Hello everyone,

I am a single European guy interested in spending a few months each year in Malaysia/SE Asia. I've been looking through the property and vehicle listings and I basically found everything I might require in order to realize my idea. However, I got a few questions that I couldn't find any coherent answers for, and I would appreciate your answers/insight greatly as I am not looking for a bad experience over there, and wouldn't like to do anything even remotely illegal.

So here we go... I wonder if I can skip the MM2H visa or any PR visa altogether and still purchase a (new) condo and a (slightly used) car in Malaysia. I wouldn't require a bank loan for either, and I don't think I'd be staying more than 3 months in total each year. What is essential for me is to be able to register the property/car in my name, drive freely throughout the region (Singapore, Thailand, etc) and be able to obtain a comprehensive insurance from the local agents. Basically, my question is whether it can all be done on a tourist visa. I am not planning to work in Malaysia or have anything there but a vacation home that I could use whenever I felt like it.

Also, can I open a bank account there without a PR visa but having a permanent address in my name? And one last thing. Is it okay to stay/travel in Malaysia with a girlfriend (or two)? I mean a decent kind of travels but sharing the same car (obviously) and hotel rooms.

I've been to Malaysia quite a few times in the past but it never occurred to me to investigate further so I will be very thankful for any thoughts you may have about my particular situation. Thank you for your attention.

Given your plan to stay not more than 3 months each year, why do you want the burden of homeownership? A quick search on Airbnb, one can rent an apartment for under RM3k per month.

Let me try to answer your queries -
1) yes, you dont need an MM2H visa to be able to buy a property here though there are restrictions in each state on the type and price of property you can buy.
2) driving licence - now this might be a little tricky to get a local licence but you can get away with an international licence..
3) purchasing a car and getting comprehensive car insurance - this one am not too sure it can be done on a tourist visa so i will not comment.
4) without a mm2h visa or pr - you wont be able to open an account but since you will be having a permanent address, this might be possible..just check directly with the bank via customer services (go to their website )
5) yes its ok to travel with gf here (however if your gf is a local malay then you cant as you may have the religious police knocking on your door)