MM2H: FAQ’s

MM2H FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About the New MM2H Program

General Eligibility & Application Process

These are government programs granting long-term, multiple-entry residency in Malaysia for qualified foreign nationals and their families, allowing them to live, invest, and retire in the country.

Foreigners who meet specific age and financial criteria set by each program. Eligibility is not restricted by nationality, race, or religion, except for citizens of Israel and North Korea.

Yes, both groups can apply if they meet the program’s requirements.
You do not need to be married as long as you can provide a legal document proving a “registered partnership” or an affidavit if recently married without a certificate. Either spouse can be the lead applicant, which makes no difference to the success rate.

No, using a licensed agent is compulsory, ensuring a smoother guaranteed process and eliminating the need for you to visit a government office or pay security bonds directly.

The rules followed will be based on your age at the time of submission, not approval.

The application takes approximately 3 to 4 months after submitting all documents. Post-approval, applicants have 3 months to open a fixed deposit account, submit a medical report, and obtain health insurance.

No, you can enter as a normal tourist prior to applying. You only need to be in Malaysia for the final visa stamping after approval.

Yes, but once you receive your conditional approval letter, you must terminate your existing employment or spouse pass to get the MM2H visa stamped.
MM2H allows children under 35 to be included. You can also apply to add your parents-in-law, but only after your own visa has been stamped on your passport.
Each MM2H holder may employ one domestic helper under prevailing Immigration guidelines. The maid must be from your own country or an approved country (like India) and must be between 21 and 45 years old.

No, general treated conditions (like heart issues) are not an obstacle. Being healthy is only a requirement concerning contagious and infectious diseases.

Foreign documents must be translated by certified translators, and attestation can be done by the Malaysian embassy/consulate or the embassy issuing the document. Police reports must be original (not certified copies) and do not require attestation.

Program Tiers & Financial Requirements

The program is divided into Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) categories.
1,000,000. Gold requires USD 500,000. Silver requires USD 150,000. The SEZ tier requires USD 32,000 for applicants aged above 50, and USD 65,000 for those below 50.
Application fees range from RM1,000 for Silver and SEZ up to RM200,000 for Platinum. Government processing fees are RM5,000 for the main applicant and RM2,500 per dependent.
While showing income and liquid assets is not a primary requirement for Mainland MM2H, authorities have recently been requesting proof, so it is best to be prepared. You can combine rental income and investments , use real estate assets , use business enterprise accounts if you show 100% individual ownership , or provide a bank letter showing 3 months of bond interest.
The fixed deposit must only be placed in a licensed Malaysian bank or a foreign company established in Malaysia after conditional approval is granted. Transfers can be made from local or overseas accounts.
For MM2H, it must be placed in either Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) or US Dollars (USD).

No, you cannot withdraw the fixed deposit until approved expenses are finalized. After one year of placement, you may withdraw up to 50% for approved expenses relating to a house purchase, car purchase, children’s education in Malaysia, domestic tourism, or medical purposes. Emergency withdrawals require prior approval from the Ministry of Tourism, or you can withdraw fully if you terminate your visa.

Property & Real Estate

Yes, purchasing a minimum of one residential property is a requirement for MM2H, and it must be completed within 1 year of visa issuance. You cannot bypass the fixed deposit requirement just by buying a house; both are compulsory.

For Peninsular Malaysia, minimum values range from RM600,000 to RM 2 million depending on your tier. Foreigners are subject to state laws, and minimum prices generally start from RM1,000,000 per unit for most states.
Yes, you can rent an apartment for your living arrangements, with monthly costs typically ranging between RM 1,800 to RM 2,500 depending on the area.
For the program requirements, only residential properties are eligible; commercial properties do not qualify. You can purchase any housing property (including second-hand) provided it has a Certificate of Fitness (CF). You are also allowed to purchase additional commercial properties, like a shop lot to rent out, outside of the MM2H requirements.
Yes, homeowners must pay the yearly assessment and quit rent, just like local citizens.
No prior approval from the FIC is required. However, you must write to the Ministry of Tourism for an eligibility letter and send a copy of the State Authority’s approval letter to the FIC for their information.
Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) applies: you will be taxed 30% if the house is sold within the first 5 years, and 10% thereafter.

Lifestyle, Business, & Tax

Principal applicants aged under 50 must spend at least 90 days per year in Malaysia, which can be combined among family members. There is no minimum stay requirement for applicants aged 50 and above.
No, the MM2H visa does not entitle applicants or dependents to Permanent Residency or Citizenship, and Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship. The visa is a long-term, renewable pass.
No, working as a salaried employee of a Malaysian company is strictly prohibited. However, you are allowed to work remotely from home for a foreign company as a freelancer. Professionals with special expertise (like doctors) can seek special approval from the Human Resources Ministry.
Yes, participants can run their own businesses, act as Non-Executive Directors/Shareholders, and receive director’s fees or dividends. You can also invest in local companies as an inactive partner or participate in the local share market. Normal corporate taxes apply to businesses.
Holders immediately attain Malaysia tax residency. All foreign-sourced income (including pensions) remitted to Malaysia is completely exempt from tax. Interest earned by an individual from a fixed deposit account is also tax-exempt. You only submit a personal tax declaration for Malaysian-sourced income.
Expats are generally advised to use private hospitals for faster service and better facilities. Consultations typically run around RM30–RM80 for a General Practitioner and RM80–RM250 for a Specialist. Health insurance premiums usually range from RM1,500 to RM5,000 per year for adults, and generally do not cover medication costs.
You must renew your passport and update your visa at Malaysian Immigration. If you overstayed, you must clear and pay the fine before extending the MM2H visa onto your new passport.
Yes, provided you have a clearly written Will indicating the properties. If not, the next of kin must apply to the Government to release the properties to the rightful heirs.
You can ship your personal belongings duty-free. However, there is currently no tax exemption for buying a car, whether it is imported or bought locally.

Participants must not engage in any activities deemed culturally sensitive or threatening to national security.

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