MM2H Visa

The Malaysia visa system offers several long-term residence options, but the MM2H program—officially known as “Malaysia My Second Home”—stands out as one of the most established and flexible pathways. Launched in 2002, this renewable long-term residence scheme allows foreign nationals to live in Malaysia without changing their citizenship, while enjoying a calm, modern, and well-developed living environment.

The MM2H program is now structured into four main tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ), each with different financial requirements and visa validity periods ranging from 5 to 20 years. Applicants may bring their family members, including a spouse, unmarried children up to the age of 34, and even parents. Despite recent regulatory changes, Malaysia remains a highly attractive destination for lifestyle migration due to its affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare system, and tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income.

What Is the Malaysia MM2H Visa?

🇬🇧 What Is the Malaysia MM2H Visa?

The Malaysia MM2H Visa, officially known as the Malaysia My Second Home program, is a long-term residence scheme that allows foreign nationals to live in Malaysia without changing their citizenship or obtaining permanent residence. Launched in 2002, MM2H was created for retirees, families, and financially independent individuals seeking a stable and high-quality lifestyle in Southeast Asia.

Unlike employment-based visas, MM2H is not tied to working for a Malaysian company. It is a lifestyle-focused residence visa granted based on financial eligibility, personal background, and compliance with immigration rules. Depending on the selected tier, the visa offers a validity period of 5 to 20 years and remains renewable as long as program conditions are maintained.

A key advantage of the MM2H visa is its flexibility. Holders may live in Malaysia long term, travel in and out freely, and bring eligible family members such as a spouse and unmarried children. The program also provides access to Malaysia’s modern healthcare system, international schools, and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries.

MM2H is ideal for those seeking a “second base” rather than full immigration. It allows applicants to retain their original nationality, manage offshore income, and enjoy Malaysia’s multicultural environment and long-term stability—making it one of the most attractive lifestyle residence options in the region.

MM2H Visa at a Glance

In simple terms, the MM2H visa is a long-term residence permit for foreigners who want to live in Malaysia for lifestyle, retirement, or family reasons—without being employed by a Malaysian company.

• What it is: A long-term, renewable residence visa
• Who it’s for: Lifestyle migrants, retirees, financially independent individuals
• Visa duration: 5 to 20 years, depending on the selected tier

The MM2H program is structured into four main tiers—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Eligible applicants may bring family members, including a spouse, unmarried children up to age 34, and parents.

What Are the MM2H Visa Levels and Categories?

The MM2H program is no longer a single, uniform scheme. In 2024, the Malaysian government restructured it into a multi-tier system to better accommodate different budgets and lifestyle goals.

Platinum Level (Who Is It For?)

Designed for high-net-worth individuals who want the longest stay and the broadest privileges, including limited work and business rights.

Gold Level (Who Should Choose This?)

A balanced option for applicants seeking long-term residence with moderate financial requirements and a 15-year validity period.

Silver Level (Most Popular Choice)

The most affordable MM2H option, suitable for retirees and lifestyle residents, with a validity of 5 or 10 years.

Special Economic Zone (SEZ / SFZ)

Currently available in Forest City (Johor), this option requires a lower fixed deposit and suits applicants who frequently commute between Malaysia and Singapore.

Sarawak and Sabah also offer regional MM2H programs with generally more relaxed financial conditions than Peninsular Malaysia.

Who Is Eligible for the MM2H Visa?

To qualify for the MM2H visa, applicants must meet financial, age, and background requirements. Unlike earlier versions, most categories no longer require proof of fixed monthly offshore income.

Age Requirement

• Platinum & Gold: Minimum 25 years
• Silver & SEZ: Minimum 21 years

How Much Fixed Deposit Is Required?

• Platinum: USD 1,000,000
• Gold: USD 500,000
• Silver: USD 150,000

Property Purchase Requirement

Applicants must purchase a residential property in Malaysia (for example, MYR 600,000 for Silver) and hold it for at least 10 years.

Other Core Requirements

• Valid police clearance certificate
• Medical screening in Malaysia
• Valid health insurance for all dependents

How Do You Apply for the MM2H Visa?

Under current rules, applicants cannot apply independently. All MM2H applications must be submitted through a licensed agent approved by the Malaysian government.

Step-by-Step MM2H Application Process

1. Select the MM2H tier and appoint a licensed agent
2. Submit translated documents (passport, financials, police clearance)
3. Receive Conditional Approval
4. Travel to Malaysia, open a bank account, place the fixed deposit
5. Complete medical screening
6. Receive MM2H visa endorsement
7. Purchase the required property (usually within 12 months)

Professional fees typically range from MYR 40,000 to MYR 70,000 depending on the selected tier.

How Long Is the MM2H Visa Valid and How Is It Renewed?

• Platinum: 20 years
• Gold: 15 years
• Silver: 5 or 10 years

Although the total duration is long, visas are renewed in 5-year endorsement cycles. Renewal requires:

• Valid medical reports
• Active health insurance
• Proof that the fixed deposit is still maintained

If compliance is maintained and no legal issues exist, renewals are usually smooth. In the event of the main applicant’s death, spouses or close family members may continue the residence under updated regulations.

How Many Days Must You Stay in Malaysia Each Year?

• Under 50 years old: Minimum 90 cumulative days per year
• 50 years and above: No minimum stay requirement

The 90 days can be shared among family members. This rule aims to encourage stronger ties to the local economy and community.

Important MM2H Details Most Official Websites Do NOT Tell You

1. Visa Length Is Limited by Passport Validity

If your passport expires earlier than your MM2H approval period, your visa will be issued only up to your passport expiry—even if you qualify for Platinum.

2. Fixed Deposit Withdrawal Is Harder in Practice

• Banks interpret withdrawal rules differently
• Without a strong agent, requests are often rejected
• Some banks allow withdrawals only for approved property purchases

3. Property Purchase Traps

• Not all properties qualify for MM2H compliance
• Some developers market “MM2H-friendly” units incorrectly
• Buying the wrong property can delay visa renewal

4. Renewal Is Not an Automatic Right

Renewal depends on maintaining deposits, clean immigration history, and meeting physical presence rules (if under 50).

5. MM2H Is NOT a Work Visa

• Even Platinum does not equal an Employment Pass
• Company registration ≠ legal employment
• Misuse can result in visa cancellation

6. Smart Combination Strategy

Combining MM2H with the Malaysia Dependent Visa or using Study in Malaysia pathways for children can reduce long-term renewal risk and improve family stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Get Professional Support for Your Malaysia MM2H Visa

The MM2H visa is a long-term lifestyle decision involving financial planning, compliance, and precise execution. Small mistakes can lead to delays or unnecessary costs.

How Sharif Study Supports Your MM2H Journey

• Personalized MM2H tier assessment
• Clear guidance on deposits and property rules
• Professional document review
• Coordination with licensed MM2H agents
• Family planning support, including Malaysia Dependent Visa pathways