Malaysia offers beautiful tropical beaches as well as temperate mountain climates. The population is well educated and English is widely spoken. Malaysia is a Muslim country with Islam as the official religion. The country has an advanced infrastructure, high tech industrial base and an excellent educational system. The political system is stable in the sense that the same group has run the country since anybody can remember, but unstable in the sense that there is no organized and peaceable method of venting opposing views or changing the succession of power. The government tends to favor the ethnic Malays, who they feel have been historically exploited by European colonists, Chinese and Indians.

English language education

Very few quality of life immigrants choose Malaysia for political, ethnic or religious reasons. Most Asians seek Malaysian status to obtain reasonably priced English language education for their children. Applicants may not work in Malaysia without special permission and students must obtain a ‘student pass’ to attend school. Student passes are easily obtained because Malaysia promotes its educational system to foreign students. Retirees avail themselves of the investment scheme to take advantage of beautiful beaches and pleasant hill country.

Requirements of Malaysia’s investment scheme

• Married applicants over 50 years of age must deposit RM 150,000 in a local bank or prove monthly income from outside sources of RM 10,000 or more
• Unmarried applicants over 50 years of age must deposit RM 100,000 in a local bank or prove monthly income from outside sources of RM 7,000 or more
• Married applicants under 50 years of age must deposit RM 150,000 in a local bank and prove monthly income from outside sources of RM 10,000 or more
• Unmarried applicants under 50 years of age must deposit RM 100,000 in a local bank and prove monthly income from outside sources of RM 7,000 or more

Applicants receive a five-year multiple entry visa and must maintain their deposit to renew. Visas must be sponsored by a licensed local organization. The scheme includes children under 18 who are not going to school in Malaysia and one maid. As stated above, students need a student pass. Essentially, applicants buy a five-year stay in Malayasia by making the above listed financial commitments.

Conclusion

To summarize, Malaysia’s immigrant investor program is focused toward those who wish to obtain a reasonably priced and high quality English language education for their children. Most people looking for a quality of life venue without the political overtones in South East Asia choose Thailand.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks again to Young Kang, of Nammi Immigration, Seoul Korea, who edited this chapter and has particular expertise in obtaining Malaysian immigration status on behalf of retirees. Telephone: 822 725 5993. Email: [email protected]