Considering MM2H: A British family's journey to Malaysia My Second Home

Now, out of the gate, I have to say that I've lived in the UK my entire life and I've always appreciated the stability and comforts that come with the life I've been able to live. But, that being said, lately, the idea of making a quasi-permanent move to Malaysia has been increasingly appealing, particularly when factoring in the so-called Malaysia My Second Home visa. Married with two kids, I've been thinking a lot about the kind of lifestyle we want to have in the future and this MM2H visa seems to offer a blend of opportunities that, frankly, is becoming ever-harder to ignore.

One of the primary draws of MM2H, for me personally, is the potential for a higher quality of life. I feel that the cost of living in the UK is becoming nothing short of untenable and the idea of enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle, without the constant pressure of snowballing expenses is quite enticing. In Malaysia, things like housing, bills, day-to-day expenses such as groceries and petrol are much, much, more affordable, which, in turn, allows for a more relaxed pace of life, where money isn't always at the forefront of every decision.

     Fiscal Breaks

The tax benefits that come with the MM2H visa are another major advantage. Malaysia's tax system is notably more favourable, particularly when compared to the UK. For one, there's no tax on foreign income, which is a huge windfall if you have investment-derived fixed income or cash flow like rental income from outside of Malaysia. Additionally, there are no wealth or capital gains taxes in Malaysia either, or inheritance tax, for that matter. Clearly, all of these benefits are quite the impulse when it comes to long-term financial planning.

Now, when considering a relocation abroad, healthcare and education are always at the top of the list, obviously, especially with a family in tow. But it so happens that Malaysia has a robust healthcare system, with much of the medical professionals trained internationally. Additionally, medical facilities are on par with what we're used to here in the UK. But what's even better is that healthcare in Malaysia is far more affordable, even for high-quality private care. I believe that's not something you should easily pass up on.

As for education, from my research, I know that Malaysia offers a range of excellent international schools that follow the British curriculum, which means the kids would have a seamless transition without sacrificing the standard of education we value. And for good measure, these schools are often more affordable than their counterparts in the UK!

     Expat Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Malaysia is another reason why MM2H has caught my eye. It's no secret that Malaysia offers a rich cultural experience, beautiful landscapes and a lovely and sunny climate—quite the contrast to the weather in the UK. Whether it's the bustling city life in Kuala Lumpur, the historic charm of Penang, or the laid-back beach life on Tioman Island, it looks like there's something for everyone in Malaysia, courtesy of its awesome geographical diversity. But, to be honest, it's the slower pace of life, coupled with Malaysia's lively culture and social cohesion that, we feel, offer the quality of life that we seek.

I have quite a few contacts who are staying in Malaysia during the winter months and they tell me that Malaysia also provides a safe and welcoming environment for families. The community spirit is strong and as a former British colony, there's a familiarity in the way things are done that can make the transition smoother. Plus, with English widely spoken, there's no significant language barrier to worry about either.

     Travel Options Galore

Another significant advantage is how close Malaysia is to many other popular travel destinations in Asia. From Malaysia, it's easy to hop on a short flight to places like Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and even Australia and New Zealand. This proximity to such diverse destinations is perfect for a family that loves to travel and explore new cultures...

Now, we've still not tipped the balance either way, but it does look like MM2H seems like a fantastic opportunity to explore. Clearly, it's not just about the monetary benefits—though they're substantial—but also about the chance to give my family a unique, enriching experience while still ensuring their well-being and future security.

In actual fact, the more I think about it, the more I feel drawn to the idea of becoming an expat in Malaysia, enjoying all the perks that come with the MM2H visa. Let's face it, you only live once...

Want to check out the pros and cons of MM2H yourself? Click MM2H for British citizens.