South Korea – Malaysia Tax Treaty
The South Korea-Malaysia tax treaty caps withholding on dividends at 15% for portfolio investors and 10% for qualifying direct investment, and interest at 10%. 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 48 active treaties in South Korea's network and one of 24 in Malaysia's. The general dividend rate of 15% compares to a median of 15% across South Korea's network and 10% across Malaysia's.
Verified data
National Tax Service of Korea (nts.go.kr) - Tax Treaty rates and treaty texts (Treaty list verified April 2026. Rates from individual treaty texts (Articles 10-12).)
Withholding Rate Summary
Source: South Korea Treaty Reference| Income Type | Treaty Rate | Statutory Rate (South Korea) |
|---|---|---|
| Dividends (general) Portfolio investors | 15%saves 7% | 22% |
| Dividends (qualified) Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock | 10%saves 12% | 22% |
| Interest Bank interest, bonds, loans | 10%saves 12% | 22% |
| 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 (South Korea)” 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 10% is available when beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock. Without the treaty, the statutory withholding rate on dividends is 22%.
Source: South Korea Treaty Reference
Interest
Interest payments (bank interest, bonds, loans) are subject to 10% withholding under this treaty, compared to the 22% statutory rate. This represents a 12% reduction from the statutory rate.
Source: South Korea 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: South Korea 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: South Korea Treaty Reference
Comparative Context
🇰🇷South Korea's Network
Among South Korea's 48 active treaty partners, the 15% general dividend rate ranks 37th (median: 15%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Japan | 15% |
| Luxembourg | 15% |
| Mexico | 15% |
| Malaysia (this treaty) | 15% |
| Netherlands | 15% |
| Norway | 15% |
| New Zealand | 15% |
🇲🇾Malaysia's Network
Among Malaysia's 24 active treaty partners, the 15% general dividend rate ranks 21th (median: 10%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Canada | 15% |
| United Kingdom | 15% |
| Japan | 15% |
| South Korea (this treaty) | 15% |
| New Zealand | 15% |
| Pakistan | 15% |
| Philippines | 25% |