Retire early in Sarawak with the S-MM2H visa: Aarthi's journey from India

Early Retirement and a Better Life with the S-MM2H Visa - Aarthi's Story

Aarthi and her husband, both in their mid-50s, have lived in Bhopal all their lives. As a couple with no children, their entire lives they've been focused on securing a comfortable future for themselves. Now, with retirement approaching, they're keen to apply for the S-MM2H (Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home) visa, which offers them an opportunity to live a better quality of life in Malaysia.

Their plan is to retire early and settle down in Kuching, Sarawak, one of Malaysia's more serene states. They intend to use the rental income from their home in Bhopal, a spacious property located in an exclusive area, to fund their new lifestyle in Malaysia. With the property market in Bhopal doing rather well, Aarthi and her husband will be able to command a premium rental rate for their home, ensuring they can live luxuriously in Sarawak. In fact, according to their due diligence, their relocation enables them to upgrade their lifestyle and standard of living—courtesy the various financial incentives provided by S-MM2H.

Malaysia's Golden Visa, S-MM2H, is attractive for those seeking retirement or early retirement. For Indian retirees like Aarthi and her husband, S-MM2H offers a long-term stay of up to 10 years, allowing them to live in Sarawak without the burden of shorter-term social visas that tend to require periodic so-called visa runs. S-MM2H's long-term security is especially appealing for those looking to establish a new life abroad, without the stress associated with short-term visas and the recurring immigration obligations that these necessitate.

Additionally, as @-MM2H-holders, the couple can purchase a property in Malaysia. This is particularly appealing, as Malaysia has a relatively affordable real estate market compared to the surrounding countries that offer similar retirement schemes. Aarthi and her husband plan to use a portion of their savings to purchase a comfortable home in Sarawak, where they can enjoy the region's excellent healthcare, vibrant expat community and peaceful lifestyle.

Sarawak offers an appealing combination of modern facilities and a relaxed lifestyle. With well-developed infrastructure, good healthcare facilities and a range of leisure activities, it is an ideal place for retirees. The cost of living is significantly lower than in most cities in India, allowing Aarthi and her husband to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle whilst actually spending less on everyday expenses. In fact, their lifestyle will be one of fairly well-to-do expats. Easy living in a sun-kissed paradise.

Furthermore, the S-MM2H visa allows the couple to bring their savings and investments into Malaysia without restrictions, giving them full financial flexibility. The favourable S-MM2H tax regime is another incentive, as there are no taxes on foreign-sourced income. This means that Aarthi and her husband's rental income from Bhopal will not be taxed in Malaysia. Basically, all their fund remittances from India to Sarawak are fully tax-exempt. Clearly, this is quite the windfall.

While there are several countries offering golden visas or retirement schemes, Malaysia's S-MM2H visa stands out due to its simplicity, affordability and the lifestyle it offers. The multicultural environment, world-class medical facilities and strategic location in Southeast Asia make Malaysia an excellent choice for Indian retirees, since India remains nearby. Additionally, the weather in Malaysia is pleasant year-round, without any extreme temperature spikes, which Aarthi and her husband find appealing.

It's no secret that Malaysia also has strong ties with India, making it easier for Indian retirees to adjust to their surroundings. For one, English is widely spoken and the cultural overlap with the considerable local Indian community, in language, festivals and food, means that Indian expatriates tend to feel right at home.

It's easy to see why Aarthi and her husband are excited about the prospect of starting a new chapter in Sarawak. The low living costs, high quality of life, attractive natural environment and various S-MM2H incentives make Sarawak the ideal destination for their retirement dreams.

Interested to learn more about MM2H or S-MM2H? Click MM2H.in.