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Ethan Wee and Sophia Ng's Journey to Expat-Living in JB: How to Leverage the MM2H Visa Ethan, a software engineer and Sophia, who's a marketing executive, both in their mid-50s and living in Hougang, have recently paid off their semi-detached home. With their second property already rented out, they've been pondering about their next step in life. Inspired by friends and a YouTube channel they follow, they've decided to relocate to JB, probably by using Malaysia My Second Home as their long-term visa. Why MM2H? Quite simple really: MM2H offers an attractive solution for Singaporeans like Ethan and Sophia, looking to capitalise on the lucrative SGD to Ringgit exchange rate, along with the various financial tailwinds they'll be able to enjoy by residing in JB. By earning in SGD and spending in Ringgit, the couple is expecting to live quite a luxurious lifestyle. Lower Property Purchase Threshold & Renting Before Buying Option Available One of the other financial boons that caught Ethan and Sophia's attention was JB's lower property threshold for MM2H-holders. The difference between holders of this visa and non-holders can amount to RM100,000 or more—quite an enticing gap. In addition, clearly, compared to Singapore's sky-high prices, properties in JB are far more affordable. This allows the couple to aim for a JB home a little more exclusive than their place in Singapore. For now, though, they plan to rent a place. That way, they don't have to commit to buying a home before being well and truly ready. MM2H's rent-before-buy approach gives the couple a one-year timeline. Expat Lifestyle Thanks to Malaysia's much lower cost of living, the couple's disposable income, once converted to Ringgit, goes much further in JB, enabling them to enjoy a lifestyle that would in all likelihood remain out of reach if they'd stayed in Singapore. An undoubtedly lovely home, private club membership, their own car, domestic help, an array of entertainment options. These are all well within their budget now that they're settling in JB. Bottom line, for Ethan and Sophia, rebasing to JB translates into a luxurious life, one with enough spending power to also be able to explore Malaysia's countless hidden gems. Tax-Free Fund Transfers Transferring their rental income and other earnings to Malaysia is a tax-free affair under MM2H. This is a significant perk, as they can enjoy the fruits of their Singapore property investments without worrying about taxation. With two properties rented out in Singapore, this gives Ethan and Sophia a steady, tax-free passive income stream whilst residing in JB. Tax-free bank transfers is gift that keeps on giving. Breathtaking Surroundings JB's wide open space offers a serene contrast to congested Singapore. In JB, you have easy access to lush parks, scenic waterfronts and of course the many nearby holiday islands, such as Pulau Tioman, Rawa and Besar. Ethan and Sophia are avid nature lovers and the idea of spending weekends discovering Malaysia's stunning landscapes excites them no end. This is the life! Many Expat Communities & Most People Speak English MM2H has already attracted quite a growing expatriate community in JB, with many Singaporeans already having made the move. And English is widely spoken, facilitating the transition by making it easier to form new social connections. Ethan and Sophia are also looking forward to the strong sense of community that comes with living alongside other Singapore expatriates, since everybody has the same background. Home away from home :) Upcoming RTS System for Easy Connections Between JB and Singapore One of the couple's primary concerns about relocating across the Straits was maintaining seamless access to Singapore. But with the RTS line between JB and Singapore in its final stages, commuting by RTS will be quick and painless, since it connects with Singapore's MRT. This added convenience really gives the couple peace of mind. After all, with the RTS up and running, they're only a short ride away from family and friends too. Burgeoning Infrastructure and Affordable Property Speaking of the RTS, JB's infrastructure is continually being added on, with new developments and better connectivity making this part of Malaysia even more appealing to reside in going forward. Additionally, it's no secret that luxury condos with modern amenities are significantly more affordable than in Singapore, which means Ethan and Sophia can upgrade to a spacious home with premium features—and it won't even come close to breaking the bank. Courtesy of this unique Malaysia/Singapore arbitrage opportunity. Top-Tier Healthcare That's Wallet-Friendly But there's more. Because beyond just mere monetary benefits, Malaysia also boasts high-quality healthcare at considerably lower cost than in Singapore. In fact, this was a critical factor for Ethan and Sophia, as they wanted to ensure they'd have access to world-class medical care, especially as they approach retirement. With top-notch facilities in JB, the couple can enjoy peace of mind when it comes to their health. Better yet, they also still have Singapore's clinics within arm's reach, should they prefer to go there. (Note: Some of the medical centres in JB are actually owned and run by Singapore medical groups, including Gleneagles Medini and Regency Specialist Hospital, both eligible under CPF/Medisave. Good to know.) Singapore Will Always Be There Relocating to JB doesn't mean cutting ties with Singapore of course. Ethan and Sophia know full well that they can always return to what's their home country, after all. Naturally, their fully-paid homes in Hougang will always be there for them, that goes without saying. And with the flexibility of MM2H, returning south across the Causeway will be just as seamless as their journey north. With this in mind, it does look like Ethan and Sophia can actually have their cake and eat their cake. Have you, too, been contemplating staying in JB for some time? Visit MM2H.com.sg for the latest information. |