Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program: Your Guide to Long-Term Residency in 2025

May 22, 2025

Long Term Tourist Visas, Malaysia

If you’re dreaming of a vibrant, affordable, and culturally rich place to call your second home, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program might be your ticket. Perfect for retirees, expats, or digital nomads exploring Southeast Asia (especially after setting up a bank account in Thailand!), this program offers long-term residency in Malaysia with plenty of perks. In this guide, I’ll break down what the MM2H program is, its benefits, requirements, costs, and how to apply. Drawing on the latest 2025 updates from web sources, let’s dive into why Malaysia could be your next home!

What is the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program?

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a government-backed initiative launched in 1996 to attract foreigners to live in Malaysia long-term. Administered by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Immigration Department, it offers renewable, multiple-entry social visit passes for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years, depending on the tier. It’s designed for retirees, expatriates, investors, and families who want to enjoy Malaysia’s low cost of living, cultural diversity, and modern infrastructure. The program operates in three regions: West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang), Sarawak (S-MM2H), and Sabah (SBH-MM2H), each with distinct rules.

In 2024, MM2H underwent a major overhaul, introducing a three-tier system (Silver, Gold, Platinum) and a Special Economic Zone/Special Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ) category to attract wealthier applicants and boost Malaysia’s economy. Since its inception, MM2H has approved over 58,468 applicants, generating RM455.8 million (~US$102 million) in 2024 alone through fixed deposits and property purchases. It’s a golden visa program that doesn’t lead to permanent residency or citizenship but offers a flexible, long-term stay in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic countries.

Why Choose the MM2H Program?

Malaysia is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures, with English widely spoken due to its British colonial past. Here’s why MM2H is a top choice for 2025:

Affordable Living: Monthly costs range from $800–$1,500 USD in cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, covering rent, food, and transport.
Cultural Diversity: Enjoy vibrant festivals, world-class cuisine (think nasi lemak and laksa), and a welcoming multicultural society.

Modern Infrastructure: Malaysia boasts excellent healthcare, international schools, and connectivity (airports, highways).
Strategic Location: A hub for Southeast Asia, with easy access to Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Tax Benefits: Offshore income and pensions are tax-free, and fixed deposit interest is exempt.

Flexible Residency: Stay as little as 60–90 days/year, depending on the tier, with visa-free entry/exit.
Family-Friendly: Bring spouses, unmarried children under 35, parents, and in-laws as dependents.

Fun Fact: Since 2002, MM2H has contributed RM40.6 billion (~$9 billion) to Malaysia’s economy through visa fees, property, and spending.

MM2H Program Tiers and Requirements (2025)

The 2024 revamp introduced Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, plus a SEZ/SFZ category for zones like Johor Bahru. Each tier has specific financial, property, and residency requirements, catering to different budgets and lifestyles. Below is a detailed breakdown based on the latest updates.

1. Silver Tier

Fixed Deposit: US$150,000 (~MYR 700,000) in a Malaysian bank.
Property Purchase: Minimum MYR 600,000 (~US$134,000), must be held for 10 years (can upgrade to a higher-value property).

Monthly Offshore Income: Previously RM 10,000 (~US$2,240), but income requirements were removed in 2024 for some tiers.
Visa Duration: 5 years, renewable.
Residency Requirement: 60 days/year for main applicant or spouse/dependents (90 days for West Malaysia in some cases).

Application Fee: MYR 1,000 (~US$224) + MYR 1,500 renewal fee.
Approvals (2024): 260 principal applicants, most popular tier.

2. Gold Tier

Fixed Deposit: US$500,000 (~MYR 2.35 million).

Property Purchase: Minimum MYR 1 million (~US$224,000), held for 10 years.
Monthly Offshore Income: Previously RM 40,000 (~US$9,000), now optional.
Visa Duration: 15 years, renewable.

Residency Requirement: 60–90 days/year.
Application Fee: MYR 3,000 (~US$672).
Additional Perks: Can hire domestic helpers and conduct business/work in Malaysia.

Approvals (2024): 9 principal applicants.

3. Platinum Tier

Fixed Deposit: US$1 million (~MYR 4.7 million).
Property Purchase: Minimum MYR 2 million (~US$448,000), held for 10 years.

Monthly Offshore Income: Previously RM 100,000 (~US$22,400), now optional.
Visa Duration: 20 years, renewable.
Residency Requirement: 60–90 days/year.

Application Fee: MYR 5,000 (~US$1,120).
Additional Perks: Can work, invest in businesses, and bring a foreign maid.
Approvals (2024): 7 principal applicants.

4. Special Economic Zone/Special Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ)

Fixed Deposit: MYR 500,000 (~US$112,000).
Property Purchase: MYR 600,000 (~US$134,000) in SEZ/SFZ zones (e.g., Johor Bahru), purchased directly from developers, held for 10 years.
Monthly Offshore Income: None required.

Visa Duration: 5 years, renewable.
Residency Requirement: 60 days/year.
Application Fee: MYR 1,000.

Approvals (2024): 43 applicants.
Note: Designed for active business investors, with relaxed financial thresholds.

Sarawak (S-MM2H) and Sabah (SBH-MM2H)

Sarawak (S-MM2H):
- Fixed Deposit: MYR 150,000 (couples) or MYR 100,000 (singles).
- Monthly Income: RM 7,000 (singles) or RM 10,000 (couples).
- Property Purchase: MYR 600,000 (Kuching) or MYR 500,000 (other areas), no Foreign Investment Committee approval needed.
- Residency Requirement: 30 days/year in Sarawak.
- Sponsor: Requires a Sarawak-based sponsor (e.g., visa agent).
- Note: Technically for Sarawak residency, but some use it to live in West Malaysia after 30 days, though this risks renewal issues.

Sabah (SBH-MM2H):
- Fixed Deposit: MYR 500,000.
- Property Purchase: MYR 600,000 (high-rise property), mandatory.
- Residency Requirement: Details vary, typically 30–60 days/year.
- Note: More restrictive, focused on Sabah residency.

General Requirements

Age: Minimum 25 years (lowered from 35 in 2024).

Passport: Valid for at least 18 months.
Health: Mandatory medical check-up at MOTAC-approved clinics for all applicants and dependents. Those over 60 can opt for pay-as-you-go medical expenses.
Medical Insurance: Required for those under 60; can be waived for older applicants with pre-existing conditions.

Dependents: Spouse, unmarried children under 35 (or disabled, no age limit), parents, and in-laws over 60.
Financial Proof: Bank statements for fixed deposit; liquid assets no longer required (previously RM 1.5 million).
Clean Record: No criminal history.

Fixed Deposit Rules:

Up to 50% can be withdrawn after 1–2 years for approved expenses (property, healthcare, education, tourism).
Minimum balance must be maintained (e.g., MYR 100,000 for Silver, MYR 150,000 for Gold).

Withdrawals are reimbursement-based, processed in 3 days with complete documents.

Benefits of the MM2H Program

Long-Term Residency: Live in Malaysia for up to 20 years with renewable visas.
Tax Advantages: No tax on offshore income, pensions, or fixed deposit interest.

Property Ownership: Buy residential properties (e.g., MYR 600,000+), ideal for investment or personal use.
Family Inclusion: Bring spouses, children, parents, and in-laws; kids can study without student visas.
Business Opportunities: Platinum and Gold tiers allow work and business activities; those over 50 can work part-time (20 hours/week in approved sectors).

Lifestyle: Enjoy Malaysia’s beaches, rainforests, and urban hubs like Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
No Language Barrier: English is widely spoken, making integration easy.
Fast Approval: Typically 60 days with complete documents.

Limitations:

No Permanent Residency/Citizenship: MM2H doesn’t lead to PR or citizenship, though naturalization is possible after 10 years (rare and requires renouncing other citizenships).
Work Restrictions: Only Platinum tier allows full work; others are limited or prohibited.

Property Lock: Must hold property for 10 years unless upgrading.
Residency Commitment: 60–90 days/year minimum stay.

Financial and Cost Analysis

Upfront Costs

Fixed Deposit: US$150,000 (Silver), US$500,000 (Gold), US$1 million (Platinum), or MYR 500,000 (SEZ/SFZ).

Property Purchase: MYR 600,000–2 million (~US$134,000–$448,000).
Application Fees: MYR 1,000–5,000 (~US$224–$1,120) + MYR 1,500 renewal.
Professional Fees: MYR 40,000–70,000 (~US$9,000–$15,700) for licensed agents.

Medical Insurance: ~MYR 5,000–10,000/year (~US$1,120–$2,240) for those under 60.
Medical Check-Up: ~MYR 500–1,000 (~US$112–$224) per person.
Document Translation/Certification: ~MYR 1,000–3,000 (~US$224–$672) if not in English.

Ongoing Costs

Living Expenses: $800–$1,500/month in urban areas (rent, food, transport).
Visa Renewal: MYR 1,500 every 5–20 years, depending on tier.
Property Maintenance: ~MYR 2,000–5,000/year (~US$448–$1,120) for condos.

Total Estimated Costs

Silver Tier: ~US$160,000–$200,000 upfront (deposit + property + fees) + $10,000–$18,000/year living costs.
Gold Tier: ~US$550,000–$600,000 upfront + $12,000–$20,000/year.
Platinum Tier: ~US$1.2 million–$1.5 million upfront + $15,000–$25,000/year.

SEZ/SFZ: ~US$130,000–$150,000 upfront + $10,000–$15,000/year.

Note: Fixed deposits earn 3–4% interest annually, offsetting some costs.

Application Process

Choose a Tier: Select Silver, Gold, Platinum, or SEZ/SFZ based on your budget and goals.

Hire a Licensed Agent: Applications must be submitted through MOTAC-approved agents (e.g., IKI LINKS, MyExpat). Agents charge MYR 40,000–70,000 but streamline the process.
Gather Documents:
- Valid passport (18+ months validity).
- Bank statements for fixed deposit.
- Medical report and insurance policy.
- Letter of intent, marriage/birth certificates (certified by Malaysian embassy or notary).
- Proof of address, clean criminal record.
Submit Application: Via agent to the MM2H One-Stop Center in Putrajaya or online (once fully operational).
Receive Conditional Approval: Within 60 days, if approved.

Complete Requirements:
- Open a fixed deposit account in Malaysia (e.g., Maybank, first bank to partner with MOTAC).
- Purchase property.
- Complete medical check-up and insurance.
Receive Visa: Social Visit Pass endorsed in passport, valid for 5–20 years.

Processing Time: 60 days with complete documents; incomplete submissions are rejected.

Comparison with Other Southeast Asian Programs

Program	Visa Duration	Fixed Deposit	Property Purchase	Min. Stay/Year	Work Allowed
Malaysia MM2H (Silver)	5 years, renewable	US$150,000	MYR 600,000	60–90 days	Limited (50+)
Malaysia MM2H (Platinum)	20 years, renewable	US$1 million	MYR 2 million	60–90 days	Yes
Sarawak S-MM2H	5 years, renewable	MYR 100,000–150,000	MYR 500,000–600,000	30 days	Limited
Thailand Elite Visa	5–20 years	None	Optional	None	No
Indonesia Second Home Visa	5–10 years	US$130,000	Optional	90 days	No
Philippines Investment Visa	Indefinite	US$75,000 (stock)	Optional	None	Yes

Analysis:

MM2H Pros: Long visa durations, tax benefits, family inclusion, and business options (Platinum/Gold). More structured than Thailand’s Elite Visa.
MM2H Cons: High financial thresholds, mandatory property purchase, and no PR/citizenship path. Thailand and Philippines offer lower entry costs.

Sentiment on X: Some criticize MM2H’s high costs and work restrictions, favoring Sarawak’s S-MM2H for affordability. Others praise its appeal to wealthy Chinese investors.

Challenges and Tips

High Financial Barriers: The 2024 overhaul raised deposit/property requirements, deterring some retirees. The Silver tier or SEZ/SFZ is more accessible.
Property Lock: 10-year holding period may concern those unsure of long-term plans.

Agent Dependency: Licensed agents are mandatory, and fees vary. Choose reputable firms like IKI LINKS (licensed since 2012) or MyExpat (98% approval rate).
Regional Restrictions: Sarawak/Sabah programs are region-specific; living elsewhere risks renewal issues.
Visa Renewal: Depends on passport validity and compliance with deposit/property rules. Renew passports early.

Tips:

Visit First: Spend 2–3 weeks in Malaysia (e.g., Penang, Kuala Lumpur) to test the lifestyle, as advised on Reddit.
Use Licensed Agents: Check MOTAC’s official agent list to avoid scams.

Open a Bank Account: Maybank is MM2H-friendly and simplifies fixed deposits.
Budget Wisely: Factor in deposit, property, and living costs. The Silver tier suits modest budgets.
Explore Alternatives: If MM2H is too costly, consider Malaysia’s Digital Nomad Visa or Thailand’s LTR Visa.

Official Link

For the latest MM2H requirements, terms, and agent list, visit the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC): www.motac.gov.my. This official portal provides detailed guidelines and updates on the MM2H program.

Conclusion

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program in 2025 is a golden opportunity for foreigners seeking a long-term base in Southeast Asia. With its Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, plus the SEZ/SFZ option, it caters to diverse budgets, offering 5–20 years of residency, tax-free offshore income, and the chance to own property in a culturally rich, affordable country. While the high financial thresholds and property lock may deter some, the program’s flexibility, family benefits, and business opportunities make it ideal for wealthy expats, retirees, and investors. By working with a licensed agent, preparing documents, and opening a bank account (like Maybank), you can navigate the process smoothly. Whether you’re drawn to Kuala Lumpur’s skyline or Penang’s beaches, MM2H opens the door to a vibrant second home. Start your Malaysian adventure today!