Top Countries For Retirement: Why Retirees In Malaysia Choose To Live In Malaysia
Choosing the perfect place to retire isn’t easy. After exploring many options, I’ve found that retirees in Malaysia enjoy an affordable cost of living and excellent healthcare. In this blog, I’ll explain why living in Malaysia is a top choice for your golden years.
Let’s discover what makes Malaysia stand out.
Key Takeaways
- Malaysia is a top place to retire because it has low living costs and excellent healthcare.
- A couple can live comfortably on $2,500 each month, and a three-bedroom condo rents for about $900 monthly.
- Health care is affordable and high quality; doctor visits cost around $15 and dental cleanings $25.
- Malaysia has a rich culture with four main groups, 300 festivals, and 16 public holidays each year.
- The Malaysia My Second Home visa lets retirees stay long-term and use excellent medical services.
Benefits of Retiring in Malaysia
Malaysia offers a welcoming environment with so much to explore. It’s a place where retirees like me can truly relax and enjoy life.
Affordable Cost of Living
Living in Malaysia is budget-friendly for retirees. A couple can live comfortably on $2,500 a month. Renting a modern three-bedroom condo costs around $900 each month. I enjoy affordable services like $15 for a massage and $13 for a pedicure.
Cleaning services are just $5 per hour. Grocery shopping is easy, with fresh fruit available for $8. Dining out is cheap too—noodles cost $2 and steamed fish $10. Even upscale restaurants start at $12.
Malaysia offers great value for retirees looking to live well without breaking the bank.
Choosing to retire in Malaysia lets me stretch my pension further and enjoy a high quality of life.
High Standard of Health Care
Another great reason is the high standard of health care. Malaysia offers top-quality health care at affordable prices. Doctors are trained in the U.S., U.K., or Australia and speak English well.
I can get a health screening package for just $60. A visit to a general doctor costs only $15, and dental cleaning is $25. This makes managing my health easy and budget-friendly.
Living in Malaysia means I have access to both public and private hospitals. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang have excellent medical facilities. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa allows me to stay long-term and use these health services.
With such reliable health care, Malaysia is definitely one of the best places to retire in 2024.
Vibrant Multicultural Society
After accessing high-standard health care, I was drawn to Malaysia’s vibrant multicultural society. Living in Malaysia, I experienced Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultures side by side.
Each year, there are about 300 festivals celebrating this rich diversity. Malaysians are friendly and welcoming, making it easy for expats like me to feel at home. Food is a central topic in conversations, and I loved trying different dishes.
With 16 public holidays a year, there’s always a celebration to join.
Conclusion
I love living in Malaysia for my retirement. The cost of living is low, and the healthcare is top-notch. Every day is exciting with so many cultures to explore. The people here are friendly and make me feel at home.
Malaysia is a wonderful place to enjoy my golden years.
FAQs
1. Why is Malaysia one of the top countries for retirement?
Malaysia is one of the top countries for retirement because it offers a high standard of living at a low cost. Cities like Johor and Kota Kinabalu are popular choices. English is widely spoken, making it easy to communicate. The beautiful landscapes and friendly people also attract many retirees.
2. What is the Malaysia Retirement Visa?
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa allows retirees to live in Malaysia for up to 10 years. To qualify, you must be at least 50 years old. This visa is automatically renewed and lets you enter Malaysia multiple times. It also offers tax exemptions on certain incomes.
3. How affordable is retirement in Malaysia?
Retirement in Malaysia is very affordable. The cost of living is low, including housing, food, and healthcare. Money lasts longer here, and there are tax benefits for retirees. This makes Malaysia a smart choice for those looking to stretch their retirement savings.
4. What are the best places to live in Malaysia for retirees?
Some of the best places to live in Malaysia for retirees include Johor Bahru, Malacca, Sabah, and Selangor. Kota Kinabalu and Ipoh are also great options. These areas have good healthcare, beautiful scenery, and easy access to international airports.
5. Can retirees bring their children to Malaysia?
Yes, retirees can bring their children to Malaysia. They can apply for travel visas, making it easy for families to stay together. Malaysia also offers good education options for children, ensuring they receive quality schooling while living abroad.
6. What are the tax benefits for retirees in Malaysia?
Malaysia offers tax exemptions for foreign retirees on certain types of income. This helps increase your overall income during retirement. Additionally, investing in property or unit trusts in Malaysia can provide further financial advantages.