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Head to head

Kenya vs Malaysia: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified 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 €1,850 for Kenya.
  • Kenya grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Kenya — standard resident taxation; Malaysia — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Kenya Class N Permit and the Malaysia DE Rantau.
Criteria Kenya Class N Permit Malaysia DE Rantau
Minimum income / month €1,850 €1,725 (better)
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years (better) 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit 2 years
Path to permanent residence Indirect (switch required) No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required in practice Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Not specified
Application fee ≈ €185 (better) ≈ €202
Where to apply Online, In country Online
Processing time — 6–8 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Kenya Class N Permit →

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 Kenya → Insurance for Malaysia →

Sources