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Frequently Asked Questions Malaysia Residency Questions Answered — MM2H, SMM2H, PVIP & Labuan

Frequently Asked Questions

MM2H FAQS

This FAQ answers the most common questions about the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, including eligibility, financial requirements, fixed deposits, property purchases, tax considerations, family applications, renewals and processing times.

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.

Platinum requires USD 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.

SMM2H FAQS

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must be 30 years old and above. The program is open to citizens of all countries that have diplomatic relations with Malaysia (except Israel and North Korea).
The LOGC must be from the applicant’s origin country and have at least 12 months of validity. It is required for the main applicant and any dependents aged 18 years old and above.

Yes, applicants below 60 years old must purchase local medical insurance and must be covered for the entire duration of their SMM2H pass.

Financial Proof

Applicants must demonstrate financial capability through a combination of Fixed Deposits and monthly income/savings:

  • Fixed Deposit (FD): A mandatory RM500,000 FD placement for the main applicant in any SMM2H panel local bank in Sarawak.
  • AND Pension or Offshore Income: RM10,000 monthly for an individual applicant, or RM15,000 monthly for an individual with dependents.
  • OR Saving Funds: If the applicant does not have an offshore income or pension, they can show a monthly closing balance of RM100,000 (individual) or RM200,000 (individual with dependents) for the latest three months (subject to panel approval).

No, property or other liquid assets cannot be accepted as financial proof for SMM2H.

Yes, participants can withdraw a maximum of 50% of the Fixed Deposit amount after one year in the program. Approved reasons for withdrawal include purchasing a house or car in Sarawak, medical expenses in Sarawak, or children’s education in Sarawak.

Submission and Fees

All applications must be submitted via the SMM2H Management Online Application System (MOAS).
Yes, all applicants must be bonded by a sponsor who originated from and currently stays in Sarawak, OR by an SMM2H Licensed Agent registered in Sarawak.
Yes, all applicants must pay a one-time, non-refundable processing fee of RM5,000 to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).

SMM2H Pass and Renewal

Successful applicants are issued a 5+5 years approved SMM2H Social Visit Pass.
Yes, all main participants are required to stay at least 30 days every year in Sarawak as a condition for pass extension and renewal.
The pass given will follow the expiry date of the passport. If the passport is only valid for 30 months, the pass will be for 30 months. The applicant must renew the pass once a new passport is received.
  • Extension (Years 6-10): Applicants must submit documents, including a new medical report and updated financial proof, to the Immigration Department of Sarawak (JIMS).
  • Renewal (After 10 Years): Applicants must submit a brand new application via the SMM2H MOAS 6 months before the pass expires.

Medical Check-Up

Applicants must submit an RB II Form and a medical report from a hospital in Sarawak. Each page must be certified and signed by a hospital Medical Officer and endorsed by a Government Health Clinic.
If a medical report is done overseas, the applicant must redo the medical check-up in Sarawak and have it endorsed by a Sarawak Government Doctor before they are allowed to claim the S-MM2H Social Visit Pass.

Dependents and Education

Dependents include the main applicant’s spouse, parents, children/stepchildren aged 21 years old and below, and disabled children with no age limit.
Yes, but children who intend to continue their studies in Sarawak are required to apply for a Student Pass.

Buying Property, Working & Investing

Yes, approved participants are allowed to purchase a residential house in Sarawak. The property must have a minimum value of RM600,000 in the Kuching Division and RM500,000 in other Divisions.
Participants are not eligible to work full-time. However, they may work part-time (maximum 20 hours per week) in professional sectors (Education, Banking/Securities, Manufacturing, and Medical) approved by the State Authority. Participants can also be a minority partner (up to 49% ownership) in a joint-venture business.

PVIP FAQS

An elite, long-term residency visa offering approval for up to 20 years, with Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facilities.

Yes you can work and also own a business

To show an offshore Income RM40,000 / month (Or RM480,000 annually. Verified by latest 3 months’ statements) and Liquid Funds of RM1,500,000. After approval to place a Fixed Deposit of RM1,000,000 (Placed in a licensed bank in Malaysia).

Agency fees RM65,000+ and Government processing fees RM200,000 + RM100,000 per dependent. Also visa fees at RM2,000 per year per person

LABUAN FAQS

A legally established Malaysian offshore entity incorporated under the Labuan Companies Act 1990, ideal for international business.

Labuan entities offer a highly competitive 3% tax on net trading profits and 0% on holding activities.

Foreign investors are granted 100% ownership and full absolute control over the enterprise.

To qualify, a company must demonstrate “Economic Substance” by maintaining a minimum of MYR 50,000 in annual operating expenditure and employing at least two full-time staff members in Labuan. Failing this results in the standard 24% tax rate.

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