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At 55, I find myself at a crossroads. Having lived in Belfast all my life, I've witnessed the changes in the UK over the past decade or so and frankly, I'm not entirely happy with the direction things are headed. The rising cost of living, the increased taxation and a general sense of unease have prompted me to consider a change. One of the options I came across is this thing called a Golden Visa that some countries offer nowadays. But, alas, it appeared most are aimed at the elite, or the upper-classes anyway. That is, until a mate told me about Malaysia's version. Their MM2H, Malaysia My Second Home, visa had me more than intrigued. The idea of relocating to a sun-kissed country where my savings and investments could stretch significantly further appealed to me right away. In fact, after doing some online due diligence, I found a reputable MM2H agent and, together, we submitted my MM2H application. No news yet, but the application process was straightforward and the agent's service has been top-notch. Chuffed! Financial Freedom What excites me most about this move is the financial freedom MM2H offers. With the mortgage on my Belfast home sorted, I plan to generate cash flow by renting the entire house out. After doing my sums, it turns out that my rental income, savings and investments, in aggregate, will allow me to live rather comfortably in Malaysia. In fact, according to my calculations, with the huge difference in the currencies of the two countries and the cost of living being so much lower there, I could live like a... sultan :) Moreover, Malaysia's favourable tax regime means I won't have to worry about hefty taxes eating into my retirement funds, unlike here in the UK. In fact, remittances to Malaysia are fully tax-exempt for MM2H-holders! So clearly, with all of those monetary tailwinds, it should be no surprise that I find the idea of living in an equatorial country, where I can afford the lifestyle of an expat, incredibly appealing. Malaysia, Truly Asia But there's more than just money of course. Well, Malaysia itself has a lot to offer&mdashbeautiful beaches, stunning rainforests and rich cultural heritage. I'm particularly looking forward to exploring the country's diverse ecosystems, as well as perhaps picking up a few new hobbies along the way. Malaysia's weather is another bonus, that's for sure; say goodbye to Belfast's grey skies and dreary winters. Instead, I'll be enjoying a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine. Healthcare Additionally, I've also heard great things about the healthcare system in Malaysia. Apparently, the country's quality medical care has, along with Singapore's, earned it the reputation of being a medical tourism hub for the Asia region. The difference with Singapore's medical industry is that Malaysia's medical care is known for being world-class, yet affordable, which, at my age, is reassuring, obviously. I guess it's one of the reasons why so many expatriates are comfortable making Malaysia their home. Anyways, while I'm keeping my house in Belfast for now, the plan is to make Malaysia my home for the foreseeable future. The MM2H visa has provided me with an opportunity to start afresh, in a country that promises a better quality of life and a more relaxed pace of living. So yes, I'm going full steam ahead. Frankly, I'm excited about this new chapter and really cannot wait. George Connolly, Belfast, By the way, you can find all the information you need about MM2H on MM2H.com.uk. |
