Your Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Residence in Malaysia
🌟 Introduction
Malaysia, renowned for its rich cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and affordable cost of living, has been a preferred destination for expatriates, retirees, and investors. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program has been a successful initiative by the Malaysian government, enabling foreigners to reside in Malaysia on a long-term visa while enjoying a wealth of benefits.
In its recent revision, the MM2H program now offers three main tiers – Silver, Gold, and Platinum, as well as a specialized Special Economic Zone (SEZ) program, each with distinct eligibility criteria, benefits, and deposit requirements.
This comprehensive guide explores the key aspects of the program, including detailed requirements, financial commitments, benefits, and guidelines for applicants.
MM2H Tiers: Benefits and Eligibility
Choose the tier that best fits your lifestyle and financial capacity
Silver
U$150K
Fixed Deposit
- ✅ 5 years validity
- ✅ West Malaysia scope
- ✅ Property ≥ RM600,000
- ✅ Tax exemptions
Gold ⭐
U$500K
Fixed Deposit
- ✅ 15 years validity
- ✅ West Malaysia scope
- ✅ Property ≥ RM1 million
- ✅ Tax exemptions
Platinum
U$1M
Fixed Deposit
- ✅ 20 years validity
- ✅ Work & business rights
- ✅ Property ≥ RM2 million
- ✅ Tax exemptions
📊 Complete Comparison Table
| Category | Silver | Gold | Platinum | SEZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope of Application | West Malaysia | West Malaysia | West Malaysia | Johor-Singapore Economic Zone & Forest City Financial Zone |
| Main Applicant’s Age | 25 years and above | 25 years and above | 25 years and above | 21 years and above |
| Dependents | • Spouse • Children (under 21) Stepchildren/Adopted Children (21-34 years unemployed or unmarried) • Children with disabilities (no age limit) • Parents and parents-in-law | |||
| Fixed Deposit Requirements | USD 150,000 | USD 500,000 | USD 1,000,000 | 21-49 years: USD 65,000 50 years and above: USD 32,000 |
| Fixed Deposit Withdrawal | Up to 50% (for property purchase, education, healthcare, domestic travel) | |||
| Visa Validity | 5 years | 15 years | 20 years | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | RM1,500 | RM3,000 | RM5,000 | RM300 |
| Participation Fee | RM1,000 | RM3,000 | RM200,000 | RM1,000 |
| Agent Fee | RM40,000 | RM55,000 | RM70,000 | RM40,000 |
| Offshore Income | No requirement | |||
| Property Value Threshold | ≥RM600,000 | ≥RM1 million | ≥RM2 million | Subject to relevant state policies |
| Property Restriction | Cannot be sold within 10 years; After sold, you need to buy a higher value’s property | |||
| Residency Requirement | Stay at least 90 days per year (can be accumulated by family members) | |||
| Work Opportunities | No | No | ✅ Yes | No |
| Business Opportunities | No | No | ✅ Yes | No |
| Bring Maid | ✅ Yes | |||
| Healthcare | Long-term treatment accepted | |||
| Health Examination | Required (after successful application); To be done at specific clinic/hospital under panel list. | |||
| Tax Exemptions | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Key Benefits & Requirements
👨👩👧👦 Eligibility for Dependents
MM2H program participants can bring their family members under the following conditions:
- Spouse
- Children under 21 years old, or stepchildren/adopted children between 21-34 years who are unemployed or unmarried.
- Children with disabilities, with no age limit (medical certification required).
- Parents and parents-in-law.
💰 Fixed Deposit Requirements
Fixed deposits serve as proof of financial capability and security under the MM2H program. The required amounts vary based on the selected tier:
- Silver: USD 150,000
- Gold: USD 500,000
- Platinum: USD 1,000,000
- Special Economic Zone: USD 65,000 (21-49 years) or USD 32,000 (50+ years).
💵 Withdrawal of Fixed Deposit
Once the MM2H visa is approved, participants can withdraw up to 50% of their fixed deposit for specific purposes:
- Residential Property Purchase (Sales & Purchase Agreement & Proof of house payment)
- Children’s Education Fees (proof of enrollment required)
- Medical Expenses (receipts from hospitals/clinics/pharmacies)
- Domestic Travel and Other Eligible Expenses
General Requirements for Application:
- Applicant or representative MM2H company must be present;
- Intention letter for individual/ agency representative letter for MM2H company;
- Copy of Passport (Particular Page and visa MM2H);
- Copy of Conditional Approval Letter;
- Copy of Fixed Deposit Certificate;
Important Notes:
- MM2H participant are allowed to withdraw partial of the required Fixed Deposit starting from the second year onwards (effective from the date of MM2H Social Visit Pass endorsement in the passport) for approved expenses related to residential purchase, children’s education expenses, medical expenses as per below:
(a) RM50,000 for aged 50 years and above; and
(b) RM150,000 for aged below 50 years. - However, MM2H participant are required to maintain the balanced of Fixed Deposit until they terminate their participation from Programme as per below:
(a) RM 100,000 for aged 50 years and above; and
(b) RM 150,000 for aged below 50 years. - Withdrawal of Fixed Deposit is on reimbursement basis and release of money will be made based on the amount requested.
- All application for withdrawal of fixed deposit is no longer permitted to be submitted by e-mail.
- Any incomplete documents will not be processed.
- Complete documents will be process within three (3) working days.
🏠 Property Ownership Under MM2H
Property purchase is mandatory for MM2H participants. The minimum property value differs across tiers:
| Tier | Property Value Limit |
|---|---|
| Silver | ≥RM600,000 |
| Gold | ≥RM1 million |
| Platinum | ≥RM2 million |
| Special Zone | Subject to State Policies |
Restrictions:
- Properties cannot be sold within 10 years. If participants sell a property, they must purchase one of higher value to maintain eligibility.
🏥 Healthcare Benefits
Participants can access Malaysia’s globally recognized healthcare facilities. Long-term medical treatment is accepted under the MM2H visa.
📚 Education Benefits
Children of MM2H participants can attend international schools in Malaysia, ensuring a high standard of education.
⏱️ Residency Requirement
Participants must reside in Malaysia for a minimum of 90 days per year, which can be accumulated by family members.
🌟 Why Choose Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)?
Malaysia’s MM2H program stands out for its balance of affordability, flexibility, and lifestyle benefits:
💰
Affordable Cost of Living
Housing, food, and healthcare reasonably priced
🏥
World-Class Infrastructure
Excellent healthcare, education, and transport
🌴
Warm Climate & Scenic Beauty
Tropical climate and natural beauty
🎯
Cultural Diversity
Harmonious mix ensuring enriching environment
💼
Tax Benefits
Exemption on offshore income
📋 How to Apply for the MM2H Program
- Engage a Licensed MM2H Agent: Applications can only be submitted through government-approved agents.
- Prepare the Necessary Documents:
- Financial proof (fixed deposit requirements)
- Passport copies
- Conditional Approval Letter
- Fixed Deposit Submission: Deposit funds in an approved Malaysian bank.
- Receive Approval and Visa Endorsement: Upon meeting all conditions, your MM2H visa will be endorsed.
✅ Conclusion
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program offers a seamless opportunity for expatriates, retirees, and investors to experience a high quality of life in Malaysia. With its tiered approach, the program caters to various financial capacities while offering long-term benefits such as tax exemptions, affordable property ownership, and access to premium healthcare and education.
The application of MM2H can only be done with approved agents, and the charge seems high ranging RM40,000 to RM70,000. Nevertheless, there are some new developers are offering free processing fee for buyers.
Hi, I’m CS Tee from MySgProp.com, a CEA-licensed real estate advisor in Singapore since 2012.
Beyond helping clients buy, sell, or rent local properties, I also work with developers on new launches across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the UK, Australia, and Dubai.
If you/ friends need any assistance with property matters, feel free to reach out.