Why I Chose Dubai Over Kuala Lumpur

Few years back I was at the turning point in my life, and I was making a decision where to relocate from Europe. There were 2 options to choose from - Dubai (UAE) 🇦🇪 or Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)🇲🇾
In the end I decided to move to Dubai, and I've been living here ever since. But why did I make this decision? Is Dubai a better place to live than Kuala Lumpur? Why? What are the pros and cons of both cities/countries? Today I'm sharing my thoughts and experiences.
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Introducing Michael Rosmer, the true modern-day Renaissance man and international entrepreneur, who has been mentored under top international tax attorneys.
He is widely regarded as the foremost international tax expert for legal cross-border tax planning, with extensive experience in immigration, residency, and second citizenship for those seeking a plan B, asset protection, global offshore banking, and payment processing.
Michael leads a team of lawyers and accountants who are top experts in their respective fields. This multi-lingual, multi-national team has worked with digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and investors from 62 countries, providing practical real-world multi-dimensional solutions for their clients.
At Offshore Citizen we understand that each individual's situation is unique. Unlike most industry service providers, we do not push any particular country or solution. Instead, we analyze your individual situation and custom-tailor the best countries and strategies for you, drawing on every part of the globe.
With Offshore Citizen, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of professionals who have your best interests at heart. Let us guide you through the complex world of international tax planning, immigration, residency, and second citizenship.
Contact Michael today for a personalized consultation and take the first step towards securing your financial future.
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[@tinglestingles]

Very timely video. I quite like the down-to-earth, unvarnished, unsanitised KL - great healthcare, genuinely friendly people, amazing food and great prices for someone coming from Europe. Excellent healthcare is really important for us.

[@dexterspeights3484]

KL is easily a top 10 medical tourism center in the world!

[@MY9999MY]

Absolutely 💯%

[@vie51]

Interesting points! Is KL as unclean as BKK? Also, Any opinions about health care quality (such as doctor’s skill, equipments, training) in KL and Dubai? Esp. For private hospitals/clinics. Thank you!

[@TiqaShuib]

​@@vie51It's not unclean, it's like any other city, say New York where you have ghetto areas

[@darrinelford1473]

i have been to both and would choose KL over Dubai in a heartbeat

[@OffshoreCitizen]

What would make you opt for KL?

[@darrinelford1473]

@@OffshoreCitizen Milder weather, culture, friendly people, beautiful scenery (especially Cameron Highlands), the general vibe, tax friendliness of Labuan

[@SA-cloud]

I've been to both...but it's been too long since I've been to KL. Ironically, going to Dubai will get me have way to KL, no more 14 hour flights from the UK for me :D

[@alexandertraveler510]

You can’t even live in kl legally, what’s the point of a comparison?

[@semsem4035]

Kuala Lumpur has soul, nature, genuine friendliness, super diversity in everything.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

It's got lots to appreciate for sure and with anything there's trade offs

[@Killajmj]

KL clears Dubai - Soul vs Soulless

[@unknownninja4430]

I prefer Kuching over in Sarawak over KL tbh

[@caseystevens8302]

I much prefer Kuala Lumpur over Dubai. Kuala Lumpur has a better combination of living spaces and nature besides just a very good infrastructure. On the whole, public transportation is more efficient and with a better coverage in Kuala Lumpur as opposed to Dubai. Dubai also doesnt have a soul, seems like its a rich playpen with lots of girls and clubs going on, while your entire family can be safe and happy in Kuala Lumpur.

[@alexandertraveler510]

You can’t even live in kl (legally) why need a comparison?

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Lots of great places for kids in Dubai and safer than KL but yes there are trade offs so all about personal preference

[@Molloy1951]

Dubai has 3 advantages over KL: 1. Visa options for foreigners; 2. Location/Airport Hub; 3. Tax system. In everything else, Kuala Lumpur wins over. Living in Dubai is like getting women in brothels believing this is better than building a genuine relationship with a woman because women who don’t trade sex for money are “too difficult.” The type of relationships we can build in Dubai is similar to the type of relationships we can build in whorehouses, both with other clients and with the professionals working there. Having stayed in Dubai more than 6 weeks in total, I found it the most overrated place to live. Would never live there, even if I could get immediate citizenship and was given a penthouse in the Burj Khalifa for free. 😂😅

[@alexandertraveler510]

How can you even compare KL with Dubai when you can’t even stay in KL. Don’t tell me mm2h… not a valid comparison and fantasy

[@TommyWeb3]

Just what I needed! Thank you Michael 🙏🏼

[@OffshoreCitizen]

You're so welcome!

[@Yasin_Affandi]

Wonderful. Thank you for this video and your pros and cons on either living in Dubai or KL. KL remains one of the best cities in the world in terms of the value for your money.

[@Yasin_Affandi]

I think the Malaysian government made a big mistake revising the old MM2H program to the extent that it's no longer an attractive destination for a second home of an expatriate or retirement.

[@tinglestingles]

@@Yasin_Affandi my thoughts - they want the money, immigrants bring in, but aren't too keen on the immigrants themselves. So, if they can ramp up the investment from fewer with much,much more then that's the way to go.

[@SA-cloud]

I was in KL in 2000, looking at an apartment for, what is so cheap now (although I couldn't afford it). Malaysia felt like home as soon as I got off the plane. A friend commented I could eat at mamaks 3 times in a day for the £2 coin I was holding in my hand! In the UK a comment from the afformentioned friend was "UK, great past but no future". I thought that was harsh, but it's turned out to be correct. Location wise, Dubai is great. I've worked in a few other countries before, so after a while you know what's up. Dubai is at the top of my list on paper atm. I constantly ask myself, where else is better? You'll find many KZbin videos slating Dubai saying it's all buildings, not a proper city, it exploits workers, blah, blah, blah, the list is long. When I get on a the metro though, it's clean and nice. How are you gonna compare that to London's tube, or New York's subway? Both can keep their rats! Plus, I can visit KL, or HK which is also a great place, but apartments are small and crazy expensive. It does really depend on your situation and what stage of life you're at. Give me a safe clean city any day, with lots of places to eat etc. That reminds me, I must try and find a Durian next time I'm in Dubai...if not, then it's to KL 😂

[@alexandertraveler510]

You can’t live in kl

[@malthus101]

You make valid points - luckily I don't want to network with people so I can cross UAE off the list. I hate ultra modern, soulless places anyway. Never visited KL, but I know I love Bangkok in many ways, so maybe I'd find something to love about KL. Better do a recce!

[@KevinBanks512]

for me, the geographical proximity with Iran really makes me uncomfortable.

[@christopher6752]

Nice video as usual, could you give your opinion on other places in Asia like The Philippines or Vietnam ?

[@djenzo240gamer6]

There are plenty of videos and youtubers praising the Philippines, my country. Check out the srrv visa. One of the cons for many is the infrastructure. Consider it if you want to be with English-speaking, happy, hospitable people and want a tropical paradise where many expats live.

[@kachrachi]

KL is the simpler cousin of Dubai, with a soul.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Why do you think that is?

[@fjorddenierbear4832]

Sewer rats all over the side streets though. KL is considered vastly less safe than Dubai. "Soul" is a ill-defined hippie term. To some people, maybe the desert has soul.

[@SenorJuan2023]

Having to stay inside most of the time due to the heat is like being in prison. I like being outside.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

How do you feel about KL?

[@SenorJuan2023]

@@OffshoreCitizen Have never been to Asia. I've heard all kinds of good things about KL. Major problem with living in Asia is the heat and humidity. I lived in the Deep South USA most of my life and have had enough of that!

[@genericdeveloper3966]

@@SenorJuan2023 That's how I feel about cold. I'd rather have AC than need a lot of blankets to avoid freezing to death.

[@vie51]

Hello Michael, Thank you for another informative video! Whats your opinions about health care quality (esp. private hospitals/clinics) and quality for international schools in these two cities/countries? Would you still choose Dubai if minus the "physical social hub" point? Thank you!

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Both are decent but KL is cheaper

[@TomJamesOfficial]

I love Dubai, but I think I would much prefer everything about living in KL. The food, the vibe, the social activities, the area of the world etc. But I understand that Dubai is probably a really good place for you and your business right now.

[@alexandertraveler510]

You can’t live in kl legally .

[@tinglestingles]

KL - I do have concerns over how covid was handled plus the spectre of OECD gently nudging taxes on MM2H (or S-MM2H) visa applicants/holders.

[@MrAmhara]

Covid pandemics are once every 100 years.

[@dexterspeights3484]

KUALA LUMPUR > Malaysia is "THE DUBAI" of Southeast Asia.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Very good observation!

[@dexterspeights3484]

I was in KL for 3 months > Now hanging out in BKK!@@OffshoreCitizen

[@Johndoe-qn9jr]

Is there somewhere in Malasya where the airquality is ok ? I think therr 7s non in UAE ?

[@patienceisalpha]

The problem with Malaysia imo is what happened during Covid ie they just lost my confidence. They give you a long 10 year tourist visa, marketed by everyone as a residence permit. Turns out it's not and they can block you when they please. The UAE is not like that. For now

[@OffshoreCitizen]

This was our biggest concern as well. Their government just went wild over covid 🙁

[@patienceisalpha]

​@@OffshoreCitizen look at Thailand, anything is possible. Used to be a remittance based taxation, now it's being pulled back. This area of the world just does not care about foreigners and foreign capital. It's great as a lifestyle destination but imo it can't be a real base anymore. I would gladly rent a condo for a few months each year but buying is meh.

[@RomilCPatel]

That’s true, but east Asian countries in general have a “benevolent dictator” mentality, so we really saw this all over east and southeast Asia.

[@frankquagmire]

As a foreigner, you can work in Malaysia for 25 years, but the day your contract ends, you have to pack your bags. I mean you don’t gain any rights, different from EU countries where you get a PR automatically after 5 years. I don’t think Malaysia is in the wrong. I wish Europe would learn from Malaysia about safeguarding sovereignty.

[@p.c.h.6721]

I can care less about what happened during Covid, that's over. What are going to do, judge countries based on things that happened in the past? Then you would find much worse things in almost every country in the world, getting caught up in Covid shows lack of maturity. Let's grow up and move on, life is about the future not the past.

[@mkishon]

The weather in KL is absolute garbage lol. If it weren't for that, it would be one of the best cities on planet earth.

[@malthus101]

In what way? Is it horribly humid? Humidity is the WORST... I'd rather have cold rain that humidity every day.

[@kachrachi]

That's really subjective. I live in KL, and I like the weather. It just takes a couple of weeks to get used to, and then it's always the same

[@RFXZ67966]

@@malthus101 When i have been, the humidity has been awful. The weather is far better in other parts of SE Asia, Asia in general, large parts of Europe and Latin America

[@Myjeng16]

I used to study in UK and travel to many places in a number of European countries..Although I love playing in the snow (Just for a short moment because I am not into staying outside for a long period of time due to the uncomfortable freezing temperature), I actually prefer tropical weather instead of 4 season as there is no need for wearing thick layer of clothing, gloves as well as shoes when going outside.. As for me, the temperature here in Malaysia is much more bearable as compared to freezing temperature even though it could be hotter with greater humidity during the afternoon but it is not a big deal due to the fact that most of buildings in Malaysia nowadays are equipped with ACs or ceiling/wall for the air cooling purpose..Because of our tropical weather, we could have outdoor activities till late night all year round..For me, tropical weather is associated with average temperature, not too hot as well as not too cold..It is simply perfect for any outdoor activity throughout the day and night..

[@fjorddenierbear4832]

The humidity is insane, other than that it would be pretty great. Too bad.

[@kapdolkim1914]

I lived in Malaysia while earning a lot of money (outside of Malaysia) and never paid a dime in taxes while on an MM2H visa. Not sure where he is getting the 5% from. I had a pilot friend who worked outside Malaysia and initially paid tax on his income in Malaysia. And one day, out of the blue, the Malaysian Tax Authorities said they shouldn't be taxing him and refunded 100% of his taxes. He was not even on an MM2H visa. He was on a dependent visa as his kids were in an International school.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

If you're not working in Malaysia that's different. Most people will be living where they work even if working from home

[@chinobonito30]

Dubai is 3x if not 4x more expensive. not sure how we can make a comparison.

[@Kinai89]

This totally depends on what Malaysia's final decision of MM2H....... hard to decide

[@tinglestingles]

seem to be dragging their feet, meanwhile S-MM2H has had over a 2000% increase in applications. Much easier requirements.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

The current pm has indicated a softer people friendly mm2h

[@munirhussain6849]

How may days is it needed to stay in Dubai with the golden visa

[@user-hq2nq9sx7d]

if you love the networking you get in Dubai, why not partially live in KL and Singapore. you basically get all of KL and Dubai with this combo

[@hashimazani1398]

First to comment 😊❤😊

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Nice! How did you like the video?

[@joebloggs339]

For crypto investors, how easy is it to get 0% tax on crypto gains in Malaysia? It seems most people, even ppl who only do infrequent buying + selling, risk being called traders under the Badges of Trade and will pay income tax. I'm increasingly seeing judgements by tax authorities like Ireland and UK deeming crypto as a local-situs asset unless you can prove that the crypto is truly located offshore, making their non-dom programs not as attractive. (I can understand this if you self-custody on your own wallet, but why they don't regard crypto held on a centralized exchange as having a location, I don't understand). For Malaysia, I guess a Labuan company is the safest way to ensure that you will pay low tax on your crypto gains?

[@user-tw6zs2uh1o]

I like your Ch Mike. Having lived in Both there's more Cons than Pros. Unfortunately Thailand has a new US Proxy Govt as in the Philippine's. What are your thoughts on Cambodia? (I know its 2nd world at best but independent from the West) Non CRS helps. Also Why isn't everyone talking about Oman? Great place and people safe and secure. Tax's easily navigated with Residency. .Unfortunately I've only had very brief whistle stop meetings but hoping to rectify this next year. For those who might be interested Muscat .Airport has excellent Pvt Jet facilities and servicing our fussy Aussie/Kiwi Pilots love it

[@dmitryk7320]

What is wrong with US proxy governments?

[@user-tw6zs2uh1o]

lol seriously??..Have a look t the Ukraine and Israel Disasters for example ALL under US Control... add to that all the Collapsed EU Economies ties to US Energy and Foreign Policy's particularly in Proxy Germany CRS MLAT Treaties etc etc the list goes on. Thus many of us are awaiting BRICS to take hold@@dmitryk7320

[@munirhussain6849]

How difficult is it to open bank account and deposit funds from sale of land in a different part of the world. Buyer deposits money

[@ceramics1585]

What are your consulting fees ? What about now after 9% on free zones ? I was considering dubai and switched back to MY rightaway after the 9%. (disregarded entity owner)

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Would be happy to discuss. All the fees are visible here calendly.com/michael-rosmer

[@lisas44]

I thought UAE was very aggressive in getting people injected.

[@MattWebley]

I'll move to Dubai at some point BUT, it's hard for me to understand if you're saying 5% blended tax for KL how Dubai is cheaper for people making 7 figures+ per year? Dubai has just introduced a 9% corp tax even on most freezone companies so surely it's MORE expensive not less?

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Personal income isn't taxed in Dubai and in many cases you can reasonably manage well over a million a year without hitting any taxes if planning well. Also Malaysia is getting harder to optimize on. This being said yes the 9% corporate tax can potentially change the numbers

[@MattWebley]

thanks for your reply @@OffshoreCitizen

[@BlackLabelExpat]

I heard Dubai percent tax, but there is a fee

[@TravAlligator]

My vote goes to Kuala Lumpur over Dubai. But what's the point of debating this when Malaysia doesn't even give a residency option for foreigners. MM2H is just available in theory and almost impossible to attain.

[@miorf82]

KUALA LUMPUR: The federal capital has been ranked eighth globally and third in Asia for being the best city to live in by a recent global survey. According to the InterNations' annual Expat City Ranking, Kuala Lumpur stood out among the 49 cities worldwide covered in the report. Globally, Kuala Lumpur came in eighth place, trailing four cities in Spain, Mexico City, and the two United Arab Emirates (UAE) cities mentioned earlier. Kuala Lumpur holds the second position in Asia, trailing behind the leading cities of the UAE, namely Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. The rankings were determined by assessing the experiences of expatriates in the past year, with InterNations conducting a survey of over 12,000 expats globally. A thorough examination included 177 expat nationalities in 181 countries or territories, assessing factors such as the ease of adaptation, personal finances, quality of life, and other pertinent aspects. Furthermore, Malaysia was ranked as the fourth-best country in the world for expats to live, behind Mexico, Spain, and Panama. The study also highlighted Malaysia's significant improvement in quality of life rankings, advancing from 44th out of 52 destinations in 2022 to 29th out of 53 this year.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Yeah it's got some strong qualities

[@jehanc]

But unfortunately Dubai is flooded.

[@DiyBug-ib8vd]

OK, if I do not have a company, do I pay any tax in UAE? Thanks

[@OffshoreCitizen]

there's no tax on personal income in the UAE, if that's what you're asking

[@DiyBug-ib8vd]

@@OffshoreCitizen yes, that's what I was wondering, Thanks. so if there is no personal tax, why have a company, don't the UAE have like self-employed status, like the UK. self-employed without a company?.

[@benchoflemons398]

I don’t know what your definition of “super hot” is.. but for me it definitely includes kl. Weather is probably the biggest downside.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

What sort of climate do you find most comfortable?

[@fjorddenierbear4832]

KL shocked me at first both after a week or so I got pretty adapted to the 30-34 'C.

[@shaqisumari304]

Dxb you can wash a lot a lot of … and if you have load of cash to prolong investment, you can link to SG and saving and live like a King in more liberal Nation

[@billfreeman7770]

How long do you need to spend in Dubai to get the tax benefits? Couldn't someone obtain residency via a real estate purchase, then just rent it out and spend the majority of their time in SE Asia to benefit from the lower cost of living?

[@OffshoreCitizen]

The country of your residence is the one that gets to tax you. So if you're residing somewhere in the SEA, that country will have the right to tax you, regardless of Dubai

[@billfreeman7770]

@@OffshoreCitizen Typically that's determined based on a 180+ stay. So, if someone had a property/residence permit in Dubai, which enabled them to get a license, bank account etc.. then just stayed less than 180 days in any other country. Seems like that would be a good solution, no?

[@-pg6767]

@@billfreeman7770residence is very different to tax residency, need to be in UAE minimum 3 or more likely 6 months of the year to be taxed

[@WallStreetIceCream]

How about Dubai over California would you say the same ?

[@malthus101]

is that a joke?

[@VaelBraga]

Cali is a shithole dude

[@sallysmith3885]

I would pick Dubai 100x over California. California in the distant past was great, the climate of socal is hard to beat, but the taxes, crime, and homelessness is now out of control an the government seems to care more about defending criminals than protecting its citizens. Dubai, despite being hot for July and August is pristine, clean, devoid of crime, and of course zero personal income tax. It is also a modern city largely devoid of old run down buildings.

[@fjorddenierbear4832]

​@@ninozahIt's not the worst. Bergen, Norway is the worst. Rain, rain, rain. I'm so glad to have left that place because every other place is better.

Two places where I don't think you can truly be free

[@OffshoreCitizen]

Why is that?

@@OffshoreCitizen Because you can be executed for one milligram of cannabis and you can't even hold hands in public especially if you're gay without it being frowned upon etc etc. The latter kind of thing is in both places I think. Not that any of those things are relevant to me personally necessarily but probably for a lot of people. I don't think I could be comfortable living in or even visiting such countries that don't have these basic freedoms or these not open societies

[@kapdolkim1914]

Penang is much better weather than KL.

[@b4bmm]

I really dont get the fascination with KL. In general I compare it to Bangkok. Healthcare can be good no better than Bangkok, accommodation doesn't seem much cheaper/better at the low/mid price point, food options far inferior to Bangkok in my experience, expensive/poor nightlife/entertainment options, malls not as good as Bangkok and arguably Manila/other cities. Visa options seem to be heading in the wrong direction in Malaysia but they are not alone on that. I really dont get your fascination with the place. Pollution might be better than other asian cities is the only real benefit I can see to KL and perhaps English is more proficient.

[@dexterspeights3484]

KL > Malaysia is cheaper than BKK > Thailand.

[@patrickjebireden1286]

Malaysia do not need people like you; don't come to Malaysia!!!

[@malthus101]

Yeah Manila is absolute shithole of a place, but I think he just meant the malls are good, which is quite true, they're not bad. @EastAsianExpatRentals

[@kachrachi]

As someone living in KL, I'd pick KL over Bangkok any day, and maybe visit Bangkok as a tourist twice a year.

[@RFXZ67966]

Yeah, I don't get it either. KL is one of my least favourite cities. Thailand is far superior in all the ways you described

[@ReducedEvasiveDetach]

What people don't mention here is philippines and especially the territorial taxation system for PH and how it can benefit Expats. I'd probably go for Doha instead of Dubai though

[@Johndoe-qn9jr]

What is the tax there and its not so safe is it ?

[@malthus101]

Manila is an absolute shithole though...

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Is dubai family friendly? I doubt it.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

It is VERY family friendly, more than most places I’ve been to

[@elenas5837]

Try the education system there and you will see their “family friendliness” 😂

[@stephengodsmark4353]

dubai didn't and never will ask the people. always beware of countries that don't ask the people.

[@elenas5837]

I lived in Dubai over 3 years, you have absolutely nothing there! Only consume and sand. I also lived in KL and this city is not only loud, but also poor in quality for high prices. Overrated at all, both of them.

[@OffshoreCitizen]

What is your ideal city?

[@elenas5837]

@@OffshoreCitizen I don’t have one, but I also don’t think that especially KL should be mentioned as a good quality and good standard for living because it’s definitely the opposite. It’s a third world country which you definitely can feel and see day by day, with western prices and third world quality and service. Even in Dubai you can get more for your money than in KL, which is ridiculous.

[@p.c.h.6721]

Michael, I respect you a lot, but you sound like a spoiled kid. Judging a country for what happened during Covid is a bit ridiculous tbh. If you judge every country for things that happened in the past you would fine many countries with much worse things than the Covid lock downs, it's time to move on, life is about the present and the future, not the past. Malaysia/KL is a million times better than the UAE/Dubai, which is an expensive fake city in the middle of the desert 🏜 (it's a cheap Monaco) and things are changing, Taxes for everyone coming soon. But great video, next time please include other cities in the mix, i.e. Bangkok (I know you don't like it too much, but still..) and recently a good number of people have started moving to Riyadh. They have massive plans from now until 2030, as I'm sure you know.

[@alexandertraveler510]

You can’t legally live in kl other than being a tourist, but you can in Dubai quite easily

[@p.c.h.6721]

@EastAsianExpatRentals Thanks, I didn't know that about Riyadh

[@p.c.h.6721]

@@alexandertraveler510 I think there will be another way of getting residency in KL, but thanks

[@fjorddenierbear4832]

No, Malaysia's treatment of the flu virus scare was bullshit and potentially indicative of its lackluster political climate. Just because the flu virus is over doesn't mean political decisions will be balanced going into the future. We do of course need to get over the past and I agree on that in principle. We don't know when they will orchestrate a new flu virus, so it may be wiseto live somewhere where freedom is valued and where expats are treated well even in emergencies.

[@alexandertraveler510]

You can’t get a visa for KL simple. No need to waste time on a video Uae is for networking. You don’t have that in kl if you don’t speak chinese .

[@OffshoreCitizen]

There's quite a number of fairly simple visas for Malaysia