros). The agent’s fee is limited to a maximum of 10,000 MYR (2,400 euros). It is recommended to find an experienced German immigrant on site.