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Which is better: RPT vs Spouse Visa

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techman117

Hi, If there are options to have RPT or Spouse Visa, what is better choice, in terms of benefits and long term plans to settle in Malaysia, and possibly PR and citizenship ?

cinnamonape

This may be helpful.

https://www.iproperty.com.my/guides/how … aysia-faq/

It really depends on what "talent" and where you are working to progress to the PR stage.  But if you are working for the government that might be a faster route to PR states than the Spousal visa route (which requires a minimum of 10 years residence).  But the PR status is also not easily obtained simply by fulfilling the minimal requirements. I know a Canadian fellow who has lived in Malaysia for thirty years, worked for the government, is married to a bumiputra (Bidayuh, not Malay), speaks proficient Malay and STILL is not capable of getting PR status. They don't tell him why either.

To be honest, obtaining citizenship in Malaysia unless you are born of Malaysian citizens is nearly impossible. Naturalization  is simply not a "thing" like in Canada, the UK, or even the United States where you live there for a time, learn English and take a test on the history and government.

The antagonism to naturalization is largely a counter-reaction to the use of immigrant labor from China and India by the British during the colonial period. The descendants of these immigrants were granted citizenship as part of the process of independence but the Malays have largely considered these communities as "foreign" even though they may have lineages that extend back 20 generations and are intermarried with bumi. In fact many Malay families of "bumiputra" are recent immigrants but because they are from Indonesia or other "Malay" communities they are granted bumiputra status. There is no issue with their citizenship status.

techman117

Thanks, that link is quite informative. And thanks for sharing insight and tips on this. I'm from IT profession, working in a MNC in KL. From your message, it looks like RP-T would be better/faster route.

cinnamonape

Besides the holding of PR, 12 years residence in Malaysia, and speaking Malay (for PR the require is "adequate" knowledge, for Citizenship it is likely more at the level of fluency) one is expected to renounce any other citizenship. Malaysia does not accept dual citizenship. And if a naturalized Malaysian is discovered using the privilege of another citizenship in the future one can lose one's Malaysian citizenship (e.g. using two passports or voting in another country).

In Malaysia citizenship is a quite serious issue.

techman117

Thanks. Looks like not easy and prudent to settle in Malaysia. If I look at the people, they seem quite accommodating, not sure, how that reflects in the govt. processes.

cinnamonape

Well by "settling" you seem to mean...PR/Citizenship. Not just living in Malaysia.

Spousal visa gives on a wide range of opportunities, particularly if you can find work that doesn't take a position away from a citizen. There are people that side in Malaysia for decades and have neither PR - nor would ever conceive of taking up citizenship and giving up their other passport.

It's always cost-benefit. What are you getting vs. what are you giving up?

Even taxation wise most countries of origin will not let one immediately escape the clutches of their Inland Revenue...and never will if you are getting income from within their borders.

You can buy property and run a business in Malaysia (with some strings) if you are a non-PR (partnerships with a non-Malaysian generally require more "paid-up capital").
I'd speak with some non-Malaysians married to a Malaysian before making a leap. But much of your question is premised on the desire "to obtain PR and possibly citizenship". If that is not your ultimate goal then which is the better visa (simpler, longer term, more easily obtainable) could change.

techman117

Sorry for the confusion. You seem to have good insight on the topic. What if hasty, and within 3 years of stay, impressed by the people/country everything, married Malaysian, so like it or not have to make it better, I believe. And regarding RPT, I'm talking about this:

https://rpt.talentcorp.com.my/

So, back to my original question, what could be the benefit eg medical for RPT/PR/Spouse visa. Job prospects, you mentioned, I got some idea, it'll be same in all visas ? What about buying property, same 1m limit ? Bank loan eg, investment in ASNB eg ? Business I haven't thought about..

cinnamonape

I really don't have much insight on either of these visas. The benefits are pretty well stated on the RP-T site. Vs. a standard employment visa the RP=Talent is more flexible 10-Yr. Visa with ability to change job to new employer. That's better than the Employment Visa of course.   1-Yr. Renewable Visas for Dependents (including your parents, or children if they don't opt for Malaysian citizenship).

Malaysian Wife is already eligible for work so that benefit is irrelevant.

No mention of Medical Coverage...I don't think Visa holders get any state subsidy. I don't for MM2H. They do require one to show sufficient insurance coverage, though.

"As to housing loan? Don't know. I can get one through MM2H. Some STATES offer a lower floor from purchasing property for MM2H than for other foreigners (employment visa). Is it relevant to Talent Corp?  Not sure if they'd offer that to someone on a short term visa...but you would have a 10 Year visa and being married to a Malay is a work around, just put the property with her as the principal signatory for the property.

https://www.propertylife.my/guidelines- … -malaysia/

I'd contact Talent Corp directly as to unstated perks.

techman117

Thanks a bunch for your response and advice, it’s really helpful and I’m sure for others as well, in a similar situation.

What about medical services in Govt hospital? Can any of these visa allow such service? You know  Govt hospitals have subsided rates for locals.

cinnamonape

I thought I answered the question about health coverage.

No...I don't think you receive subsidized rates. Someone once claimed this but I did research on both the Medical and Visa sites. Almost all visas require you demonstrate you have medical  insurance. If you were able to use government hospitals and clinics at a discount then why would the ask for insurance? Maybe your employer would provide it as part of the package?

But unless you are paying a direct tax for health care through your wage packet I don't see that Malaysia would provide it.

Why not ask talentcorp directly. That's what they are paid for. They could also detail how to do it...if it actually exists.

cinnamonape

Here is a list of the charges for foreigners in Malaysian Government Hospitals and Clinics. While they are quite low compared to those in countries where healthcare is not subsidized, they are not the same as for Malaysian citizens.

https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/163?mid=293

konrai

Hi, I have a first hand experience with Government Hospitals in Malaysia as a expat. I am an American who has lived here since 1992 and has a spouse visa. While living here I have has 2 kids both born in the GH system. My son was very preemie and was an emergency c-section. We payed less than RM 700 for the surgery and my one week post op in the hospital. My daughter was even less since I was only admitted for 4 days after she was born. I have used the Klinik Kesihatan system also for pre natal checks and for general checkups. I find it is very reasonable and I don't feel that even with the slight increase I pay versus my kids and husband that it has been a difficulty for us.

techman117

Sorry for the late reply, but thank you both again, for providing first hand information about these visa benefits.

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