Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)Overview
MM2H has been Malaysia's flagship long-stay programme since 2002. After a suspension and a tightening of criteria in 2021, the federal government relaunched it with a tiered structure overseen by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Participants receive a renewable social visit pass with a multiple-entry visa; MM2H is a long-term stay permit rather than permanent residence, and it does not lead to citizenship.
Each tier combines three financial commitments: a fixed deposit with a Malaysian bank licensed under the Financial Services Act 2013 or the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013, a one-off participating fee, and the compulsory purchase of a residence after approval. Silver requires a USD 150,000 deposit, a property worth at least RM 600,000 and a RM 1,000 fee, and carries a 5-year pass. Gold requires USD 500,000, a property of at least RM 1 million and a RM 3,000 fee, for a 15-year pass. Platinum requires USD 1 million, a property of at least RM 2 million and a RM 200,000 fee, for a 20-year pass with permission to undertake business, investment and career activities and to bring a foreign domestic helper.
The SEZ/SFZ category was introduced to support the Special Financial Zone at Forest City, Johor, part of the wider Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is open from age 21 and requires a fixed deposit of USD 65,000 for applicants aged 21 to 49, or USD 32,000 for those aged 50 and above, a RM 1,000 participating fee, and the purchase of a residence in Forest City subject to the Johor state floor price. It grants a 10-year pass, and renewals after the maximum term cost RM 300 every five years.
Across all categories, up to 50% of the deposit principal can be withdrawn after approval for a residence, education, medical or tourism purposes, and the residence cannot be sold for ten years except to upgrade to a higher-value property. Participants must spend at least 90 days a year in Malaysia; for principals aged 25 to 49 this can be met by the principal and dependants together. The official guidelines were last updated in February 2026. Sarawak and Sabah operate their own state-level long-stay programmes with separate criteria.
Key benefits
- Long-term multiple-entry stay of up to 20 years, renewable
- Inclusion of spouse, children, parents and parents-in-law
- Deposit remains the participant's own asset, with partial withdrawal permitted
- Platinum participants may conduct business, invest and pursue careers in Malaysia
- Lower-entry SEZ/SFZ category from USD 32,000 for applicants aged 50 and over
- Access to Malaysia's international schools and private healthcare
- Modest annual renewal costs once the pass is issued
Requirements
- Principal applicant aged 25 or above for Silver, Gold and Platinum, or 21 or above for SEZ/SFZ
- Fixed deposit placed with a Malaysian institution licensed under the Financial Services Act 2013 or Islamic Financial Services Act 2013
- Compulsory purchase of a residence after approval at or above the tier's minimum value
- Residence may not be sold for 10 years, except to upgrade to a higher-value property
- Minimum stay of 90 days cumulative per year in Malaysia
- One-off participating fee for the principal applicant, with no fee for dependants
- Passport validity sufficient for the pass, which is renewed if the passport expires first
- Medical examination, health insurance and security vetting
- Application submitted through a MOTAC-licensed MM2H agent
Investment options
Silver
USD 150,000 deposit
Property from RM 600,000, RM 1,000 participating fee, 5-year renewable pass.
Gold
USD 500,000 deposit
Property from RM 1,000,000, RM 3,000 participating fee, 15-year pass.
Platinum
USD 1,000,000 deposit
Property from RM 2,000,000, RM 200,000 participating fee, 20-year pass, business and work rights, and one foreign domestic helper as a dependant.
SEZ/SFZ (Forest City)
USD 65,000 or USD 32,000 deposit
USD 65,000 for ages 21–49 or USD 32,000 for 50+, residence in Forest City at or above the Johor floor price, RM 1,000 fee, 10-year pass.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Tier selection
We compare tiers against the family's age profile, budget, intended time in Malaysia and need for work or business rights.
- 2
Application via licensed agent
The application, with financial evidence and family documents, is lodged with the One Stop Centre MM2H through a MOTAC-licensed agent.
- 3
Conditional approval
MOTAC issues a conditional approval letter setting out the deposit and property obligations.
- 4
Deposit and medicals
The fixed deposit is opened at a licensed Malaysian bank, and medical examinations and insurance are completed.
- 5
Pass endorsement
The MM2H pass and multiple-entry visa are endorsed in the passports of the principal and dependants.
- 6
Property purchase
The qualifying residence is acquired within the required period, with partial deposit withdrawal available for this purpose.
- 7
Ongoing compliance
Annual stay, deposit maintenance and renewals are monitored throughout the pass term.
Typical documents
- Passport copies for the principal and all dependants
- Curriculum vitae and recent photographs
- Bank statements and evidence of financial capacity
- Marriage and birth certificates, translated where required
- Police clearance or certificate of good conduct
- Medical examination report and health insurance
- Fixed deposit confirmation from a licensed Malaysian bank
- Sale and purchase agreement or title for the qualifying residence
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth helps families choose the MM2H tier that fits their plans, works with a MOTAC-licensed agent and local counsel to prepare a complete file, and coordinates the deposit, property purchase and family documentation. We track the 90-day stay rule, deposit conditions and renewals, and we integrate Malaysian residence into the client's tax-residence, education and succession planning with discretion and a compliance-first approach.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Is MM2H permanent residence?
No. MM2H grants a renewable long-term social visit pass with a multiple-entry visa. It does not confer permanent residence or a path to citizenship.
Can I withdraw the fixed deposit?
Up to 50% of the principal may be withdrawn after approval for a residence, education, medical or tourism purposes. The balance must be maintained.
Is buying property compulsory?
Yes. Every category requires purchasing a residence at or above the tier's minimum value, and it cannot be sold for 10 years except to upgrade.
How does the SEZ/SFZ category differ?
It is tied to Forest City in Johor, is open from age 21 and requires a deposit of USD 65,000 (ages 21–49) or USD 32,000 (50+), with a 10-year pass.
Can I work in Malaysia on MM2H?
Business, investment and career activities are expressly permitted for Platinum participants. Other tiers should seek advice before undertaking any work.
Who can I include as dependants?
A spouse, children under 21 (or 21–34 if single and unemployed), children with disabilities regardless of age, and parents or parents-in-law.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
