Malaysia is coming out the big winner with digital nomads. So far, the country has approved more than 2,000 digital nomad visas since the program started two years ago.
Let’s take a look at the approval numbers and rates and then review what has made this country in Asia so popular with digital nomads around the world.
About Half of All Applications Approved
As of the middle of October, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Immigration Department reported 1,924 applications for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, designed for digital nomads, had been approved so far.
That is a roughly 50 percent approval rate for the program. A total of 3,938 total applications have been received.
Arifah Shafiruddin, senior manager with the MDEC Digital Tourism program, mentioned that the digital nomad visa program has been very popular attracting visitors from the United States, Russia, United Kingdom, Pakistan and Japan.
“Digital nomads contribute to the Malaysian economy by boosting spending across various sectors, including tourism, food, accommodation and transportation,” she said in an interview on the topic. “They also help expand the tax base, drive innovation, create new business opportunities, and diversify local industries.”
She added that their presence fosters cultural exchange and collaboration across industries such as tech, digital marketing and more.
Why Malaysia?
Malaysia has become popular with digital nomads for a number of important reasons. Primarily, its internet speed and reliability, affordability, weather, cultural experience and interesting places to visit.
According to a study by InsureMyTrip, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia ranks fifth among the top 10 cities for digital nomads. Factors they reviewed included internet speed, happiness, cost of living, cafe ratings, number of tourist landmarks and safety index.
Lonely Planet rates Malaysia as a fun and interesting place for travelers with a number of popular tourist destinations.
Those who love tea can head to the Cameron Highlands, one of the prime tea growing regions in the country where at 4265 to 6000 feet up it is also a lot cooler. Hiking is a popular destination activity in this area.
Nomads can experience a local religion in Malaysia by hiking up 272 steps and coming face to face with the large statue of the Hindu God Lord Murugan at the magical Batu Caves.
For foodie nomads, George Town on Penang Island is the place to go. In addition to a cool arts and cultural scene, the town is also well known with tourists and locals for its street food stalls and plenty of affordable and tasty bites.
Last, for nature nomads, there are few places like the Perhentian Islands. Better known as a honeymoon hotspot, single nomads can also head on over and connect with nature.
Golden sand awaits and there are plenty of amazing water teeming with wildlife ready for snorkeling or even diving. Not certified to dive, well travelers can do that too!
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What Nomads Need to Know
The Malaysian DE Rantau Nomad Pass designed specifically for digital nomad travelers was created by, and is administered by, the Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programs.
The focus is to foster innovation and promote tourism to the islands.
The pass allows digital nomads to live, work and stay in the country initially for 12 months with the potential for an additional year.
More information on the digital nomad visa in Malaysia is available here.