Viraj and Diya from Tamil Nadu: A New Life in Malaysia with MM2H
Viraj and Diya, a couple from Tamil Nadu in their early 50s, are preparing to embark on a new journey after decades of working in data engineering and healthcare, respectively. With their house fully paid off and comfortable savings, they've decided that Malaysia is the perfect destination to begin their early retirement. The
Malaysia My Second Home visa, a.k.a. MM2H, provides them with an ideal opportunity and it's the southern state of Johor—known for its peaceful lifestyle and strategic location—that's their destination of choice.
Financial Flexibility With MM2H
As
MM2H participants, Viraj and Diya will be able to transfer funds from India to Malaysia tax-free. The tax-exempt status on foreign income ensures that their rental earnings from their home in Tamil Nadu, along with the savings and investments they have available, can finance their new life in Malaysia without the friction of taxes. In turn, this enables them to make the most of their retirement funds. This MM2H feature alone made the couple realize that moving to Malaysia is, certainly financially, quite a savvy one.
Now, Johor offers numerous attractive property options, especially in and around the city of Johor Bahru, or JB, as it's also know. But with that being said, Viraj and Diya plan to rent a home at first, so as to familiarise themselves with the local area. One of the benefits of MM2H is that it grants holders the opportunity to purchase property at a lower minimum price threshold. So once they've explored the surroundings, the infrastructure options and the different residential neighbourhoods, they'll invest in a home that exactly suits their needs.
JB's real estate market boasts quite a collection of spacious, affordable homes, whether the couple chooses to reside in the centre of town, a suburban neighbourhood or near the waterfront. Combined with Malaysia's generally low cost of utility bills, groceries and healthcare, JB provides retired expats with the comfort and security they need to enjoy their retirement. The unhurried pace of life, along with the abundant natural beauty surrounding JB—from pristine beaches to untouched jungles—ensures that Viraj and Diya can relax and enjoy their retirement in blissful serenity.
Low Cost of Living and High Quality of Life
One of the key draws of Malaysia, particularly for retirees, is the low cost of living. Viraj and Diya are pleased to know that their retirement savings will go much further in Malaysia than they would in most cities in the region, at least vis-à-vis the countries with a standard of living as high as Malaysia's. The favourable exchange rate between the Rupee and the Malaysian Ringgit adds another layer of financial benefit, allowing the couple to live a high-quality lifestyle. In fact, it's clear that they'll be able to live the lives of expats, including all the perks that usually come with such a privileged lifestyle.
Diverse and Welcoming Community
For Viraj and Diya, Malaysia's cultural diversity is a major advantage. As well, English is widely spoken across the country and so they'll probably face little to no communication barriers in their day-to-day interactions. Whether dealing with local services, enjoying the vibrant food scene, or socialising with neighbours, the ease of communication in English will help them feel more integrated and, in fact, at home. And, besides English, the couple will also be able to fall back on Tamil here and there, given the presence of the considerable local Indian community in Malaysia.
As a matter of fact, it goes without saying that the presence of the local Indian community in Malaysia is another source of comfort, ensuring that the couple has plenty of access to familiar cultural experiences. From Indian-oriented grocery stores to temples and festivals, Viraj and Diya will find that they can maintain a connection to their culture whilst simultaneously embracing the local Malaysian culture. The presence of the strong Indian network will further help facilitate their integration, undoubtedly making the transition even more seamless.
Easy Access to India and Singapore
JB's geographical location is particularly appealing to Viraj and Diya too. With Malaysia being a well-connected country, numerous airlines operate direct routes between Kuala Lumpur and the major Indian cities, for example. This means that Viraj and Diya can visit family and friends back home in Tamil Nadu, proving that their move to Malaysia doesn't create too much of a physical distance from their loved ones.
Moreover, JB's proximity to Singapore offers the couple additional advantages. Just a short drive away, Singapore provides access to world-class shopping, dining and plenty of entertainment. Whether they're interested in weekend getaways or simply exploring the Lion City, Singapore's closeness enhances their overall experience in JB, adding to the appeal of their new home.
Healthcare and Infrastructure: A Secure Retirement
As both Viraj and Diya are still relatively young retirees, they've considered the long-term aspects of their decision carefully, especially healthcare. Malaysia boasts excellent private healthcare services at a fraction of the cost of many other countries, ensuring that the couple will have access to top-notch medical care without facing prohibitive costs. Malaysia's hospitals and medical facilities are well-regarded internationally. This also applies to JB. Knowing this provides the couple with peace of mind that their healthcare needs will be more than covered as they enjoy their retirement over the years.
Malaysia's infrastructure, including its public transport, roads and services are appealing factors for Viraj and his wife also. JB's comprehensive road and rail network bespeaks a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Not to mention the modern amenities and excellent domestic and regional connectivity to neighbouring countries. It's fair to say that JB's balance of affordability, well-developed infrastructure
and quality of life makes it an ideal choice for retirement.
Ideal Retirement Destination with MM2H
By now it should be fairly clear to any forward-thinking retirees-to-be that
MM2H can provide the perfect pathway to retirement in Malaysia. So too Viraj and Diya. The tax benefits, affordable cost of living/high standard of living combination, along with the affable local and expat communities, ensure that they can enjoy a tranquil and comfortable lifestyle. From JB's beautiful natural landscapes to its excellent healthcare and proximity to Singapore, Malaysia, as a whole, but JB, in particular, offer everything a couple needs to live the lives of expats in convenience, in comfort
as well as in financial independence.