Planning to move to Malaysia? Here's what you need to know

Foreign nationals looking to live in Malaysia for the long term can apply under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, a residency-by-investment scheme that offers a renewable social visit pass with multiple-entry privileges.

Managed by Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the programme has undergone several revisions since its launch in 2002. The current version offers four categories, Platinum, Gold, Silver and a Special Economic Zone/Special Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ) option, each with different financial and residency requirements.

What is the MM2H programme?

The MM2H programme is designed for foreigners who want to stay in Malaysia beyond the standard three-month period typically allowed on a single-entry visa.

Successful applicants receive a renewable long-term social visit pass that allows them to reside in Malaysia while enjoying benefits related to education, healthcare and investment opportunities.

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Who is eligible?

Applicants from countries that have diplomatic relations with Malaysia can apply.

The minimum age requirement is 25 for the Silver, Gold and Platinum categories. For the SEZ/SFZ category, applicants can apply from the age of 21.

Applications must be submitted through an MM2H tour operating company licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

What are the investment requirements?

The programme is divided into four tiers based on the amount applicants are willing to commit.

Platinum Category

Fixed deposit: US$1 million
Minimum property purchase: RM2 million
Pass validity: 20 years, renewable

Gold Category

Fixed deposit: US$500,000
Minimum property purchase: RM1 million
Pass validity: 15 years, renewable

Silver Category

Fixed deposit: US$150,000
Minimum property purchase: RM600,000
Pass validity: 5 years, renewable

SEZ/SFZ Category

Fixed deposit: US$32,000 for applicants aged 50 and above; US$65,000 for those aged 21-49
Property purchase requirements depend on the designated SEZ or SFZ development
Pass validity: 10 years, renewable

Can applicants use part of their fixed deposit?

Participants can withdraw up to 50% of their fixed deposit after approval for specific purposes, including property purchases, education expenses, medical treatment and tourism-related spending in Malaysia.

The remaining amount must stay in a Malaysian financial institution licensed under the country's banking regulations.

Are there minimum stay requirements?

For participants aged 25 to 49 in the Platinum, Gold and Silver categories, the main applicant, spouse or dependants must spend a combined minimum of 90 days in Malaysia each year.

Applicants aged 50 and above in these categories are not subject to a minimum annual stay requirement.

The SEZ/SFZ category follows similar rules, with younger participants required to meet the 90-day stay condition.

Can family members be included?

Dependants can be included in the application, with unmarried children eligible up to the age of 34.

Parents and parents-in-law can also be included under the programme.

What benefits does the programme offer?

According to the ministry, MM2H participants benefit from:

• Long-term renewable residency rights
• Multiple-entry privileges
• Access to Malaysia's healthcare and education systems
• Permission to undertake certain business and investment activities
• Tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income and profits earned from fixed deposits in Malaysia

Why is Malaysia promoting MM2H?

Malaysia markets itself as a destination with a relatively low cost of living, established healthcare infrastructure, international schools, modern transport networks and a multicultural society.

The addition of the SEZ/SFZ category reflects the government's effort to attract foreign investors interested in establishing a presence in designated economic and financial zones.

The MM2H programme offers several pathways for foreigners seeking long-term residence in Malaysia, but entry requirements vary significantly depending on the category. Prospective applicants should carefully assess the financial commitments, property purchase obligations and minimum stay conditions before choosing a route under the programme.