Malaysia Visa vs UAE (Dubai)
Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.
| Criteria | Malaysia | UAE (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Income | $2,000/mo | $3,500/mo |
| Savings Option | N/A | N/A |
| Visa Fee | $220 | $611 |
| Processing | 4-8 weeks | 1 week |
| Validity | 1 year (renewable) | 1 year |
| Cost Tier | Low | High |
| Nomad Cost (est.) | ~$1,500/mo | ~$4,500/mo |
| 1BR Rent | ~$550 | ~$2100 |
| Internet | 130 Mbps | 180 Mbps |
| Pet Friendliness | 2/10 | 4/10 |
| Tax trigger | 182 days | 183 days |
| Insurance required | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Catch (2026) | Malaysia is challenging for dog owners; many condos and public parks ban dogs. | Very hot, so pets must stay indoors 8 months of the year. |