Retiring in Malaysia in 2026: how to get residence

8 min read · Published 6 October 2026

At 50+ in special economic zones a $32,000 deposit is enough for a 10-year visa without buying property. Foreign income is not taxed until 2036.

Free consultation

Key facts	2026
Programme	second home visa for the whole family
Deposit at 50+	$32,000 in special economic zones
Silver tier	a $150,000 deposit and a home from $146,900
Visa term	10 years in special zones, 5-20 years by tier
Minimum stay	90 days a year
Tax on remitted foreign income	exempt until the end of 2036 under conditions
Condo in Penang	$270-450 for a one-bedroom

Data checked: 06.10.2026

Malaysia has no separate retirement visa: retirees live under the second home programme. After the reform the deposit depends on the tier, and for those over 50 the most affordable route is the special economic zones: a $32,000 deposit, a 10-year visa and no mandatory property purchase.

Malaysia taxes only income from its own sources, and foreign income remitted by individuals is exempt until 2036. Below is who qualifies, how to prove funds, what a couple's life costs and the steps of the application.

We will work out online the investment or income your family needs and what the permit costs for each member.

Calculate online

Who can get residence as a retiree

The programme suits those ready to place a deposit in a Malaysian bank and spend at least 90 days a year in the country. In special economic zones the deposit is $65,000, or $32,000 from age 50; the visa is for 10 years and buying property is not required. Regular tiers need a deposit and a property purchase: Silver, $150,000 and a home from $146,900 for 5 years; Gold, $500,000 for 15 years; Platinum, $1 million for 20 years.

The deposit stays your money: from the second year up to half can be withdrawn to buy a home in Malaysia, for education or medical care, and the rest is returned when you leave the programme. The visa is not a basis for citizenship.

a spouse;
unmarried children under 34 who do not work in Malaysia, and children with disabilities of any age;
the applicant's parents and the spouse's parents;
the minimum applicant age is 25, or 21 in special zones.

Documents and how to prove a Russian pension

a passport valid for at least 18 months;
bank statements showing the funds for the required deposit;
a Social Fund of Russia pension certificate if you show it as income;
police certificates for all adult family members;
marriage and birth certificates with translations;
a cover letter on the purpose of the move;
photos and forms.

Applications go only through an authorised programme agent; government bodies do not accept them directly. The pension certificate must be on paper with a stamp and translated into English.

You can keep receiving the pension on a Russian card and live on transfers and a local account. The deposit is placed in a licensed Malaysian bank before the visa is stamped in the passport.

Health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for the programme and is arranged after approval in principle together with the medical exam. Private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Penang are among the best in the region and attract patients from neighbouring countries.

Policies cost more at older ages, so check the price in advance. Public hospitals charge foreigners.

Tax on your pension and the treaty with Russia

Malaysia taxes income arising in or derived from the country. Foreign income remitted to Malaysia by individuals is exempt until 31 December 2036 under the exemption conditions. Murblz specialists check whether this applies to a Russian pension before the move.

Russia and Malaysia have a double tax treaty, and Russia does not tax its state pension. More in taxes in Malaysia.

Monthly budget for a couple

Monthly item	Amount
One-bedroom condo in George Town, Penang	$270-450
One-bedroom condo in Kuala Lumpur	$440-860
Utilities and fibre	$55-100
Groceries per person	$180-340
Total for a couple in Penang	from $700

For a couple in Penang: rent from $270, utilities from $55 and groceries from $360 for two. Insurance and programme fees are extra. Condo rent usually includes a pool, gym and security. A consultant will calculate a budget for your city in the chat.

Support up to the visa in your passport

The second home visa is lost on deadlines and paperwork: a passport valid for less than 18 months, statements not showing the deposit money, a missing police certificate for an adult, a property contract not signed within a year. We choose the tier for your age and budget, prepare documents, file through an authorised programme agent and support the deposit, insurance and medical exam.

A consultant will calculate the support fee in the chat.

Get a support quote

Where retirees settle

Penang is a favourite with retirees: historic George Town, the sea, street food and strong private hospitals at prices below the capital. Kuala Lumpur suits those who value large clinics, the airport and city life.

Malacca and Ipoh are quiet historic towns with affordable housing, while Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu on Borneo are chosen for the sea and nature. Special economic zones have their own housing rules, so the place is chosen together with the visa tier.

The climate is hot and humid all year with rainy seasons. Those who dislike heat choose highland areas like the Cameron Highlands, which are noticeably cooler but further from large hospitals.

Steps and timelines

Step	Timeline
Choosing the tier for your age and budget	1-2 weeks
Documents and filing through an authorised agent	several weeks
Approval in principle	per the programme's review time
Visa-free entry, deposit, insurance, medical exam	within 30 days
Visa in the passport	after the deposit
Buying a home	within a year, except in special zones

Russian citizens enter Malaysia visa-free for 30 days, enough to open the deposit and get the visa. The Silver tier participation fee is about $245, plus 8% tax, the visa fee and the medical exam.

Common reasons for refusal

a passport valid for less than 18 months;
statements not showing the funds for the required deposit;
a missing police certificate for an adult;
a property contract not signed within a year of the visa;
less than 90 days a year spent in Malaysia.

The programme requires living in the country at least 90 days a year. It suits those who want to spend the winter there, but not those who visit once every few years.

This topic in other countries

Retiring in other countries:

FAQ

Does Malaysia have a retirement visa?

Not a separate one. Retirees use the second home visa: in special economic zones a $32,000 deposit is enough from age 50.

What deposit is needed for the second home visa?

In special zones $65,000, or $32,000 from 50. Silver $150,000, Gold $500,000, Platinum $1 million.

Is a pension taxed in Malaysia?

Malaysia taxes income from its own sources, and foreign income remitted by individuals is exempt until the end of 2036 under the exemption conditions.

How long must I live in Malaysia on the second home visa?

At least 90 days a year.

Do I have to buy property in Malaysia?

In the regular tiers, yes, within a year of the visa. In special economic zones, no.

Does the second home visa lead to Malaysian citizenship?

No, it is not a basis for citizenship.

Can Russian retirees get the second home visa?

Yes. Russian citizens enter visa-free for 30 days, during which they open the deposit and get the visa.

Where is best for a retiree to live in Malaysia?

Most often Penang: the sea, the old town and good hospitals. Kuala Lumpur has large clinics and the airport. Malacca and Ipoh are quieter and cheaper.

Can I withdraw the second home deposit?

From the second year up to half can be withdrawn to buy a home in Malaysia, for education or medical care. The rest is returned when you leave the programme.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Ask your question in the chat: the free consultation starts right here. Legal representation before authorities and courts is handled by Murblz specialists together with locally licensed partners.

The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.

Free consultation

Or message us on Telegram →

FreeConfidentialInstant reply

Programs

Programs in Malaysia

Digital nomad Talent visa