Skip to content

Head to head

Antigua and Barbuda vs Malaysia: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Malaysia has the lower entry bar: €1,725 per month versus €3,860 for Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Antigua and Barbuda grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12).
  • Tax treatment differs: Antigua and Barbuda — no personal income tax; Malaysia — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Antigua and Barbuda NDR and the Malaysia DE Rantau.
Criteria Antigua and Barbuda NDR Malaysia DE Rantau
Minimum income / month €3,860 €1,725 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years (better) 1 year
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 2 years 2 years
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment No personal income tax Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Not specified
Application fee ≈ €1,390 ≈ €202 (better)
Where to apply Online Online
Processing time 1–2 weeks 6–8 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Antigua and Barbuda NDR →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Malaysia DE Rantau →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Antigua and Barbuda → Insurance for Malaysia →

Sources