If you are considering a long-term stay in Southeast Asia, Malaysia's My Second Home programme is likely one of the options you have come across.
Launched in 2002, MM2H remains one of the more accessible long-term residency schemes in the region, as published by MOTAC. It does not require local employment, and it allows holders to live in Malaysia with flexibility depending on the programme tier.
That said, the programme was significantly revised in 2024. The current structure introduces multiple tiers with different financial requirements, a mandatory property component, and the addition of a Special Economic Zone pathway. Understanding these changes is key before deciding whether MM2H is the right fit.
What Is the MM2H Programme?
MM2H, short for Malaysia My Second Home, is a government-backed long-term residency scheme administered by Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in collaboration with the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Successful applicants are granted a multiple-entry social visit pass, not permanent residency, which allows them to stay in Malaysia for an extended period. Depending on the tier, the pass is valid between 5 and 20 years and can be renewed.
Holders are free to enter and leave Malaysia throughout the validity period, making it suitable for those who want a flexible base in the region.
Important to understand. MM2H is not a permanent residency programme and does not provide a pathway to Malaysian citizenship. If your objective is to obtain PR or a Malaysian passport, you would need to explore other immigration routes. The programme is designed for individuals who want to spend extended time in Malaysia, whether for retirement, lifestyle relocation, or as a secondary residence. Work rights are limited and vary by tier. In most cases, separate approval is required.
Who Can Apply for MM2H?
MM2H is open to applicants from most countries, provided they meet the programme's financial and eligibility requirements.
As of the 2024 revision, the minimum age is 25 years old.
There is no minimum salary requirement. Instead, eligibility is assessed based on your ability to:
- Place a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank
- Purchase approved residential property within the required timeframe after approval
Who Can You Include as Dependants?
MM2H allows you to include immediate family members under a single application. Dependants are not subject to separate participation fees.
| Dependant | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spouse | No age restriction |
| Children | Unmarried, up to age 34, not employed in Malaysia |
| Children with disabilities | Any age |
| Parents and parents-in-law | No age restriction |
MM2H Tiers and Pathways (2025)
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a long-term residency programme that allows foreigners to live in Malaysia under specific financial and lifestyle requirements.
As of 2025, MM2H is no longer a single unified scheme. It consists of multiple pathways, including federal tiers administered by Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the official authority overseeing the national MM2H programme, as well as state-level programmes such as Sarawak MM2H.
Programme Overview
| Programme | Validity | Fixed Deposit | Min. Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 5 years, renewable | USD 150,000 | RM 600,000 |
| Gold | 15 years, renewable | USD 500,000 | RM 1,000,000 |
| Platinum | 20 years, renewable | USD 1,000,000 | RM 2,000,000 |
| SEZ | 10 years, renewable | USD 32,000–65,000 | Johor SEZ only (varies by zone) |
| S-MM2H | 10 years (5+5) | RM 500,000 | RM 500,000–600,000 |
Data as of June 2025. For the latest requirements, refer to the official MM2H programme page on MOTAC.
In general, higher tiers require larger financial commitments but offer longer validity and greater flexibility. Lower-entry pathways such as SEZ and S-MM2H reduce upfront costs but come with location or usage restrictions.
Is the SEZ pathway worth considering?
The SEZ pathway offers one of the lowest financial entry points within the MM2H framework while still providing a 10-year visa validity.
This makes it a practical option for applicants with more limited budgets, particularly those open to living in Johor.
However, the trade-off is reduced flexibility. Properties must be purchased within designated zones such as Forest City and Medini Iskandar, typically from approved developers. This limits location choice compared to the national MM2H tiers.
Best suited for: Applicants prioritising lower upfront cost and who are comfortable residing within designated SEZ areas.
S-MM2H: The Sarawak Pathway
Sarawak MM2H is a state-managed residency programme that operates independently from the federal MM2H scheme. Applying for one does not affect the other, and the requirements are not interchangeable.
As of 2025, the key requirements include:
- Minimum age of 30
- Citizenship from a country with diplomatic relations with Malaysia
- Fixed deposit of RM 500,000 placed in a Sarawak-based bank
The fixed deposit covers the main applicant, spouse, and dependants as a single family unit. After the first year, up to 50 percent can be withdrawn for approved purposes such as property purchase, a car, medical expenses, or children's education within Sarawak.
The pass is valid for 10 years, structured as two five-year periods and renewable. To maintain the pass, holders must spend at least 30 days per year in Sarawak.
Property purchase thresholds are generally:
- RM 600,000 in Kuching
- RM 500,000 in other divisions
Important to note. S-MM2H is geographically restricted. While holders can travel within Malaysia, residency rights are limited to Sarawak. If your intention is to live in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, or Sabah, the federal MM2H programme would be more suitable. S-MM2H holders may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.
Best suited for: Applicants who specifically intend to live in Sarawak and prefer a lower financial threshold compared to federal MM2H tiers.
Application process
Applications for S-MM2H must be submitted either directly to the MTCP office in Petrajaya, Kuching, or through a registered S-MM2H agent. There is currently no fully online application system. Processing typically takes around three months, depending on documentation and approvals.
Key takeaway. There is no single "best" MM2H pathway. The right option depends on your budget, preferred location, and whether you prioritise flexibility or lower entry cost.
What happens to your National MM2H fixed deposit?
For the National programme (Silver, Gold, Platinum, SEZ), the fixed deposit is placed in a Malaysian bank account in your name. The principal is locked for the first year. After that, you can withdraw up to 50 percent for approved purposes - property purchase, medical expenses, and local expenses. Interest earned on the fixed deposit is tax-exempt.
The Property Requirement
One of the most significant changes introduced in the 2024 MM2H revamp is the mandatory property purchase.
Under the previous version of the programme, buying property was optional. As of 2025, it is now a core condition of approval.
Applicants are required to purchase residential property in Malaysia within 12 months of receiving conditional approval. The property must meet:
- The minimum value set for your MM2H tier
- The foreign ownership threshold set by the state
Whichever requirement is higher will apply.
In most cases, only residential-title properties are eligible. Commercial-title properties are generally not accepted unless specifically approved under current guidelines.
Property may be purchased jointly with a named dependant under the same MM2H application. Existing property ownership in Malaysia may also be considered, subject to confirmation by MOTAC.
What MM2H Holders Can Do
Tax on foreign income
Foreign-sourced income remitted into Malaysia is currently tax-exempt for MM2H holders until 2036, based on Malaysia's Budget 2024 announcements.
This may include:
- Pensions
- Overseas dividends
- Rental income from foreign properties
- Capital gains from assets held outside Malaysia
Income earned within Malaysia remains subject to local income tax regulations.
Healthcare and education
MM2H holders can access private healthcare in Malaysia, which is widely regarded as high quality and cost-effective.
Dependant children may enrol in international or private schools. Major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru offer a wide selection of international curricula.
Multiple-entry travel
MM2H provides a multiple-entry social visit pass, allowing holders to enter and leave Malaysia freely during the visa's validity.
Minimum stay requirements may apply depending on the tier. It is important to refer to current MOTAC guidelines when planning renewals.
Business and investment
Work and business rights vary by tier:
| Tier | Work and business rights |
|---|---|
| Silver | Employment and business activities are not permitted |
| Gold | May apply for a separate pass for work or business |
| Platinum | Permitted to undertake business activities, subject to prevailing regulations |
How the Application Process Works
All national MM2H applications must be submitted through a licensed agent approved by Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Direct applications are not accepted.
Step 1: Preparation (1 to 2 months)
You engage a licensed agent, select your tier, and prepare required documents such as:
- Valid passport
- Financial statements
- Letter of intent
- Police clearance
- Medical report
- Proof of health insurance
Step 2: Submission and review (2 to 3 months)
Your agent submits the application to MOTAC. In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview with the Royal Malaysia Police.
If approved, you will receive a conditional approval letter.
Step 3: Fulfilling conditions
You are required to place the fixed deposit and begin arrangements for property purchase. You must enter Malaysia within the specified timeframe (typically within 3 months) for visa endorsement.
Step 4: Visa endorsement
Once the fixed deposit is completed, your MM2H pass will be endorsed. The property purchase must then be completed within 12 months of your approval.
Typical timeline: Most applicants complete the full process within 6 to 9 months, depending on documentation and financial arrangements.
Is MM2H the Right Visa for You?
MM2H is best suited for individuals who are financially independent and looking to establish a long-term base in Southeast Asia without relying on local employment.
It is commonly considered by:
- Retirees
- Remote workers or business owners with offshore income
- Individuals seeking a second home in the region
The combination of long-term stay, relatively lower cost of living, and favourable tax treatment on foreign income makes Malaysia an attractive option compared to cities such as Singapore or Hong Kong.
When MM2H may not be the right fit
MM2H may be less suitable if:
- You intend to work locally in Malaysia
- You are seeking permanent residency or citizenship
- You are not ready to commit to both a fixed deposit and property purchase
In these cases, alternative visa options or lower-entry pathways such as the SEZ tier may be worth considering.
Key takeaway. Before proceeding, the most practical first step is to assess whether you meet the financial requirements for your preferred tier. Qualification determines everything else, from eligibility to long-term flexibility under the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. MM2H is a renewable social visit pass - it does not provide a pathway to Malaysian permanent residency or citizenship. If PR is your goal, that requires a separate and more complex application process entirely.
It depends on your tier. Silver holders cannot work in Malaysia. Gold holders may apply for an additional pass to take up employment or run a business. Platinum holders are automatically permitted to act as company directors and shareholders without a separate pass.
Foreign-sourced income remitted into Malaysia is currently tax-exempt until 2036 for MM2H holders, as confirmed in the Malaysian Budget 2024. This includes pensions, overseas dividends, and foreign rental income. Only income generated within Malaysia is subject to local income tax. Interest earned on your fixed deposit is also tax-exempt.
Yes. For the National MM2H programme, all applications must go through a MOTAC-licensed agent. You cannot apply directly. A list of approved operators is published on the MOTAC website. Agent fees are separate from the government participation fee and vary between operators.
The full process typically takes 6 to 9 months from document preparation through to visa endorsement. This covers 1 to 2 months preparing documents, 2 to 3 months for MOTAC review and conditional approval, and additional time to fulfil the fixed deposit placement and property requirements after conditional approval.
You can include your spouse, unmarried children up to age 34 who are not working in Malaysia, children of any age who are permanently disabled, and your parents or parents-in-law. Dependants are not subject to the participation fee and are covered under the same MM2H pass as the principal applicant.
Yes. If you exit the programme, your fixed deposit (minus any amounts withdrawn for approved purposes) is refundable after completing the immigration exit procedures. The principal is locked for the first year, after which up to 50 percent can be withdrawn for approved uses. The remaining balance is fully refundable on exit.
The Special Economic Zone category is a lower-threshold MM2H pathway for applicants purchasing property in designated development zones. As of late 2025, qualifying zones include Forest City and Medini Iskandar in Johor. The fixed deposit is USD 65,000 for ages 21 to 49, and USD 32,000 for ages 50 and above. The visa is valid for 10 years and renewable.
S-MM2H is the Sarawak-specific residency programme, administered independently by the Sarawak state government (MTCP). It is entirely separate from the National MM2H programme run by MOTAC. S-MM2H holders are restricted to living in Sarawak, the fixed deposit of RM 500,000 is placed in a Sarawak bank and covers the whole family unit, the minimum age is 30, and the pass is valid for 10 years in two renewable five-year tranches. Part-time work up to 20 hours per week is permitted with approval. Applications are submitted physically to the MTCP office in Kuching or via a registered S-MM2H agent.