What is the dividend withholding rate between Hong Kong and Malaysia?
Under the Hong Kong-Malaysia tax treaty, the withholding rate on dividends is 10% for portfolio investors (general rate). A reduced rate of 5% applies when the beneficial owner is a company holding a qualifying ownership stake (typically 10% or more of voting stock). Note that the reduced rate requires the recipient to file the appropriate treaty benefit claim form before payment. This 10% rate compares to a median of 10% across Hong Kong's 23 active treaty partners, and 10% across Malaysia's 24 active partners.
Network Comparison
Hong Kong
Rank 14 of 23 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)
Lower rates with: Italy (10%), Japan (10%), Luxembourg (10%)
Higher rates with: Netherlands (10%), Singapore (10%), Thailand (10%)
Malaysia
Rank 13 of 24 active treaties (lowest rate = #1)
Lower rates with: United Arab Emirates (10%), China (10%), Egypt (10%)
Higher rates with: Indonesia (10%), India (10%), Thailand (10%)