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Head to head

Indonesia vs Malaysia: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Malaysia has the lower entry bar: €1,725 per month versus €4,320 for Indonesia.
  • Tax treatment differs: Indonesia — standard resident taxation; Malaysia — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Indonesia E33G and the Malaysia DE Rantau.
Criteria Indonesia E33G Malaysia DE Rantau
Minimum income / month €4,320 €1,725 (better)
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit 2 years
Path to permanent residence Indirect (switch required) No
Path to citizenship Via permanent residence No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Territorial taxation
Health insurance Not required Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Not specified
Application fee ≈ €337 ≈ €202 (better)
Where to apply Online Online
Processing time 1 weeks 6–8 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Indonesia E33G →

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.

Sources