HNW Family: Singapore Residency + Malaysia MM2H Living Plan

Client Background

The client is a 45-year-old entrepreneur operating a chain restaurant brand in China, with annual profits of approximately RMB 30 million. The family has two children (ages 12 and 8), and the wife is a full-time homemaker. The client wished to obtain overseas residency for the family while providing better international education resources for the children. The client highly values Singapore's business environment but, considering Singapore's high cost of living, preferred Malaysia as the primary daily living base.

Core Requirements

Obtain long-term residency through Singapore Self-Employment Pass (EP) with a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR); plan enrollment in Singapore or Malaysia international schools for the children; apply for Malaysia MM2H visa to enable long-term family living in Malaysia; plan overseas asset allocation and tax residency strategically.

Solution Design

Sinnova designed a phased implementation plan: First, register a food & beverage consulting company in Singapore and apply for an EP on a self-employment basis, with the company actually operating the overseas expansion of the restaurant brand. Simultaneously initiate the Malaysia MM2H application and purchase a family residence in Kuala Lumpur's Mont Kiara area. Children initially enroll in Kuala Lumpur international schools, with the older child potentially transferring to a Singapore international school during secondary years. Asset allocation and tax planning conducted through a Singapore family office structure (Section 13O/13U).

Implementation Process

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Singapore company registration, business plan preparation, EP application materials readied. Phase 2 (Weeks 5-12): EP application submitted and approved; client's first visit to Singapore to activate the visa; MM2H application materials submitted concurrently. Phase 3 (Weeks 13-20): Kuala Lumpur residence purchase completed; children's school enrollment arranged. Phase 4 (Weeks 21-30): MM2H visa approved; family officially begins dual-city lifestyle; Singapore company commences actual operations.

Results & Impact

Client successfully obtained Singapore EP; company operated well, and PR was applied for and approved in the second year. Both children enrolled in international schools in KL's Mont Kiara, with education costs approximately 60% lower than Singapore. MM2H visa approved smoothly; family's monthly living costs in Malaysia are approximately one-third of Singapore. Through strategic tax residency planning, the client's overseas assets achieved effective tax optimization.