Buying real estate in Malaysia?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

Can I work remotely from Malaysia property?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Malaysia Property Pack

buying property foreigner Malaysia

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Malaysia Property Pack

Malaysia offers excellent opportunities for remote workers, with dedicated visa programs and modern infrastructure supporting digital nomads.

The country launched the Digital Nomad Visa (DE Rantau Nomad Pass) in October 2022, making it one of Asia's most accessible destinations for remote workers. With reliable internet connectivity, abundant coworking spaces, and affordable living costs, Malaysia attracts thousands of digital nomads annually.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Malaysia, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Malaysian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What is the visa requirement for working remotely from Malaysia?

Malaysia offers the Digital Nomad Visa (DE Rantau Nomad Pass) specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners working for non-Malaysian companies.

This visa was launched in October 2022 and allows remote workers to live legally in Malaysia for 3 to 12 months with renewal options. The program targets professionals in the digital economy who can work independently of location.

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least USD 24,000 for digital industry roles or USD 60,000 for select non-tech positions. The visa specifically requires that income comes from sources outside Malaysia.

As of September 2025, the DE Rantau Nomad Pass remains the most comprehensive solution for remote workers planning extended stays in Malaysia. Tourist visas can be used for short-term remote work but carry legal risks for longer periods.

It's something we develop in our Malaysia property pack.

Do I need a specific work permit or can I just use a tourist visa?

Tourist visas allow entry for 30-90 days depending on nationality but are not officially designed for remote work activities.

While short-term remote work on a tourist visa is often tolerated by Malaysian authorities, it technically violates visa conditions if done regularly or for extended periods. Immigration officials may question tourists who appear to be working during their stay.

The Digital Nomad Visa eliminates these legal uncertainties by providing official authorization for remote work. Unlike tourist visas, it doesn't require a separate work permit since the income originates from foreign sources.

For remote workers planning stays longer than 90 days or regular visits to Malaysia, the Digital Nomad Visa provides legal certainty and avoids potential immigration issues. Tourist visas should only be considered for occasional, short-term remote work situations.

Are there any restrictions on foreign workers doing remote work in Malaysia?

Remote work is legal in Malaysia provided the income is generated from foreign sources and workers don't engage in local Malaysian business activities.

The primary restriction is that remote workers cannot perform services for Malaysian companies or clients while on a Digital Nomad Visa. All income must originate from outside Malaysia to maintain visa compliance.

Foreign remote workers cannot establish local business operations, hire Malaysian employees, or provide services directly to Malaysian customers. These activities would require different visa categories and business registration.

Digital nomads must also avoid activities that could be construed as competing with local Malaysian workers or businesses. The visa is specifically designed for foreign-income earners who don't impact the local job market.

How long can I stay in Malaysia while working remotely under a tourist visa?

Tourist visa duration varies by nationality, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days per entry.

Most Western nationals receive 90-day tourist visas on arrival, while some nationalities are limited to 30 or 60 days. Extensions may be possible through immigration offices, but repeated extensions for work purposes raise red flags.

Working remotely on a tourist visa for more than 60 days or making frequent entries specifically for work purposes can result in immigration questioning or entry denial. Malaysian authorities increasingly scrutinize tourists who appear to be using tourist visas for work.

For stays exceeding 90 days or regular remote work from Malaysia, the Digital Nomad Visa provides legal certainty and eliminates visa run requirements. Tourist visas should be considered temporary solutions only.

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investing in real estate in  Malaysia

Do I need to pay taxes in Malaysia if I'm working remotely?

Tax liability in Malaysia depends on your residency status, which is determined by the number of days spent in the country annually.

Remote workers staying less than 60 days per year are typically exempt from Malaysian tax on foreign-sourced income. Those staying 60-182 days may have limited tax obligations depending on their activities and income sources.

Individuals residing in Malaysia for more than 182 days per calendar year become tax residents and must pay Malaysian income tax on worldwide income. This applies to Digital Nomad Visa holders who stay for extended periods.

As of September 2025, foreign-sourced income received in Malaysia by tax residents is taxable unless exemptions or tax treaties apply. Remote workers should track their stay duration carefully to understand their tax obligations.

How does Malaysia's tax system affect remote workers?

Malaysia operates a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 30% for residents, while non-residents face a flat 30% rate on Malaysian-sourced income.

Tax residents must file annual returns and pay tax on worldwide income, including remote work earnings from foreign companies. However, tax treaties with many countries can reduce or eliminate double taxation.

The Malaysian tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, with returns due by April 30 of the following year. Tax residents can claim deductions for business expenses, equipment, and professional development costs related to their remote work.

Digital nomads should maintain detailed records of their income sources, work locations, and days spent in Malaysia to accurately determine their tax obligations. Professional tax advice is recommended for complex situations.

Will I need to register as a business or freelancer if I'm earning income while in Malaysia?

Business registration is not required for remote workers earning income from foreign sources under the Digital Nomad Visa program.

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass specifically allows individuals to work for foreign employers or clients without establishing a local business entity. This simplifies the administrative burden for digital nomads.

However, if remote workers begin providing services to Malaysian clients or establish local business operations, they must register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and obtain appropriate business licenses.

Freelancers working exclusively for foreign clients while residing in Malaysia under a Digital Nomad Visa do not need local business registration. The key requirement is that all income must originate from outside Malaysia.

It's something we develop in our Malaysia property pack.

What is the internet connectivity like in Malaysia for remote work?

Malaysia offers excellent internet infrastructure with widespread high-speed fiber coverage and reliable 4G/5G networks across urban areas.

Major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru typically provide 100Mbps+ fiber connections suitable for video conferencing, file sharing, and cloud-based applications. WiFi 6 access is becoming increasingly common in business districts and residential areas.

Internet coverage reaches 96% of populated areas, ensuring reliable connectivity for remote work activities. Malaysia's digital infrastructure ranks among the best in Southeast Asia, with competitive pricing and multiple service providers.

Rural and remote areas may have slower connections, but major cities and expat-friendly locations maintain international-standard internet speeds. Most serviced apartments and coworking spaces provide dedicated high-speed internet for professional use.

infographics rental yields citiesMalaysia

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Malaysia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Are there any time zone challenges when working remotely from Malaysia?

Malaysia operates on GMT+8, which aligns well with Asia-Pacific business hours but creates challenges for collaboration with European and American teams.

Remote workers collaborating with Australian, Singaporean, or Hong Kong colleagues benefit from overlapping business hours. The time zone also works well for serving Asian markets and clients.

European collaboration requires early morning or late evening meetings, with a 6-8 hour time difference depending on the season. American time zones present the greatest challenge, with 12-16 hour differences requiring significant schedule adjustments.

Many remote workers in Malaysia adjust their schedules to accommodate client time zones, often working non-traditional hours. The consistent time zone year-round (no daylight saving) simplifies scheduling once routines are established.

What are the living costs like in Malaysia, especially for remote workers?

Monthly living costs for remote workers in Malaysia range from RM3,000 to RM6,500 (approximately USD 640-1,400), depending on location and lifestyle preferences.

Accommodation typically represents the largest expense, with serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur costing RM1,500-2,500 monthly. Penang and Johor Bahru offer more affordable options while maintaining good infrastructure for remote work.

Food costs range from RM300-500 monthly for local dining, while utilities including internet typically cost RM300-500. Transportation costs vary significantly based on location, with urban areas offering affordable public transport options.

Malaysia's cost of living remains significantly lower than Western countries while providing modern amenities and infrastructure. Remote workers can maintain comfortable lifestyles at a fraction of costs in major Western cities.

Can I access the tools and platforms I need for remote work in Malaysia?

All major remote work platforms and tools are fully accessible in Malaysia, including Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and various payment processors.

Malaysia imposes no restrictions on business communication tools, cloud storage services, or collaboration platforms commonly used by remote workers. VPN usage is legal and unrestricted for accessing company networks or location-restricted services.

Payment processing for freelancers works smoothly through international platforms like PayPal, Wise, and Stripe. Local banking services also support international transfers and foreign currency accounts for remote workers.

The country's modern IT infrastructure ensures reliable access to software updates, cloud services, and digital tools required for professional remote work. Internet cafes and business centers provide backup options when needed.

It's something we develop in our Malaysia property pack.

Are there coworking spaces available for remote workers in Malaysia?

Malaysia offers abundant coworking spaces in all major cities, with particularly high concentrations in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru.

City Day Pass Cost Monthly Membership Key Features
Kuala Lumpur RM39-60 RM459-800 24/7 access, meeting rooms, events
Penang RM30-50 RM350-600 Beach proximity, expat community
Johor Bahru RM25-45 RM300-550 Singapore proximity, modern facilities
Cyberjaya RM35-55 RM400-700 Tech hub, fiber internet, parking
Petaling Jaya RM30-50 RM350-650 Suburban location, community focus

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Visa Guide World - Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
  2. Nomads Embassy - Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
  3. Nomads Embassy - Work Remotely in Malaysia
  4. Evolve Coliving - Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
  5. Co-Labs Asia - Digital Nomads in Malaysia
  6. Sizaf - Best Internet in Malaysia for Remote Work
  7. UpGrad - Cost of Living in Malaysia
  8. Mayflower MM2H - Cost of Living in Malaysia 2025
  9. Livin Malaysia - Real Cost of Living in Malaysia 2025
  10. WeWork - Coworking Space Malaysia