Embracing Retirement in Malaysia — Leo and Freya Brown's MM2H Journey
Looking for a fulfilling retirement in a tropical destination where Sterling catapults your disposable income by a factor of 3-5 higher? Join Leo and Freya on their journey from Bristol to vibrant Malaysia using the MM2H golden visa that this forward-thinking country offers foreigners on the lookout for a fresh start. The couple's experience may well inspire you to consider Malaysia the sun-kissed retirement haven for you, too.
Meet Leo and Freya
Leo and Freya Robinson, a retired engineer and physiotherapist from Bristol, have long dreamed of a comfortable retirement, ideally in a balmy land blessed with blue-skies, preferably a land where their income stretches further than in the UK. With a fully-paid flat in Bristol and a solid financial foundation in the form of their FTSI portfolio and a decent amount of cash savings, they've found that Malaysia's golden visa,
Malaysia My Second Home, offers the ideal solution for their retirement plans.
In fact, they've taken a liking to Kuala Lumpur, in particular, on account of it being a good-sized city that's not only at the cutting edge in a number of ways, but also offers great connectivity and a comprehensive array of amenities worthy of a capital city. The best part is that all of this comes at a cost of living that's a fraction of that in the UK. That's why, as it now stands, i.e. a couple of months into their due diligence exercise, the couple is convinced that
KL is the ideal destination for them.
MM2H
But why MM2H? Well, for one thing, the
MM2H visa provides visa participants a reduced property purchase threshold out of the gate. The difference in minimum property price for visa holders and those without the visa can run up to 100,000 Ringgit or more—quite a generous windfall. Combined with the very affordable housing market in Malaysia, this enables retirees like Leo and Freya to invest in an upscale residence in a leafy KL suburb.
Additionally, there's also the tax-free transfer feature of the MM2H visa, another significant benefit, since it exempts all money transfers from the UK to Malaysia from getting taxed. In other words, in the case of Leo and Freya, any and all sources of money they wire from their UK bank to their KL bank are free of tax upon arrival. It goes without saying that this, too, is a nice boost to their disposable income in Malaysia, especially in light of the currency multiplier mentioned above. Indeed, according to the couple's projections, they'll actually be living the lives of expats, enjoying all the perks typically associated with this kind of privileged lifestyle.
But arguably the biggest benefit of the MM2H visa is that it allows holders to stay in Malaysia for as long as the visa is valid, typically for five years, after which it can be renewed for another 5 years. That's a decade of free-flow exit and re-entry rights. Basically, during this 10 year stretch, the couple can come and go as they please, without worrying about visa runs.
Clearly then, KL promises a laid-back, luxurious retirement lifestyle. Never mind the excellent recreational opportunities Malaysia offers, the countless dining options, stunning public parks and endless potential for weekend trips. Furthermore, the city's blend of contemporary conveniences and lively culture offers retirees a balanced lifestyle, positively brimming with enriching experiences.
From high-end shopping malls to cultural festivals and galleries, KL provides ample opportunities for Leo and Freya to engage with both local and international cultures. The growing UK expat community also means they're never far away from fellow retirees and friends, creating a supportive and social environment.
Malaysia's tropical climate is another appealing factor for Leo and Freya, who look forward to spending more time outdoors. Year-round bright and sunny weather makes KL a perfect destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities, from golfing to sailing and nature hikes. Quite a contrast to UK's infamous climate.
But there's more. Because KL is well-known for its high-quality golf courses, exclusive social clubs and internationally renowned hotels and resorts, all accessible at affordable price points. Moreover, perhaps most importantly of all, Malaysia's healthcare system is both high-quality and affordable, with English-speaking professionals and well-equipped hospitals providing world-class care. Wonderful peace of mind for most retirees, given their phase in life.
Try Before You Buy
An additional feature of the MM2H visa is its flexibility, insofar as it allows Leo and Freya to rent a home for up to 12 months, rather than having to jump into the deep end before they've had a chance to scout around. By renting a place first, they get to explore KL's various promising residential neighbourhoods, which increases their odds of finding their dream home away from home.
Renting out their Bristol flat, as opposed to selling it outright, similarly offers peace of mind also, since by hanging on to it, they'll always have a place to go back to. The passive rental income is going to be a lovely bonus once converted into Ringgit. Two excellent reasons they won't be selling their UK base any time soon.
Given all the goodness offered by this unique lifestyle arbitrage opportunity/MM2H combination between the UK and Malaysia, it goes without saying that Leo and Freya are set to embrace an undoubtedly fulfilling and comfortable retirement in Malaysia's capital, fully prepared to revel in every advantage the city has to offer, yet with plenty of backstops in place if and when they want to return to good old Blighty.
Interested in exploring your options for residing in tropical Malaysia on MM2H? Visit
www.mm2h.co.uk for further details.
