A Fresh Start in Malaysia with MM2H

A British Family's Exciting New Chapter
As a 30-something British man, my wife and I are on the brink of welcoming our first child into the world. While the excitement of becoming parents is certainly palpable, it's also led us to reflect on the kind of life we want to provide for our little one. In fact, in recent months, we've been exploring options for a fresh start, somewhere far from the grey skies of the UK and the constant hustle and bustle that we've grown accustomed to. After a fair bit of research, along with some heartfelt conversations, Malaysia's MM2H visa has caught our eye.

Why Malaysia?
Malaysia, with its rich patchwork of cultures, sunny climate and, really, a way of life that seems a world apart from the UK, looks to be the perfect place for us. We've both always had a bit of wanderlust anyway. Plus, the idea of raising our child in a multicultural society, where diversity is actually celebrated, really appeals to us. Malaysia's welcoming attitude towards expats, combined with the MM2H visa's benefits make this sun-kissed country a particularly attractive option.

Financial Benefits: More Than Just a Lifestyle Upgrade
Honestly, one of the main reasons we're considering the move is the financial advantages. MM2H offers significant benefits, especially when it comes to financial planning. For one, the cost of living in Malaysia is much, much lower than in the UK. As it happens everyday expenses such as our groceries, bills and petrol are all considerably more affordable for us there. Effectively, in Malaysia our money will stretch much further, that much is clear.

The exchange rate is another big factor. Since Sterling currently exchanges at around 5:1 with the Malaysia Ringgit, our UK savings will literally have five times the purchasing power in Malaysia! Clearly, this is a huge incentive, as it allows us to upgrade to a considerably higher standard of living than in the UK. In actual fact, with our net worth effectively going 5x, we can afford to buy a bungalow and enjoy the finer things in life, whilst still have plenty left over for other discretionary spending, as well as future investments.

But there's more. Because MM2H-holders are allowed to bring their funds into Malaysia completely tax-free! This means we can remit our savings from the UK without worrying about tax issues. Obviously, this is a rare financial break and one that makes a significant difference when planning for the future.

Embracing a New Lifestyle
Of course, moving to Malaysia under the MM2H visa isn't just about the financial perks. It's also about embracing a different way of life. Malaysia's equatorial climate, with its sunny weather and year round inviting outdoors, is a far cry from the UK. Yes, we're looking forward to spending more time outdoors, enjoying the beautiful beaches, exploring the rich natural scenery and living a more active and healthier lifestyle.

Then there's the food. Malaysian cuisine is known for its diversity and its tantalizing flavours, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian and other influences. Well, we're both food enthusiasts and the thought of indulging in delicious local dishes, from nasi lemak to char kway teow, is seriously enticing. Malaysia's thriving street food culture means we'll have plenty of opportunities to try something new every day. Though we'll still partake of a lovely fish and chips whenever we find one on offer :-)

Preparing for Our New Arrival
With a baby on the way, one of our top priorities is finding a place that feels safe and welcoming for families. Malaysia ticks all the right boxes in this regard. The country boasts a range of excellent, yet affordable healthcare facilities, with many doctors and specialists who have trained in the UK, USA, Australia and other English-speaking countries. This gives us peace of mind, knowing that we'll have access to top-notch medical care when we need it.

Moreover, the education system in Malaysia is known to be diverse and well-developed, with many international schools offering O-Levels and A-Levels. This is important to us, as, obviously, we want our child to receive a quality education, whilst also being exposed to different cultures and ways of thinking. We were happy to learn that Malaysia's focus on education aligns perfectly with our values as parents.

Community of Fellow Expats
Finally, one of the aspects we're most looking forward to is joining a community of like-minded expats. Given the shared history, it's not really surprising that there's a substantial British community in Malaysia, especially in places like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. I guess us Brits have never been too shy about looking beyond our comfort zone. That said, being able to tap into a support network of people who've made a similar move will probably help us settle in more quickly. It's actually quite comforting to know that there are others who've taken the same leap. And truth be told, we can't wait to be part of that support network.

Taking the Leap
It's quite clear to us that the MM2H visa presents us with an incredible opportunity to start a new chapter, in a country that offers a future with plenty of comfort and plenty of adventure. The financial benefits are clear, but it's the promise of a better quality of life, surrounded by kind, welcoming people and the chance to raise our child in a diverse and multicultural environment, that truly excites us.

As we prepare for our new arrival and this new journey, we're filled with anticipation and hope for what lies ahead. Malaysia, here we come!

If, after reading our write-up, you're keen to have a closer look at Malaysia's MM2H, you can find all the visa's details on MM2H.co.uk.

Arthur and Janice Williams,
Hastings