🇵🇹 Portugal vs 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) | Territorial |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 20% flat (qualifying income) | 0% (foreign income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign gains) | 0% |
| Corporate Tax | 21% | 24% |
| Residency Requirement | D7 Visa (passive income proof) | MM2H (complex) |
| Minimum Stay | 183 days/year | None for tax benefits |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($2,000-3,000/mo) | Low ($1,500-2,500/mo) |
🇵🇹 Portugal
Highlights
- ✅EU membership & passport path
- ✅NHR tax regime benefits
- ✅High quality of life
- ✅English widely spoken
- ✅Great weather
Considerations
- ⚠️NHR being phased out for new applicants
- ⚠️183-day stay requirement
- ⚠️Higher taxes after NHR ends
Best For
- 👤EU access seekers
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Quality of life focus
🇲🇾 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 Portugal if: You prioritize eu membership & passport path and nhr tax regime benefits. Ideal for eu access seekers, retirees, quality of life focus.
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.