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Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) - 2024 Tiers

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) - 2024 Tiers

Premium long-term residency programme for retirees, investors, and global citizens

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Overview

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme is one of the world's most popular long-term residency programmes, offering successful applicants a 5 to 20-year renewable social visit pass that allows them to live in Malaysia with multiple-entry visa privileges. The programme was comprehensively revamped in 2024 with a new tiered structure designed to attract a diverse range of participants, from high-net-worth retirees to digital professionals seeking a tropical lifestyle in one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic countries. The 2024 tiered structure introduced three distinct categories: Platinum (RM 10 million fixed deposit), Gold (RM 5 million fixed deposit), and Silver (RM 1 million fixed deposit). Each tier comes with corresponding benefits, including different pass validity periods and eligibility criteria. This restructuring aims to make the programme more accessible to a broader demographic while maintaining its premium positioning in the global residence-by-investment market. The Platinum tier requires a fixed deposit of RM 10 million in a Malaysian bank account. Participants can withdraw up to 50% of the principal amount after one year for Approved Purposes, which include purchasing property (minimum value of RM 2 million), medical expenses, and education fees. Platinum tier participants receive a 20-year renewable pass and are eligible for various incentives including tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income brought into Malaysia. The Gold tier requires a fixed deposit of RM 5 million. Participants can withdraw up to 50% after one year for the same Approved Purposes. Gold participants receive a 15-year renewable pass with full access to Malaysia's healthcare and education systems. The Gold tier is designed for well-funded retirees and semi-retired professionals who want a long-term base in Malaysia. The Silver tier requires a fixed deposit of RM 1 million. Participants can withdraw up to 50% after one year for Approved Purposes. Silver participants receive a 5-year renewable pass. This tier is aimed at a broader audience including younger professionals, remote workers, and retirees with moderate savings who still want the security of long-term residency. In addition to the fixed deposit requirements, all MM2H applicants must meet monthly offshore income requirements. The monthly income threshold varies by tier: Platinum participants must demonstrate a minimum monthly offshore income of RM 100,000, Gold participants RM 40,000, and Silver participants RM 10,000. This income must be derived from sources outside Malaysia, such as pensions, investments, or overseas employment. All MM2H participants are required to undergo medical screening at an approved private hospital or clinic in Malaysia. They must also obtain comprehensive medical insurance valid in Malaysia. Participants aged 70 and above are exempt from the insurance requirement but must submit a medical report. One of the most attractive benefits of the MM2H programme is the tax treatment. Participants enjoy tax exemption on foreign-sourced income brought into Malaysia, subject to compliance with Malaysia's tax regulations. They are also eligible for the luxury goods tax exemption (up to RM 25,000 per item for personal use) and can import one vehicle duty-free. MM2H participants can purchase residential property in Malaysia. The minimum property price varies by state, with most states requiring a minimum of RM 1 million for foreign buyers. However, certain states and properties have different thresholds. Participants can also obtain financing for property purchases from Malaysian banks, typically up to 70% loan-to-value ratio. The application process involves multiple government agencies including the MM2H Centre under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Immigration Department, and the Royal Malaysian Police for background checks. Processing times range from 3 to 6 months for standard applications. Family members can be included in the application including spouses, children under 21, and parents or parents-in-law (above 60) as dependents. Additional fees apply for each dependent. MM2H participants can also apply to bring their foreign domestic worker(s) under a special arrangement.

Eligibility

Age-Based Tier System

Applicants aged 30-34 require a fixed deposit of RM 500,000 (Platinum Tier). Those aged 35-49 require RM 200,000 (Gold Tier). Applicants aged 50 and above require RM 100,000 (Silver Tier). Each tier offers different levels of benefits.

Offshore Income Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly offshore income. For Platinum Tier: RM 50,000/month. For Gold Tier: RM 40,000/month. For Silver Tier: RM 30,000/month.

Nationality Eligibility

The MM2H programme is open to citizens of all countries recognized by Malaysia. However, certain countries with strained diplomatic relations may face restrictions.

Good Health Requirement

Applicants must be in good health and provide a medical report from a registered Malaysian hospital or clinic. Applicants with certain chronic or serious medical conditions may be rejected.

Clean Criminal Record

Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin and any country where they have resided for more than 6 months in the past 5 years.

Bond Requirement

Applicants aged 30-49 must provide a personal bond of RM 20,000. Applicants aged 50 and above are exempt from this bond requirement.

Required Documents

Valid Passport

A valid passport with at least 24 months of remaining validity (to cover 5-year pass duration). All pages must be scanned clearly.

Passport-Sized Photographs

Four recent passport-sized colour photographs (35mm x 45mm) with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.

Fixed Deposit Placement Proof

Evidence of fixed deposit placement in a Malaysian bank at the required tier amount. The deposit must be held for the duration of the pass.

Offshore Income Proof

Bank statements for the last 6 to 12 months, employment verification, or investment statements demonstrating the required minimum monthly offshore income.

Medical Report

A comprehensive medical examination report from a registered Malaysian medical facility, dated within the last 3 months.

Police Clearance Certificate

A criminal record certificate from the applicant''s country of residence and all countries lived in for over 6 months in the last 5 years.

Personal Bond Document

For applicants aged 30-49, documentation of the RM 20,000 personal bond executed with a Malaysian bank or surety company.

Process

1

Self-Assessment and Document Preparation

Begin by determining which MM2H tier suits your financial profile and objectives. Review the fixed deposit requirements: RM 10 million for Platinum, RM 5 million for Gold, or RM 1 million for Silver. Also assess your monthly offshore income eligibility: RM 100,000 for Platinum, RM 40,000 for Gold, or RM 10,000 for Silver. Prepare all required documents meticulously. These include a valid passport with at least 24 months of remaining validity, recent passport-sized photographs with a white background, a detailed application form, a medical report from an approved hospital or clinic, a certificate of good conduct or police clearance from your country of residence, proof of offshore income (bank statements, pension slips, investment statements for the past 3 to 6 months), bank statements showing sufficient funds for the fixed deposit requirement, a detailed CV or personal background statement, and a letter of intent explaining why you wish to participate in the MM2H programme. All documents must be in English or Malay. Foreign-language documents require certified translations. Gather original documents and certified copies for submission.

2

Engage an MM2H Agent or Apply Directly

While it is possible to apply for MM2H directly, engaging a licensed MM2H agent registered with MOTAC is highly recommended. Licensed agents are familiar with the application process, document requirements, and potential pitfalls. They can guide you through the entire process from document preparation to submission and follow-up. The agent will verify that your documents are complete and compliant before submission, reducing the risk of delays or rejection. If applying directly, you must ensure that you understand all requirements thoroughly and submit your application to the MM2H Centre in Putrajaya or through the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate if applying from overseas. The MM2H Centre website provides detailed application guidelines and downloadable forms. Whether using an agent or applying directly, maintain copies of all submitted documents and keep your application reference number for tracking purposes.

3

Submit Application and Pay Processing Fees

Submit your complete application package to the MM2H Centre. The application includes all forms, supporting documents, and evidence of eligibility. Along with the application, you must pay the non-refundable processing fee. The fees are tiered: RM 5,000 for the main applicant for Platinum tier, RM 3,000 for Gold, and RM 1,000 for Silver. Additional fees apply for dependents: RM 2,500 per dependent for Platinum, RM 1,500 for Gold, and RM 500 for Silver. These fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the MM2H Centre at the time of application. Payment can be made via bank draft or online transfer to the designated government account. Upon submission and payment, you will receive an official receipt and an application reference number. The application status can be tracked through the MM2H Centre's online system or by contacting the centre directly.

4

Application Vetting and Background Checks

The MM2H Centre reviews your application for completeness and eligibility. This initial review ensures that all required documents are present and meet the programme's standards. Your application is then forwarded to various government agencies for verification, including the Immigration Department (for immigration history checks), the Royal Malaysian Police (for criminal background checks through Interpol and international databases), and Bank Negara Malaysia (for financial verification in certain cases). This vetting process is thorough and can take 3 to 6 months. The reviewing officers may contact you or your agent if additional information or clarification is required. It is important to respond promptly to any such requests. Delays in response can significantly extend the processing time. During this period, you can track your application status through your agent or by contacting the MM2H Centre with your reference number.

5

Approval and Fixed Deposit Placement

Upon successful vetting, you will receive an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) letter from the MM2H Centre. This letter outlines the conditions you must fulfil to finalise your participation in the programme. The primary condition is the placement of the required fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank account in your name. You have 6 months from the date of the AIP to place the fixed deposit. You must open a Foreigner Account (also known as an MM2H account) at any bank approved by the MM2H programme. Major banks such as Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB, and Hong Leong Bank have dedicated MM2H account services. The fixed deposit must be maintained for the duration of your pass. After one year, you can withdraw up to 50% of the principal amount for Approved Purposes including property purchase, medical expenses, education fees, and children's tuition. Upon confirmation of the fixed deposit placement, the MM2H Centre issues the final approval letter.

6

Pass Issuance and Arrival in Malaysia

With the final approval and proof of fixed deposit placement, you can proceed to obtain your MM2H social visit pass. If you are outside Malaysia, present your final approval letter at a Malaysian embassy or consulate to obtain the appropriate entry visa. Upon arrival in Malaysia, report to the MM2H Centre or the Immigration Department with your passport and approval documents to receive the MM2H pass endorsement. The pass validity period depends on your tier: 20 years for Platinum, 15 years for Gold, or 5 years for Silver. You will also receive your i-Kad (foreign identification card) which serves as your official identification document in Malaysia. The i-Kad includes your photograph and MM2H pass details. After receiving your pass and i-Kad, you can fully enjoy the benefits of the MM2H programme including purchasing property, opening additional bank accounts, driving with a valid foreign licence or obtaining a Malaysian driving licence, and accessing healthcare and education services. Remember to comply with all pass conditions including maintaining the fixed deposit, holding valid medical insurance, and not engaging in any form of employment without a separate work pass.

FAQ

Can I work or run a business in Malaysia on the MM2H pass?
The standard MM2H pass does not permit employment in Malaysia. However, participants can invest in and be a passive shareholder of a Malaysian company. If you wish to actively manage a business or work for a Malaysian employer, you must obtain a separate work permit or Employment Pass. Some limited part-time work or consultancy arrangements may be permitted with prior approval from immigration authorities. Platinum tier participants have more flexibility in this regard, but you should always confirm with the MM2H Centre before commencing any income-generating activity.
What happens to my fixed deposit if my MM2H application is rejected?
The fixed deposit is only placed after you receive the Approval-in-Principle (AIP). If the application is rejected before the AIP stage, no fixed deposit has been placed, so there is no impact. If you have placed the fixed deposit based on an AIP but the final approval is not granted for any reason, you can withdraw the full fixed deposit amount, though you may incur early withdrawal penalties depending on the bank's terms. The processing fees paid at submission are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Can I include my parents or parents-in-law in my MM2H application?
Yes, MM2H participants can include their parents or parents-in-law aged 60 and above as dependents. Additional processing fees apply for each dependent parent. They will receive the same pass validity as the main applicant. If parents are below 60, they may need to apply under a separate MM2H application or seek alternative long-term passes such as the Long-Term Social Visit Pass.
Is there a minimum stay requirement for MM2H participants?
MM2H participants are required to spend a minimum of 90 days per year in Malaysia cumulatively. This can be spread across multiple visits throughout the year. Failure to meet this requirement may affect pass renewal. The stay requirement is monitored through immigration entry and exit records. Participants should maintain a travel log or record of their stays for reference during renewal.
Can MM2H participants buy property in Malaysia?
Yes, MM2H participants can purchase residential and commercial property in Malaysia. The minimum property price varies by state, typically ranging from RM 500,000 in some states to RM 1 million in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Johor. Certain states have lower thresholds for MM2H participants. Participants can also obtain mortgage financing from Malaysian banks, typically up to 70% of the property value. Properties purchased must be for personal use or investment, and participants cannot engage in property development as a business unless they obtain the appropriate business licences.
Can I convert my MM2H pass to Malaysian permanent residency or citizenship?
The MM2H programme is a long-term residency programme and does not directly lead to permanent residency (PR) or citizenship. However, MM2H participants who have resided in Malaysia for an extended period and have made significant contributions to the country may be considered for PR on a case-by-case basis. The immigration authorities evaluate each application individually based on factors such as length of residence, economic contributions, and integration into Malaysian society. Citizenship is available only through naturalisation after meeting stringent requirements including 12 years of continuous residence.