🇹🇭 Thailand vs 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇹🇭 Thailand | 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial (changing) | Territorial |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0-35% (local income) | 0% (foreign income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign, if not remitted) | 0% |
| Corporate Tax | 20% | 24% |
| Residency Requirement | LTR Visa ($80k/year income) | MM2H (complex) |
| Minimum Stay | 180 days for tax residency | None for tax benefits |
| Cost of Living | Low ($1,200-2,500/mo) | Low ($1,500-2,500/mo) |
🇹🇭 Thailand
Highlights
- ✅Amazing lifestyle
- ✅Low cost of living
- ✅Great food and culture
- ✅Digital nomad friendly
- ✅Good healthcare
Considerations
- ⚠️Tax rules changing in 2024
- ⚠️Visa can be complex
- ⚠️Language barrier
Best For
- 👤Lifestyle seekers
- 👤Digital nomads
- 👤Retirees
🇲🇾 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 Thailand if: You prioritize amazing lifestyle and low cost of living. Ideal for lifestyle seekers, digital nomads, retirees.
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.