Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H): how it works and who it suits

What MM2H is

Malaysia My Second Home, usually called MM2H, is a programme run by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. MOTAC describes it as a renewable social visit pass with multiple-entry visa, for people who want to stay in Malaysia beyond the standard short-stay visa. It is open to individuals from countries that have diplomatic relations with Malaysia.

The categories at a glance

MOTAC publishes a category overview. The main requirements are:

• Silver: minimum age 25. Fixed deposit of USD 150,000. Compulsory residential purchase from RM600,000. Participating fee from RM1,000. A 5-year pass, renewable.
• Gold: minimum age 25. Fixed deposit of USD 500,000. Compulsory residential purchase from RM1,000,000. Participating fee from RM3,000. A 15-year pass, renewable.
• Platinum: minimum age 25. Fixed deposit of USD 1,000,000. Compulsory residential purchase from RM2,000,000. Participating fee from RM200,000. A 20-year pass, renewable.
• Special Economic Zone (SEZ/SFZ): minimum age 21, or 50 and above, with a fixed deposit of USD 65,000 or USD 32,000 respectively. The property price is set by the zone's development. A 10-year pass, renewable.

These figures are as published by MOTAC at the time of writing, and programmes like this are revised from time to time. Please confirm the current figures with us before you plan around them.

The money side

• Fixed deposit. The deposit is held with a Malaysian bank licensed under the Financial Services Act 2013 or the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013. After approval, up to 50% of the principal can be withdrawn for a residence, education, medical care or tourism.
• Processing fees. MOTAC lists RM5,000 for the principal applicant and RM2,500 for each dependant.
• Tax note. MOTAC states that there is no tax on foreign funds or income, or on profit on fixed deposits in Malaysia. Your own tax position depends on your circumstances, so take advice.

Property

A residence must be bought and owned after approval. According to the guidelines, it cannot be sold for 10 years, except to upgrade to a higher-value property. If property is part of your plan, this is the part to think through early.

Time in Malaysia

Principal applicants under 50 need to spend at least 90 days a year in Malaysia, counted across the main applicant, the spouse and the dependants together. For those aged 50 and above there is no minimum.

Who can be included

A spouse, children under 21, and children aged 21 to 34 who are unemployed and single while in Malaysia. A child with a medically certified disability can be included with no age limit. Parents and parents-in-law are also allowed.

How an application works

An application cannot be made directly. It goes through a tour operating business licensed under the Tourism Industry Act 1992, and is submitted through the One Stop Centre for MM2H. The Immigration Department gives the final approval. After approval, the principal applicant and dependants have a medical check-up at a panel clinic or hospital appointed by the ministry. MOTAC publishes a directory of licensed agents.

Is MM2H right for you?

MM2H suits people who want to live in Malaysia, with a business or without one. Some people choose it alongside a Malaysian company, and some choose it on its own, with property as the main link. Which route fits depends on your plans, your family and your finances. We guide you through eligibility, documents and the financial requirements, and we coordinate the application with a licensed MM2H agent.