Malaysia – New Zealand Tax Treaty
The Malaysia-New Zealand tax treaty caps withholding on dividends at 15% for portfolio investors and 5% for qualifying direct investment, and interest at 15%. Royalty rates vary by category, from 10% on copyright to 15% on film and television. Private pensions are taxable only in the country of residence, with no withholding at source. This is one of 24 active treaties in Malaysia's network and one of 32 in New Zealand's. The general dividend rate of 15% compares to a median of 10% across Malaysia's network and 15% across New Zealand's.
Verified data
IRD Double Tax Agreements (ird.govt.nz) (Treaty list verified April 2026. Rates from individual treaty texts (Articles 10-12). New Zealand NRWT on dividends is 30% (fully imputed) or 15% (not fully imputed).)
Withholding Rate Summary
Source: New Zealand Treaty Reference| Income Type | Treaty Rate | Statutory Rate (New Zealand) |
|---|---|---|
| Dividends (general) Portfolio investors | 15%saves 15% | 30% |
| Dividends (qualified) Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock | 5%saves 25% | 30% |
| Interest Bank interest, bonds, loans | 15% | 15% |
| Royalties (avg) Patents, copyright, know-how, film/TV | 11.3% | — |
| Pensions Private pension distributions | 0% | — |
| Social Security Government social security benefits | 0% | — |
“Treaty Rate” is the maximum withholding permitted under this treaty. The actual effective rate may be lower if domestic law provides a more favorable rate independently. “Statutory Rate (New Zealand)” shows the rate that applies when no treaty benefit is claimed. Qualified dividend rate requires: Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock.
Dividends
The general dividend rate of 15% applies to portfolio investors. A reduced rate of 5% is available when beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock. Without the treaty, the statutory withholding rate on dividends is 30%.
Source: New Zealand Treaty Reference
Interest
Interest payments (bank interest, bonds, loans) are subject to 15% withholding under this treaty, compared to the 15% statutory rate. This represents a no reduction from the statutory rate.
Source: New Zealand Treaty Reference
Royalties
Royalty withholding rates vary by the type of intellectual property. This treaty distinguishes 4 categories, with rates ranging from 10% to 15%.
Source: New Zealand Treaty Reference
Pensions & Social Security
Private pension distributions are taxable only in the country of residence, with no withholding at source. Government social security benefits are exempt from source-country withholding.
Source: New Zealand Treaty Reference
Comparative Context
🇲🇾Malaysia's Network
Among Malaysia's 24 active treaty partners, the 15% general dividend rate ranks 22th (median: 10%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 15% |
| Japan | 15% |
| South Korea | 15% |
| New Zealand (this treaty) | 15% |
| Pakistan | 15% |
| Philippines | 25% |
🇳🇿New Zealand's Network
Among New Zealand's 32 active treaty partners, the 15% general dividend rate ranks 23th (median: 15%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Japan | 15% |
| South Korea | 15% |
| Mexico | 15% |
| Malaysia (this treaty) | 15% |
| Netherlands | 15% |
| Norway | 15% |
| Philippines | 15% |