Malaysia & Thailand offer tempting digital nomad visas. Which one is right for you?

Not long after Thailand launched its long-term resident (LTR) 10-year visa , aimed at digital nomads, Malaysia followed suit with a similar offering under its DE Rantau Nomad Pass . This further opens up Southeast Asia to the lucrative digital nomad economy, which has been quite slow in this region compared to Europe and North America. And as of press time, Thailand and Malaysia remain the only two countries in the region that offer such a visa in the first place.

But let’s say the lack of options doesn’t faze you. Which of the two nations is the best contender for home, work, and play? It all depends on what you need – as well as what you can offer . Both Thailand’s LTR visa and Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass – or Professional Visit Pass (PVP) – offer extended stays for digital nomads looking to set up base in either country.

However, it’s worth noting that the LTR allows a much, much longer stay duration (10 years) than Malaysia’s PVP, which is limited to just 12 months, but can be extended another 12 months. All things considered, the length of stay probably won’t matter to you much if you intend on moving on to another country after a few years anyway. We previously wrote about the boxes you need to check in order to be eligible for Thailand’s LTR – click here to see if you fit the bill.

For Malaysia, there are also some criteria you need to fulfil in order for your PVP application to be successful: 1. The visa is only open to certain types of digital nomads: Digital freelancers and independent contractors, as well as remote workers (full-and-part-time). 2.

Preferred professions include IT (all types), digital marketing, digital creative content, and digital content development. 3. Digital freelancers and independent contractors need to have an active project contract lasting more than three months (multiple contracts allowed), with both local and foreign clientele allowed.

4. Remote workers need to have an active employment contract of more than three months in a foreign or non-Malaysia-based company. 5.

You have to be earning an annual income of more than US$24,000. The application fee is RM1,000 (US$213) for the main applicant, and an additional RM500 (US$106) for every dependent. That’s definitely a lot more savings compared to Thailand, which charges ฿50,000 (US$1,311).

When compared to Thailand’s offering, Malaysia is definitely a better option if you’re looking to spend less money on your application and eligibility. But of course, the terms and conditions of your stay are also more restrictive compared to Thailand. Depends on how you see it.

You know what they say – you gotta pay to play. Choose Malaysia if you’re an IT or digital content professional looking to save money and don’t plan on extending your stay much, if at all. Thailand is a better option if you’re earning a very comfortable income (with assets) and want to really settle down into a semi-permanent ‘base’ in Southeast Asia.

If you don’t have said income, you need to be a highly-skilled professional. Click here to apply for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass (Malaysia). Click here to apply for the Long-Term Resident Visa (Thailand).

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