🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Territorial |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 0% (foreign income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 0% |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 24% |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | MM2H (complex) |
| Minimum Stay | None required | None for tax benefits |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | Low ($1,500-2,500/mo) |
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Highlights
- ✅Stable democracy
- ✅No army, peaceful
- ✅Beautiful nature
- ✅Good healthcare
- ✅Large expat community
Considerations
- ⚠️Higher cost than neighbors
- ⚠️Bureaucratic processes
- ⚠️Some areas touristy
Best For
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Nature lovers
- 👤Families
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Highlights
- ✅Zero tax on foreign income
- ✅English widely spoken
- ✅Modern infrastructure
- ✅Multicultural society
- ✅Great food
Considerations
- ⚠️MM2H requirements tightened
- ⚠️Hot and humid climate
- ⚠️Some restrictions on activities
Best For
- 👤Families
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Asia-based professionals
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Malaysia if: You prioritize zero tax on foreign income and english widely spoken. Ideal for families, retirees, asia-based professionals.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.