Asked by Julie Thackray
Hello,
I am an English lady currently staying at the Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort in Tanjung Bungah. As I am a Digital Nomad and have taken many tenancies, mostly in Cyprus, over the last 8 years, I was wondering about the possibility of taking up a long term tenancy in Penang. I am, however, confused as to what the requirements are for a stay of over the initial 90 days given on entry here.
How it tends to work in many European countries is that I would contact an agent and select a property. I would then sign a tenancy agreement and arrange for utility payments such as water and electricity and rent to be transferred from my sterling account in to a local bank account.
I would expect that, on signing a tenancy agreement, the agent/landlord would then take me to a local bank to open an account in my name and organise a standing order for rent and utilities. Being new to the area and not currently driving I would need assistance with setting up payments and/or services such as internet connections and, possibly, TV packages if they are not included in the rent. I would then assume that being a resident for the 1-2 years, or whatever period the tenancy was over, I would then be considered a legal resident until that tenancy was renewed or terminated.
I have read, however, that, after 90 days, it may be the case that I would have to leave the country and re-enter to obtain another 90 days here as a visitor. As it would not make much sense to take up a 1-2 year tenancy if I have to leave every so often is it the case that I may have to obtain some kind of work pass? I don't actually need permission from anyone to work as I work with several companies globally and I don't always work with people from the same country, so there would be no employer involvement as I am a freelancer. I would like to be able to stay without worrying that immigration officers may knock on my door and I am afraid I can't find a clear answer as to what my position would b
I am an English lady currently staying at the Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort in Tanjung Bungah. As I am a Digital Nomad and have taken many tenancies, mostly in Cyprus, over the last 8 years, I was wondering about the possibility of taking up a long term tenancy in Penang. I am, however, confused as to what the requirements are for a stay of over the initial 90 days given on entry here.
How it tends to work in many European countries is that I would contact an agent and select a property. I would then sign a tenancy agreement and arrange for utility payments such as water and electricity and rent to be transferred from my sterling account in to a local bank account.
I would expect that, on signing a tenancy agreement, the agent/landlord would then take me to a local bank to open an account in my name and organise a standing order for rent and utilities. Being new to the area and not currently driving I would need assistance with setting up payments and/or services such as internet connections and, possibly, TV packages if they are not included in the rent. I would then assume that being a resident for the 1-2 years, or whatever period the tenancy was over, I would then be considered a legal resident until that tenancy was renewed or terminated.
I have read, however, that, after 90 days, it may be the case that I would have to leave the country and re-enter to obtain another 90 days here as a visitor. As it would not make much sense to take up a 1-2 year tenancy if I have to leave every so often is it the case that I may have to obtain some kind of work pass? I don't actually need permission from anyone to work as I work with several companies globally and I don't always work with people from the same country, so there would be no employer involvement as I am a freelancer. I would like to be able to stay without worrying that immigration officers may knock on my door and I am afraid I can't find a clear answer as to what my position would b
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