Are digital nomads required to pay taxes in Malaysia?

Apr 13, 2024 | Digital Nomad | 7 comments

Are digital nomads required to pay taxes in Malaysia?




As more people embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and work remotely from various locations around the world, questions about tax implications arise. One common question that digital nomads have is whether they have to pay taxes in the countries they are living and working in temporarily. In the case of Malaysia, the answer is yes.

Digital nomads who live in Malaysia for more than 182 days in a year are considered tax residents and are required to pay income tax on their global income. This means that if you are a digital nomad who spends a significant amount of time in Malaysia, you will need to declare and pay tax on your income earned from all sources, both within and outside the country.

The tax rates for individuals in Malaysia are progressive, ranging from 0% to 28% depending on the amount of income earned. However, there are certain tax incentives available for expatriates and individuals working in specific industries, so it is recommended to seek advice from a tax professional to ensure compliance and maximize deductions.

Additionally, digital nomads who are self-employed or freelancers may also be required to register for and pay value-added tax (VAT) in Malaysia if their business activities meet the threshold set by the government.

It is important for digital nomads to keep accurate records of their income and expenses while living in Malaysia to facilitate the tax filing process. This includes keeping track of all receipts, invoices, and bank statements to support their tax declarations. Failure to comply with tax obligations in Malaysia can result in penalties and legal consequences.

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Overall, digital nomads who choose to live and work in Malaysia should be aware of their tax responsibilities and take proactive measures to ensure compliance with local tax laws. Seeking advice from a tax professional can help navigate the complexities of the tax system and avoid any potential issues that may arise.


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7 Comments

  1. @ellehanim9559

    If pay zakat to the authorized / certified zakat body ie Lembaga Zakat Selangor ..Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan in KL you can get rebate from the Income Tax Department aka LHDN..but have double confirm with LHDN about digital nomad tax

    Reply
  2. @ellehanim9559

    If pay zakat to the authorized / certified zakat body ie Lembaga Zakat Selangor ..Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan in KL you can get rebate from the Income Tax Department aka LHDN..but have double confirm with LHDN about digital nomad tax

    Reply
  3. @HappyGolfCart-uz3ft

    Wkslm..may Allah bless n makes things easy for U n your beloved family.. Eid Mubarak

    Reply
  4. @bluestarfishsea

    I think the 90 day visa on arrival is so generous that many people can work with it rather than applying for a longer visa (and possibly having to file taxes there). So many amazing countries to visit nearby while renewing Malaysia visa, but I do wonder if you would get denied after re-entering so many times. Maybe not though bc many do business trips KL throughout the year, maybe it’s common?

    Reply
  5. @jehanc

    Wow good news to you.

    Reply
  6. @ayubjob9230

    I m glad you solve that problem Salam from msia.

    Reply

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