For Singaporeans considering retirement, living in Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia, could be an appealing option, especially with recent updates to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme.
With the current exchange rate, S$1 gets you about RM3.50, which means a lower cost of living, more affordable housing, and a longer retirement fund. JB is just a short drive or train ride away, making it easy to visit family or head back for special occasions, although traffic jams at the Causeway or Second Link Bridge can sometimes cause delays.
If you’re thinking about retiring in JB, you might wonder how to go about it. Do you need Malaysian citizenship to own property? What exactly is the MM2H Programme? Can you qualify for permanent residency if you’re no longer working but receiving a pension from Singapore’s CPF system? Read on to find out everything you need to know about retiring in Johor Bahru.
Do I Need To Own A Home to Retire in JB?
When retiring abroad, one of the main things to think about is whether you can legally rent or own a home in your chosen country, and which option is better.
In Johor Bahru, if you plan to retire there permanently, it’s generally best to own a home. Renting is possible for foreigners, including Singapore passport holders, but it can be inconvenient for retirees.
As a Singapore passport holder, you can stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days under the Social Visit Pass. After that, you must leave for at least 30 days before returning. This can get tiring, and there are stories of frequent travellers being stopped and questioned at the border, with some even being barred from entering Malaysia for a while.
You can apply for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass to stay for up to six months, but extensions are not guaranteed. Renting in JB can also be tricky for longer stays. While short-term rentals like those on Airbnb are easy to find, landlords may require proof that you’re reliable and won’t leave without paying your rent.
To avoid complications, the best option for retirees is to apply for a long- term visa through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme.
What Are The Criteria For The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme?
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme is a long-term visa that lets foreigners live (and retire) in Malaysia. This visa needs to be renewed every five years.
Launched in 2002, the programme aimed to encourage foreigners to make Malaysia their second home. Since its start, over 57,000 applications were approved until it was temporarily suspended in 2018 for review.
The programme was relaunched in 2021 with stricter requirements, such as a higher monthly income requirement of RM40,000 (around S$11,223), up from RM10,000. This change made it harder for many retirees to qualify, causing a 90% drop in its popularity.
However, your plans to retire in JB aren’t completely out of reach. The MM2H programme has been under review again, and in December 2023, some important changes were announced, including a new three-tier system. The highest tier now offers foreigners the opportunity to qualify for permanent residency (PR) status, which was usually only available to those working or owning a business in Malaysia.
Is Living In Johor Bahru (JB) Convenient for Retirees?
Once your visa is sorted, the next step is finding a place to stay. Singaporeans must spend at least RM2 million (around S$561,000) for a landed property, or half that for a condominium.
Both options have their pros and cons. Landed properties offer more space, ideal for gardening. If security is a concern, a gated community or condominium might be a better choice. There are plenty of accommodations near the Causeway and Second Link Bridge, designed to attract Singaporeans.
Public transport in Johor Bahru isn’t as extensive as in Singapore, so relying on it alone might be difficult. It’s more convenient to own a car for greater freedom to travel around Malaysia. If you prefer not to own a car, you can use Grab or other ride-hailing services, or rent a car when traveling.
Other living expenses like utilities, food, clothing, and phone bills are also much cheaper in Johor Bahru.
What about The Quality and Convenience of Medical Care in Malaysia?
Johor Bahru is quickly becoming a popular destination for medical tourism, with new private hospitals offering advanced care to foreign patients from China, Indonesia, and Singapore.
The main attraction for JB’s medical care is its affordability. Treatments and procedures can cost up to one-third of the price in Singapore, even after government subsidies.
Make sure to check your health insurance, as Singaporean plans may not cover you in Malaysia. If you plan to move to Malaysia, it’s a good idea to get a local insurance policy.
One of the best things about retiring in JB is that Singapore is just a short drive away, so you can still easily visit your preferred specialist for non- emergency medical care.
Discover Your Dream Home in Taman Molek, Johor Bahru
Are you a Singaporean considering settling in Johor Bahru? Look no further than Taman Molek—a vibrant and convenient neighborhood perfect for modern living.
Why Choose Taman Molek - Retiring in JB
Unbeatable Offers: Enjoy free maintenance fees for up to 24 months, a Chinese New Year Angpow worth up to RM85,000, and complimentary items like 2 air conditioners, a kitchen cabinet, and a water heater (offers vary by unit).
Prime Location: Taman Molek is surrounded by essential amenities, including shopping malls, convenience stores, hospitals, schools, and more, making it ideal for both Singaporeans and Malaysians.
Comfort & Lifestyle: With spacious apartments and modern facilities, Taman Molek offers a perfect balance of convenience and community.
If you’re looking for a new property in Johor Bahru, Taman Molek checks all the boxes for comfort, accessibility, and vibrant living.
Contact Berinda Properties today to explore your options and secure your dream home in one of JB’s most exciting developments!
Reference:
https://silverstreak.sg/retiring-in-johor-bahru-as-a-singaporean/#google_vignette
