Emma Ang's Retirement in JB with the MM2H Visa
Emma Ang, in her late 50s, has spent most of her life in Katong. Now, as she considers retirement, she's looking for a place that offers a lower cost of living, but is also close to Singapore. After exploring her options, including Thailand, Bali and Bintan, Emma has decided to retire in JB.
Why JB is the Perfect Choice
For Emma, JB's affordability is one of its greatest attractions. The cost of housing, utility bills and things like groceries are all significantly lower than in Singapore, which means she can live there really rather comfortably, for instance, by using the rental income* from her Katong property.
Additionally, her CPF savings and her investments will also go much further in Malaysia, courtesy of the Singapore/Malaysia arbitrage opportunity, along with the profitable SGD to MYR exchange rate. This currency multiplier alone enables Emma to enjoy a considerably higher standard of living than she could in Singapore. As a matter of fact, all of these financial tailwinds considered, she calculated that her lifestyle would be akin to most of the other expats in JB. Quite a boost from her life in Singapore.
Yes, as other Singaporeans who rebased to JB have done before her, Emma plans to rent a home in JB at first, giving her time to adjust to the lifestyle and explore the local community before committing to purchasing her own property, most likely after getting approved for the MM2H visa.
Why MM2H? Well, this visa's flexibility and long-term residency offer her peace of mind, ensuring that she can stay in Malaysia for up to 10 years without needing to frequently do visa runs or keep track of the number of days she has left on her short-term visa, which would be the case if she continued residing in JB on the regular 30-day social pass.
The Benefits of the MM2H Visa for Retirees
The MM2H visa is designed for individuals like Emma who are looking for a long-term, stress-free residency in Malaysia. For a retiree, the visa offers the perfect balance of flexibility and security. Basically, she'll be able to live anywhere in Malaysia, whilst being able to cross the Malaysian border, in and out, as often as she likes. As MM2H is a multiple-entry visa, there's no limit to the number of times she leaves and comes back to Malaysia. Peace of mind.
When it's a stress-free retirement you're after, the last thing you need is the apprehension that comes from not being sure if you're going to be granted one more 30-day chop each time you arrive at CIQ, especially since the 30-day pass was intended as a short-term permit, which, strictly speaking, doesn't really apply here. In other words, after the initial few months, it's probably best to play safe and go for MM2H.
Incidentally, Emma is also excited about the delightfully unhurried pace of life in JB. After decades of living in Singapore's notoriously fast-paced society, she's ready to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle.
JB's close proximity to Singapore, literally the length of the Causeway away, is another benefit, allowing Emma to return home quickly and easily whenever she wishes. And with the RTS link soon to be completed, commuting between the two cities will become even more convenient.
In fact, it was this very fact that jolted Emma into getting her rebasing mission to JB into motion. After all, how often does an opportunity like this arise, where you get to boost your spending power by a factor of at least three, where you get to live the life of an expat, whilst still being able to be back in Singapore in mere minutes? It's a one-in-a-lifetime chance, one Emma simply couldn't pass up on.
Healthcare
Healthcare in JB is of a high standard, with private clinics offering comprehensive medical services at affordable rates compared to Singapore. The city is home to several well-established private hospitals, which cater to local and international patients with state-of-the-art facilities and skilled medical professionals.
So for Emma, retiring in JB, this proximity to quality healthcare is a major advantage, as she can access top-tier treatments without the high costs associated with healthcare in Singapore. Additionally, the convenience of travelling back to Singapore for any specialised care is always an option.
Living in JB: World of Culinary Delights
But one of Emma's favourite aspects of living in JB will be the makan. JB offers a wide range of culinary treats, from delicious and affordable hawker fare to more upscale restaurants and generous hotel buffets at very friendly prices. The city's diverse food scene includes a mix of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and Western cuisine, each of which Emma is eager to explore.
In addition to the food, JB offers a wealth of recreational activities. Emma looks forward to taking excursions to the various tourist attractions, visiting local markets and exploring the nearby coastal areas, including Desaru, Denga Bay and of course, Tioman Island. The languorous pace of life and the sense of community in JB make it the perfect place for her to enjoy her retirement.
Singapore Community
By the way, JB has become home to a growing community of Singaporean retirees. In many ways, these forward-thinking fellow Singaporeans have paved the way for others seeking a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle just across the Causeway. The early-adopter Singaporeans are happy to make the transition to life in JB smoother for the more recent retirees, such as Emma, for instance, with social clubs, online forums and local meetups.
Additionally, early arrivals can also share their knowledge of how to best take advantage of the MM2H visa, for example, providing tips on long-term residency and financial planning. This support network has made it easier to adapt to life in JB, ensuring that all of us can enjoy the benefits of affordable living just north of Singapore.
Moving to JB: Insights
Now, whilst JB offers an attractive relocation destination, understanding its nuances is essential. Safety, for instance, requires a slightly different mindset than we're used to in uber-safe Singapore. How so? Well, whilst JB is generally secure too, petty crime numbers diverge somewhat from Singapore's. That said, it's nothing that embracing a little awareness and basic precautions won't preclude, especially given that, like Singapore, serious crime is actually quite rare in JB too.
Meanwhile, JB's transportation infrastructure presents a unique opportunity. Rather than relying on public transport, it's easy to leverage Malaysia's affordable car market. Budget-friendly cars, both local and imported, minimal maintenance cost and Malaysia's famously low petrol price, all make car ownership in JB a very appealing choice, resolving any potential transport problem from the word get-go.
Peaceful Retirement with the MM2H Visa
For Emma, JB and the MM2H visa provide the perfect opportunity to retire in comfort and peace. By offering affordable living and close proximity to Singapore in one, JB is the ideal retirement destination for Singaporeans like Emma. Something more and more forward-thinking Singaporeans are beginning to realize.
Would you like to know more about retiring (early) in JB? Visit MM2H.com.sg for more information.
*With MM2H, all money remitted from Singapore to Malaysia enjoys complete tax exemption, including rental income, fixed deposits, dividends, CPF payments, capital gains and more.
Emma Ang, in her late 50s, has spent most of her life in Katong. Now, as she considers retirement, she's looking for a place that offers a lower cost of living, but is also close to Singapore. After exploring her options, including Thailand, Bali and Bintan, Emma has decided to retire in JB.
Why JB is the Perfect Choice
For Emma, JB's affordability is one of its greatest attractions. The cost of housing, utility bills and things like groceries are all significantly lower than in Singapore, which means she can live there really rather comfortably, for instance, by using the rental income* from her Katong property.
Additionally, her CPF savings and her investments will also go much further in Malaysia, courtesy of the Singapore/Malaysia arbitrage opportunity, along with the profitable SGD to MYR exchange rate. This currency multiplier alone enables Emma to enjoy a considerably higher standard of living than she could in Singapore. As a matter of fact, all of these financial tailwinds considered, she calculated that her lifestyle would be akin to most of the other expats in JB. Quite a boost from her life in Singapore.
Yes, as other Singaporeans who rebased to JB have done before her, Emma plans to rent a home in JB at first, giving her time to adjust to the lifestyle and explore the local community before committing to purchasing her own property, most likely after getting approved for the MM2H visa.
Why MM2H? Well, this visa's flexibility and long-term residency offer her peace of mind, ensuring that she can stay in Malaysia for up to 10 years without needing to frequently do visa runs or keep track of the number of days she has left on her short-term visa, which would be the case if she continued residing in JB on the regular 30-day social pass.
The Benefits of the MM2H Visa for Retirees
The MM2H visa is designed for individuals like Emma who are looking for a long-term, stress-free residency in Malaysia. For a retiree, the visa offers the perfect balance of flexibility and security. Basically, she'll be able to live anywhere in Malaysia, whilst being able to cross the Malaysian border, in and out, as often as she likes. As MM2H is a multiple-entry visa, there's no limit to the number of times she leaves and comes back to Malaysia. Peace of mind.
When it's a stress-free retirement you're after, the last thing you need is the apprehension that comes from not being sure if you're going to be granted one more 30-day chop each time you arrive at CIQ, especially since the 30-day pass was intended as a short-term permit, which, strictly speaking, doesn't really apply here. In other words, after the initial few months, it's probably best to play safe and go for MM2H.
Incidentally, Emma is also excited about the delightfully unhurried pace of life in JB. After decades of living in Singapore's notoriously fast-paced society, she's ready to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle.
JB's close proximity to Singapore, literally the length of the Causeway away, is another benefit, allowing Emma to return home quickly and easily whenever she wishes. And with the RTS link soon to be completed, commuting between the two cities will become even more convenient.
In fact, it was this very fact that jolted Emma into getting her rebasing mission to JB into motion. After all, how often does an opportunity like this arise, where you get to boost your spending power by a factor of at least three, where you get to live the life of an expat, whilst still being able to be back in Singapore in mere minutes? It's a one-in-a-lifetime chance, one Emma simply couldn't pass up on.
Healthcare
Healthcare in JB is of a high standard, with private clinics offering comprehensive medical services at affordable rates compared to Singapore. The city is home to several well-established private hospitals, which cater to local and international patients with state-of-the-art facilities and skilled medical professionals.
So for Emma, retiring in JB, this proximity to quality healthcare is a major advantage, as she can access top-tier treatments without the high costs associated with healthcare in Singapore. Additionally, the convenience of travelling back to Singapore for any specialised care is always an option.
Living in JB: World of Culinary Delights
But one of Emma's favourite aspects of living in JB will be the makan. JB offers a wide range of culinary treats, from delicious and affordable hawker fare to more upscale restaurants and generous hotel buffets at very friendly prices. The city's diverse food scene includes a mix of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and Western cuisine, each of which Emma is eager to explore.
In addition to the food, JB offers a wealth of recreational activities. Emma looks forward to taking excursions to the various tourist attractions, visiting local markets and exploring the nearby coastal areas, including Desaru, Denga Bay and of course, Tioman Island. The languorous pace of life and the sense of community in JB make it the perfect place for her to enjoy her retirement.
Singapore Community
By the way, JB has become home to a growing community of Singaporean retirees. In many ways, these forward-thinking fellow Singaporeans have paved the way for others seeking a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle just across the Causeway. The early-adopter Singaporeans are happy to make the transition to life in JB smoother for the more recent retirees, such as Emma, for instance, with social clubs, online forums and local meetups.
Additionally, early arrivals can also share their knowledge of how to best take advantage of the MM2H visa, for example, providing tips on long-term residency and financial planning. This support network has made it easier to adapt to life in JB, ensuring that all of us can enjoy the benefits of affordable living just north of Singapore.
Moving to JB: Insights
Now, whilst JB offers an attractive relocation destination, understanding its nuances is essential. Safety, for instance, requires a slightly different mindset than we're used to in uber-safe Singapore. How so? Well, whilst JB is generally secure too, petty crime numbers diverge somewhat from Singapore's. That said, it's nothing that embracing a little awareness and basic precautions won't preclude, especially given that, like Singapore, serious crime is actually quite rare in JB too.
Meanwhile, JB's transportation infrastructure presents a unique opportunity. Rather than relying on public transport, it's easy to leverage Malaysia's affordable car market. Budget-friendly cars, both local and imported, minimal maintenance cost and Malaysia's famously low petrol price, all make car ownership in JB a very appealing choice, resolving any potential transport problem from the word get-go.
Peaceful Retirement with the MM2H Visa
For Emma, JB and the MM2H visa provide the perfect opportunity to retire in comfort and peace. By offering affordable living and close proximity to Singapore in one, JB is the ideal retirement destination for Singaporeans like Emma. Something more and more forward-thinking Singaporeans are beginning to realize.
Would you like to know more about retiring (early) in JB? Visit MM2H.com.sg for more information.
*With MM2H, all money remitted from Singapore to Malaysia enjoys complete tax exemption, including rental income, fixed deposits, dividends, CPF payments, capital gains and more.