Planning to live in Malaysia long term? Here’s a clear breakdown of MM2H requirements for 2026, including fixed deposits, property rules, visa tiers, dependents, and the application process, so you know exactly what commitment the programme involves.
If you’ve ever imagined making a long-term move to Malaysia in Malaysia, whether for a gentler pace in retirement, greater lifestyle flexibility, or the simple desire for a fresh chapter abroad, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme continues to stand out as one of the country’s most attractive long-stay pathways.
Over the past few years, the Malaysian Government has reshaped the scheme into a tiered framework, introducing more precise financial requirements and opening it to a broader range of applicants, each with different needs and priorities.
This guide walks you through what matters most, from MM2H requirements to the rules and application process to the benefits and real-world considerations, to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)?
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a long-stay visa programme introduced by the Malaysian Government that allows foreign nationals to live in Malaysia for an extended period.
Rather than conferring permanent residency, MM2H offers a renewable Social Visit Pass available in three tiers: 5, 15, or 20 years, based on your financial eligibility and preferred level of commitment.
The scheme is administered through a dedicated One-Stop Centre under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), which works closely with the Immigration Department to oversee approvals and compliance.
A key shift in recent years is the introduction of compulsory professional handling. All applications must be channelled through licensed MM2H agents, as direct submissions are no longer permitted.
This ensures applicants navigate the programme’s financial thresholds, documentation, and due diligence requirements with greater clarity and accuracy.
Why Expats Choose MM2H?
MM2H has long been regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive long-stay visa schemes, and its appeal has only grown with the introduction of clearer tiers and enhanced lifestyle benefits.
For many expatriates, from retirees to remote professionals and globally mobile families, the programme offers a rare blend of stability, financial flexibility, and quality of life.
Here are the key reasons it continues to stand out:
- Long-Term Stability and Freedom of Movement
Unlike short-stay or tourist visas, MM2H grants substantially longer permission to reside in Malaysia, including multi-entry privileges. For expats who split their time across countries, this consistency provides peace of mind and a genuine sense of permanence without the complexities of residency or citizenship. - Property Ownership Opportunities
Specific tiers require participants to invest in Malaysian real estate, which many view as an advantage rather than a hurdle. For those looking to anchor themselves more firmly, whether through a retirement home, a holiday apartment, or a long-term investment, the programme provides an accessible pathway into the local property market.
- Attractive Tax Environment
One of the biggest draws is Malaysia’s favourable tax treatment for MM2H participants. Foreign income and funds remitted under the programme are not taxed, and any interest earned on the required fixed deposit is also exempt. This provides a cost-effective foundation for retirees, investors, and location-independent earners.
- Family-Inclusive Structure
MM2H is designed to support family mobility. Eligible applicants can include their spouse, dependent children, and, under specific conditions, dependent parents. This makes it particularly appealing for those seeking a stable, multigenerational living arrangement in a culturally diverse setting.
- Long, Renewable Visa Terms
With visa validity options of 5, 15, or 20 years, depending on the tier, applicants can choose the level of commitment that best fits their circumstances. The pass’s renewable nature ensures long-term continuity, offering security even for those planning decades ahead.
Taken together, these benefits explain why MM2H remains a standout choice for expats looking to build a meaningful, long-term life in Malaysia.
The New Three-Tier MM2H Structure
Under the revamped programme, MM2H now comprises three main tiers, each with different financial commitments and visa validity:
| Tier | Fixed Deposit | Visa Term | Minimum Property Purchase | Participation Fee | Renewal Fee |
| Silver | USD 150,000 | 5 years, renewable | RM 600,000 | RM 1,000 | RM 1,500 |
| Gold | USD 500,000 | 15 years, renewable | RM 1,000,000 | RM 3,000 | RM 3,000 |
| Platinum | USD 1,000,000 | 20 years, renewable | RM 2,000,000 | RM 200,000 (one-time) | RM 5,000 |
There is also a Special Economic/Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ) category with lower fixed-deposit requirements: USD 65,000 for ages 21-49 and USD 32,000 for ages 50+.
In essence, MM2H endures because it offers the stability, flexibility, and lifestyle advantages many long-term residents genuinely value.
See your instalments upfront, calculate now.Key MM2H Financial Requirements
Understanding the financial thresholds is crucial, as each MM2H tier, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, comes with its own set of commitments.
These MM2H requirements are designed to ensure applicants have the financial stability to reside comfortably in Malaysia, while also contributing to the country’s long-term economic activity:
1. Fixed Deposit Requirements
All applicants must place a fixed deposit (FD) with a Malaysian bank, and the amount varies by application tier. This FD acts as both a financial safeguard and a demonstration of your capacity to support yourself throughout your stay.
After the first year, you may withdraw up to 50% of the deposited amount for approved, specific purposes.
These include:
- Purchasing residential property
- Medical expenses
- Children’s education in Malaysia
- Domestic tourism or other MOTAC-approved categories
Once the withdrawal is made, you must keep the remaining 50% intact for the duration of your visa (for example, this applies explicitly to the Silver tier).
This structure ensures applicants retain adequate reserves while still maintaining the flexibility to fund real, on-the-ground expenses in Malaysia.
2. Property Purchase Minimums
Under the revised MM2H structure, property purchase is compulsory and tied directly to your chosen tier. The minimum qualifying values are set as follows:
- Silver: RM 600,000 minimum
- Gold: RM 1,000,000 minimum
- Platinum: RM 2,000,000 minimum
This requirement naturally appeals to applicants who intend to establish longer-term roots or secure a pied-à-terre in Malaysia. It also serves as a tangible investment aligned with the programme’s objectives.
3. Participation & Application Fees
Each tier also carries a one-time participation fee for the principal applicant:
- Silver: RM 1,000
- Gold: RM 3,000
- Platinum: RM 200,000
In addition, MOTAC’s One-Stop Centre imposes an application charge of RM 5,000 for the principal applicant and RM 2,500 per dependent.
Renewal fees also vary by tier. For example:
- Gold renewal: RM 3,000
- Silver renewal: RM 1,500
These charges form part of the overall administrative framework designed to standardise and streamline the programme.
4. Minimum Stay Requirement
The programme also introduces a stay requirement to encourage meaningful presence in Malaysia.
- Applicants aged 25-49 (Silver, Gold, Platinum): Must spend at least 90 days per year in Malaysia.
- Applicants aged 50 and above: No minimum stay requirement applies.
This age-based system reflects the different lifestyle patterns between working-age applicants and retirees, offering greater flexibility for older participants.
Together, these financial and participation criteria shape the foundation of MM2H, helping ensure the programme remains sustainable, structured, and suited to long-term residents who are genuinely committed to building a life in Malaysia.
5. Dependents & Eligibility
- Dependents: The programme allows unmarried children up to age 35, which is an expansion from prior versions.
- Parents and parents-in-law are permitted as dependents in specific tiers.
- Application channel: Must apply via a licensed MM2H agency, not directly.
Together, these financial and participation criteria shape the foundation of MM2H, helping ensure the programme remains sustainable, structured, and suited to long-term residents who are genuinely committed to building a life in Malaysia.
Application Process Step by Step
The MM2H application involves several administrative stages, each designed to verify your financial capacity, personal background, and long-term suitability for the programme.
Below is a clear, consolidated walkthrough of the entire process, from choosing an agent to receiving your visa endorsement:
1. Engage a Licensed MM2H Agent
Since direct submissions are no longer accepted, all applications must be filed through licensed MM2H agents approved by MOTAC.
Your agent will advise on documentation, eligibility, fees, and timelines.
2. Prepare All Required Documents
Your agent will help compile the whole document set, but you should be prepared with:
- Application form (for each applicant)
- Cover letter
- CV or résumé
- Passport copies (main page, visa pages)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Evidence of liquid assets and recent bank statements
- Proof of offshore income, if required (subject to current regulation changes)
- Letter of Good Conduct or Police Clearance from your home country
This documentation serves as the basis for your eligibility assessment.
3. Receive Conditional Approval
- After submission, the One-Stop Centre (OSC) evaluates your file.
- If successful, you will receive a Conditional Approval Letter (CAL) issued on behalf of the Immigration Department.
- This letter confirms that your application has passed the first stage and is pending fulfilment of the financial and health requirements.
4. Open a Fixed Deposit Account
With the CAL in hand, you must open a Malaysian fixed deposit in accordance with the threshold for your tier (Silver, Gold, or Platinum).
This FD must be placed before your visa endorsement can be issued.
5. Complete Medical Check-Up and Obtain Insurance
All applicants and dependents must undergo a medical screening at a registered Malaysian clinic or private hospital.
You also need to purchase valid medical insurance that covers treatment in Malaysia.
(Older applicants may request a waiver, but approval is discretionary.)
6. Provide the Security Bond
- A security or personal bond must be lodged.
- If you apply through an agent, they typically provide a personal bond on your behalf.
- If applying independently (where permitted), the bond ranges from RM 200 to RM 2,000, depending on nationality.
7. Visa Endorsement
Once all conditions, FD placement, medical, insurance, and bond, are fulfilled, the Immigration Department will endorse the MM2H Social Visit Pass in your passport. This confirms your successful entry into the programme.
8. Renewal on Visa Maturity
- Upon reaching the end of your visa term (5, 15, or 20 years, depending on your tier), you must renew through the OSC.
- Renewal fees differ by tier, and you may need to update financial documents, insurance, or medical reports.
Overall, the process may seem detailed, but with proper preparation and a licensed agent guiding each step, your transition into Malaysia’s long-stay ecosystem becomes smoother and more assured.
MM2H Participation Landscape: Uptake, Approval Trends, and Notable Variations
To understand how the MM2H ecosystem is evolving, it helps to look at who is joining the programme, how approval patterns have shifted, and where state-specific variants differ.
Together, these trends offer a clearer picture of the scheme’s momentum and the type of applicants it continues to attract.
Current Participation and Demographic Trends
The renewed MM2H programme has recorded steady, measurable growth.
As of 31 August 2025, Malaysia had 5,972 active participants under the updated system, consisting of 2,134 principal holders and 3,838 dependents.
The strongest participation continues to come from China, with significant numbers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States. This mix reflects both regional proximity and Malaysia’s rising appeal as a long-term lifestyle destination.
Approval Rates and Processing Timelines
Between 2021 and late 2023, the programme reported an approval rate of around 88%, mainly due to applicants meeting the tightened financial criteria and document standards introduced in the revised framework.
Processing typically takes three to six months, though timelines can vary based on submission accuracy, agent efficiency, and seasonal application volumes. Applicants with complete, well-prepared documentation tend to progress significantly faster.
A Distinct Variant: Sarawak MM2H (S-MM2H)
Sarawak operates its own independent programme, S-MM2H, with policies tailored to the state’s development goals.
As of January 2025, Sarawak requires a minimum fixed deposit of RM 500,000 with a Sarawak-based bank for the entire family unit. This increase forms part of the state’s enhanced financial vetting, introduced in response to rising demand and a desire to attract applicants with firmer long-term commitment.
Together, these trends signal a programme that is both maturing and diversifying, balancing stronger financial safeguards with enduring global interest.
Before You Apply: Key Realities Every MM2H Applicant Should Know
While MM2H offers many advantages, there are some things to consider:
- Capital Lock-in: A significant portion of the FD may be tied up; early withdrawals are limited to specific purposes.
- Property Purchase: Each tier requires a minimum property purchase amount that may not align with short-term investment goals.
- Minimum Stay: For 25-49-year-olds, there is a 90-day stay requirement; failure to comply can jeopardise visa renewal.
- Changing Regulations: The MM2H programme has undergone multiple revisions; staying up to date (through licensed agents) is crucial.
- No Guaranteed PR: Even the Platinum tier does not guarantee permanent residency automatically (unless policy changes).
Understanding these risks upfront ensures you enter the MM2H programme with clear expectations and a long-term plan that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.
A Clearer, More Structured Path to Calling Malaysia Home
MM2H is once again a powerful route for foreigners to make Malaysia their long-term second home, but the door now comes with clearer checkpoints.
With a three-tier structure (Silver, Gold, Platinum), prospective applicants can choose the level that best fits their financial profile and long-term goals.
The revised system offers flexibility but also requires commitment to fixed deposits, property investments, and time spent in Malaysia.
If you’re ready to take the next step, our iProperty Malaysia can help you explore property listings that meet MM2H-eligible thresholds and make Malaysia your second home, on your terms.