Taxes in Malaysia
Malaysia offers a relatively favorable tax environment for expats, with no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and foreign income exemptions that make it attractive for remote workers and retirees.
Tax Residency
You are a Malaysian tax resident if:
- Present in Malaysia for 182+ days in a calendar year
- OR linked to consecutive years of residence
Tax Residents:
- Pay progressive rates (0-30%)
- Eligible for deductions and reliefs
- Taxed on Malaysian-sourced income
Non-Residents:
- Flat 30% on Malaysian income
- No deductions or reliefs
- Taxed only on Malaysian-sourced income
Personal Income Tax Rates (Residents, 2026)
| Chargeable Income (RM) | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 - 5,000 | 0% |
| 5,001 - 20,000 | 1% |
| 20,001 - 35,000 | 3% |
| 35,001 - 50,000 | 6% |
| 50,001 - 70,000 | 11% |
| 70,001 - 100,000 | 19% |
| 100,001 - 400,000 | 25% |
| 400,001 - 600,000 | 26% |
| 600,001 - 2,000,000 | 28% |
| 2,000,001+ | 30% |
Foreign-Sourced Income (FSI)
Current exemption (until Dec 31, 2026):
- Foreign income remitted to Malaysia is exempt if already taxed in source country
- This benefits digital nomads, remote workers, and retirees
- Important: This exemption may change from 2027
After 2026:
- Legislation pending - monitor for updates
- May become taxable with foreign tax credits
What's Not Taxed
- Capital gains: Generally exempt (except real property gains tax)
- Inheritance/Estate tax: None
- Dividends: Generally exempt for individuals
- Interest from savings: Exempt below certain thresholds
Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT)
If you sell Malaysian property:
| Holding Period | Citizen/PR | Non-Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Within 3 years | 30% | 30% |
| Year 4 | 20% | 30% |
| Year 5 | 15% | 30% |
| Year 6+ | 0% | 10% |
Special Tax Zones
15% flat tax available for:
- Iskandar Malaysia (Johor)
- Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)
- Knowledge workers in qualifying companies
- C-suite executives under PENJANA relocation incentive
Filing Requirements
Tax Year: January 1 - December 31
Filing Deadline: April 30 (employment income) or June 30 (business income)
How to File:
- Online via MyTax portal (e-Filing)
- Tax reference number (TFN) required
- Straightforward for employment income
Tax Clearance:
- Required before leaving Malaysia permanently
- Employer usually handles for departing employees
For Digital Nomads & Remote Workers
If you're on DE Rantau and working for foreign clients:
- Foreign income is currently exempt (until 2026)
- If you become tax resident, may still qualify for exemption
- Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation
- Keep records of where income is sourced
Pro Tips
- •Foreign income is currently exempt if already taxed abroad (until 2026)
- •Stay under 182 days to avoid tax residency if income is high
- •No capital gains tax makes Malaysia attractive for investors
- •Consider economic zones for 15% flat rate
- •Get tax clearance before permanently leaving Malaysia
Have questions about taxes in Malaysia?