Here are the answers to frequently asked questions, Most have been provided by the MM2H One Stop Centre. The answers are only applicable for people joining the revised programme introduced in 2024
GENERAL
The rules were changed several years ago and you may now apply if you have a Malaysian wife/husband. It
should be noted that Malaysia does not accept same-sex marriages.
We have helped former Malaysian citizens apply for the visa without any problems
The government usually allows six months to collect the visa. You do not have to move to Malaysia immediately the visa is endorsed in your passport but those under 50 years of age are required to spend 90 days a year in the country. All approved applicants must purchase a property within one year of receiving approval.
If you are not married, you will have to apply separately and you will both need to qualify for the programme.
Unfortunately, having an MM2H visa does not entitle applicants to Permanent Residency and it cannot be converted to PR status.
Many websites are not updated and contain old information. We have been an agent since 2005 and update our website promptly so you can rely on the information it contains. If in doubt contact our help desk on this website.
It is possible to live in Malaysia on a very low monthly income but to enjoy a reasonably comfortable lifestyle a couple would need around RM10,000 (US$2400) a month
APPLICATION
There is currently no requirement to show proof of income or liquid assets. This condition was removed. However, you will need enough funds to place the fixed deposit and put down on a property. You should also consider the funds required for living expenses
That is not necessary as long as all required documents are submitted. Upon approval, applicants must come to Malaysia to have their passports endorsed (after a medical test by a doctor in Malaysia, placing the required fixed deposit, and arranging medical insurance).
The government has indicated a maximum of three months (13 weeks) but with a limited number of cases being approved under the new terms and conditions, we cannot confirm the average number of weeks.
FIXED DEPOSIT
The fixed deposit placement only has to be made by the main applicant. Dependents are not required to place one.
Most banks will want to see the conditional letter of approval to open the bank account. Setting up the FD account is simple but transferring the money from your home country to the bank account here can take several days. There are restrictions on how much cash you can bring into the country (currently US$10,000 equivalent).
There is no tax on the interest from the Fixed Deposits.
You may keep the interest on the Fixed Deposit. Interest paid to foreigners varies from bank to bank, but is currently around 3.0 percent.
It can be in either currency. The ringgit amount would be at the bank's daily conversion rate.
Partial withdrawal can be made at any time after the visa is endorsed in the passport. It can only be withdrawn for approved purposes – currently property purchase, education or medical expenses in Malaysia or domestic travel (air ticket hotel costs)
PROPERTY PURCHASE
Yes, it will be accepted but it will not qualify for withdrawal of 50% of the fixed deposit. In order to do this the sale and purchase agreement must be dated after the visa is endorsed.
Approved applicants have one year to buy a property. MM2H agents are expected to check this is done. Non-compliance may result in the visa being revoked.
It has to be a residential property. This includes SOHO apartments (‘Small office, home office’ designed for people who work from home) and service apartments. At this stage, it does not include senior living communities which usually require long-term tenancy agreements or membership fees.
It can be shared ownership with anyone who was listed on the conditional approval letter.
SPECIAL FINANCE ZONE
At this time Forest City is the only place that qualifies although it is expected that in due course (no
timeline given) it will be expanded to other areas in Johor.
MINIMUM STAY IN MALAYSIA
The minimum stay requirement is only for those aged under 50. It does not apply to those over 50 or reach the age of 50 after joining the programme.
It required that the visa holder spend at least 90 days every year in Malaysia. The first year is on pro rata basis. Visa holders cannot average their days in Malaysia over the full period of the visa as they must meet this condition every year.
WORKING IN MALAYSIA
Only the Platinum MM2H visa allows people to work in Malaysia. The other visas do not permit it so while it is possible to invest and be a shareholder in a local company, working in any capacity is not permitted even holding the position of director. It you wish to work it would require converting your visa to an employment pass.
CHANGING PRINCIPAL
The new rules allow the principal to designate a dependent as successor upon their death but the mechanics of this have not yet been finalized. The government recommends preparing a will in Malaysia to facilitate transfer of any locally held assets.
FINANCIAL
The costs can vary quite a bit depending on which MM2H visa the applicants choose and where they plan to live. We believe people should have at least US$250,000 before considering the visa. This is to cover the three largest expenses – the fixed deposit, the property purchase and the agent’s fee (which includes government charges). One of the cheapest MM2H visas, if you wish to live in West Malaysia, is the SEZ/SFZ visa. Overall, however, Sarawak would probably be the cheapest since they do not always require property purchase.
The most popular national visa is the Silver Tier, and the Gold is usually taken by people who can easily place the US$500.000 fixed deposit. The SEZ/SFZ visa is the lowest-cost visa suitable for people who want to live in West Malaysia.
PROPERTY
Yes, all the MM2H visas require a property purchase, except for the Sarawak visa, which does not require approved applicants to buy a property. However, it should be noted that approved applicants are expected to live in Sarawak.
You can only request approval to withdraw half the fixed deposit for property after you have completed the purchase of the property. If you can get a loan or defer part of the payment, then you can withdraw money because the authorities wish to see the completed sale and purchase agreement in order to release the funds. You can also withdraw half the funds for medical expenses, education, or domestic travel costs.
If you bought the property up to two years before visa application, then it can be used to qualify you for the visa but it cannot be the basis for withdrawing half the fixed deposit.
The MM2H visa requires it to be a residential property. There are certain restrictions on foreigners buying property that vary by state, so it is important to check the rules for the state in which you decide to settle.
You must hold on to it for ten years unless you cancel the visa. However, if you wish to buy a more expensive property, then you can sell it and upgrade.
If you are over 50 there is no minimum residency period, but for those under 50 you are required to spend at least 90 days a year in the country. This requirement can be fulfilled by a dependant, not just the principal applicant. You should keep a record, although immigration can independently check it.
THE APPLICATION
Once all the documents are submitted, allow three months for approval, although it is sometimes faster. Once approved (with the letter of conditional approval), the applicant has three months to fulfil the other conditions (place fixed deposit, complete the health check and buy medical insurance (if under 60) before having your passports endorsed
Yes all applicants are now required to use an approved agent. The longer-running agents are usually more experienced. Approved agents are listed on the Ministry of Tourism website (MOTAC)
There is no need to come to Malaysia until the application is approved, at which point the principal and dependants to be in the country to have their passports endorsed
A spouse can become a dependant but if the couple never married, they would have to apply separately, and the same applies for some same-sex marriages that are not recognised in Malaysia.
All of these people can join as dependants of the principal applicant. They do not have to individually place a fixed deposit. They can all be included under one agent fee (whatever is stated for the specific visa for which you apply). However, government charges such as the annual visa fee will apply to each person. The basic fee includes the government charges for the principal, but not usually for dependants.
EMPLOYMENT & TAX
Tax treatment depends on whether the tax authorities consider the income as derived from Malaysia or abroad. Only the Platinum visa holders can work freely in Malaysia, but remote work for overseas organisations is possible, and many visa holders do this but if in doubt, it is best to seek professional advice.
There is no tax on pensions or other offshore income, only on money derived within Malaysia – except interest income, which is free of tax.
OTHER FAQs
Everyone under 60 has to have medical insurance. All applicants are required to have a medical exam after receiving conditional approval
The MM2H visa is not a pathway to permanent residency and the government has stated this on many occasions.
Renewal is relatively straightforward and the key requirement is that you can provide the required documents and have the fixed deposit still in place. Very few people have a problem renewing, and the terms are the same as when they first applied. For example, older visa holders are not required to own property as it was not a condition when they joined.
They all have different conditions, so it is best to study each of them before deciding which suits you best. It is worth noting that if you choose to reside in Sabah or Sarawak it requires you to apply for their MM2H visas.
Many countries now offer residency visas so it is a question of which suits you best . Many people choose Malaysia because of its developed infrastructure and widely spoken English but others are put off by the relatively high entry cost, as it is aimed at people who can clearly contribute economically.
If you have other questions about MM2H or would like us to be your agent, please contact us through our free Help Desk.
Our company Borneo Vision (MM2H) Sdn Bhd is an approved agent for the programme. We can submit your application without you being here. You only need to come to Malaysia when it is approved. Check out “Six reasons to use us as your agent”.