| State | Minimum purchase price (RM) |
| W.P Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya | 1,000,000 |
| Johor | |
| Negeri Sembilan | |
| Pahang | |
| Terengganu | |
| Selangor | 500,000 |
| Perlis | |
| Kelantan | |
| Sabah | |
| Melaka | Hak Milik Strata: 500,000 Hak Milik Landed: 1,000,000 |
| Pulau Pinang | 500,000 (2 units) |
| Perak | 350,000 |
| Sarawak | 300,000 |
| Kedah | TBA |
So, just like so many other travellers, you fell in love with Malaysia. You’re even thinking of living and/or retiring here! For that reason, you’ll be interested to know about the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme!
As far as the best place in the world for expats to live in, there is no better place than the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. This is not some hyperbole statement made by a patriotic Malaysian. No, this was the result of the latest research conducted by the US-based language learning app, Preply. This claim was further supported by a separate study conducted by Juwai IQI.
There are multiple reasons why expats love Malaysia. Topping the list are quality of life, affordable living, digital connectivity, multilingual society, and amazing food.
If you are a foreigner who is planning to live and/or retire in the country, you’ll want to have the issue of accommodation sorted out. This is where the Malaysia My Second Home Programme comes into play.
What is Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme?
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme is an initiative which allows foreigners who fulfil certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia. Through MM2H, successful applicants can live in Malaysia for as long as possible on a 5-year renewable Pass with a Multiple-Entry Visa.
The programme, which is an initiative by the Federal Government of Malaysia, is open to all foreigners from countries recognised by Malaysia regardless of race, religion & gender. All main applicants are allowed to bring with them their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 as dependents.
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However, it is important to note that MM2H is NOT a Permanent Residence (PR) Permit nor does it guarantee you getting a PR eventually. Applying for permanent residency is a lengthy and complicated process.
Under MM2H, you possess a Social Visit Pass with multiple entries and exits. However, you may apply for permanent residency after a certain period in Malaysia under the programme.
What benefits do I get with an MM2H visa permit?
The main feature of an MM2H visa permit is a 5-year Social Visit Pass with Multiple Entries. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits and privileges:
1. House purchase
As an MM2H participant, you are allowed to purchase a residential home. The minimum value of the home will depend on which Malaysian state it is located in, as shown in the table below:
Do note that you are only allowed to purchase residential properties and cannot rent them out. An exception is if you are purchasing for companies.
2. Tax exemptions
As an MM2H participant, income tax is imposed on income earned from investments in local companies and the local share market. You are NOT required to put in a tax return in Malaysia for any foreign income earned.
Additionally, tax exemption is given to the remittance of offshore pension funds into Malaysia and any other foreign funds transferred into Malaysia. Tax exemption is also given for any interest gained from bank fixed deposits and also from any imported personal/household items.
Furthermore, with the MM2H visa, you also enjoy immediate local tax resident status.
3. Education
MM2H participants are allowed to bring their children below 21 years old and not married as their dependents. These children do not require a Student Visa if they pursue education in the country.
4. Domestic helper needs
Each MM2H participant can apply for one maid, subject to the prevailing guidelines of the Immigration Department. A China MM2H holder is allowed to bring one maid from their own country or from an approved country such as India. The maid must be not less than 21 years old and not more than 45 years old.
5. Business and investments
MM2H visa holders can register for a private limited company in Malaysia without the requirement of a Malaysian in the business (other terms may apply). They can also invest in local companies, share markets, and unit trusts.
6. Part-time working
Under the MM2H programme, you are not allowed to work as an employee of a Malaysian company. An exception is for participants over the age of 50. They are permitted to work part-time (terms apply).
7. Other benefits
Other benefits of an MM2H participant include:
- No currency exchange control
- Your parents and parents-in-law can also join you as dependents under a renewable long-term visa.
What is the approval rate like for the MM2H programme?
Between November 2021 and the end of September 2023, a total of 1,905 of the 2,164 applications for the MM2H programme were approved. This equals an 88% approval rate.
What are the requirements for MM2H?
To qualify for an MM2H visa permit, you are required to meet the following requirements at various stages of the application process.
Before Approval
Applicants must meet the following financial requirements upon MM2H application:
- Aged 35 and above
- Minimum liquid assets of RM 1,500,00
- Minimum monthly income of RM 40,000
After approval
Successful applicants must open a fixed deposit of RM 1,000,000 in a Malaysian bank account. These Fixed Deposit placements are required upon receipt of the conditional approval letter from the Malaysian Immigration Department.
Participants can withdraw up to RM 500,000 after a period of one year. RM 500,000 must be maintained as a minimum balance from the second year onwards and throughout the participant’s stay in Malaysia under this Malaysia My Second Home program.
There is an additional criterion for MM2H participants aged 35-49 years old. They are required to add RM50,000 per dependent to a Fixed Deposit in the bank.
Other post-approval stage requirements
After approval of the application, all applicants and their dependents (spouse and children) are also required of the following:
- Must submit a medical report. This medical report should be obtained from any private hospital or registered clinic in Malaysia.
- Must possess and be covered by a valid medical insurance policy which is applicable in Malaysia. This requirement is waived for applicants above 59 years of age.
- Must not participate in activities that can be considered sensitive to the local people and a threat to the security of the country.
FIND OUT: How to be a Permanent Resident (PR) in Malaysia?
How do I apply for MM2H visa permit?
So, are you ready to join the “Malaysia My Second Home Program”? Here are the steps you need to follow to apply:
Step 1: Submit an online enquiry or email
Step 2: Submit Your Documents For Application:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Application
| This is the Cover Letter where you should state the names of all people who are applying with you. Elaborate on key points like how you plan to support yourself in Malaysia and what financial alternatives you would be using for your daily expenses. |
| A Copy of Resume | The resume should include:
|
| MM2H Application Form | This form needs to be completed by each person |
| Passport size Photo | 4 Coloured Passport Size Photographs – for each person |
| Passport | Copy of Passport Main Page and Malaysian visa page – for each person |
| Letter of Good Conduct (LOGC) | Letter of good conduct should be obtained from your relevant government agency or police authority in your country of origin. |
| Marriage certificate | Certified True copy of Marriage Certificate (for Applicants with a spouse) |
| Birth Certificate | If you are accompanied by children, adopted or stepchildren or your parents, you will need to show their birth certificates.
|
| Bank Statement | – Certified True copy of the latest 3 months’ bank statements or other financial documents showing liquid funds. – Certified True copy of the latest 3 months’ bank statements showing income as deposits into a personal bank. |
| Source of Income | Certified True copy of the latest 3 months’ copies of pay slip, pension slip or income statement. |
Step 3: Approval letter issued by Immigration
Upon successful submission of the above documents, you will be issued a Conditional Approval Letter by the MM2H Centre, Immigration Department.
Step 4: You arrive in Malaysia
Step 5: Your supplementary documents will be submitted to the Immigration Department
The supplementary documents are:
- FD Certificate – Open a fixed deposit account with any bank in Malaysia.
- Medical Certificate – Possess a valid health insurance policy for Malaysia.
- Medical Report – Medical check-up is done with a local Doctor.
Step 6: Get an endorsement of Malaysia My Second Home MM2H visa stamp on your passport
Are you feeling a bit lost? Don’t worry! If preparing all these documents are overwhelming you, you can apply for your MM2H visa via an agent but do ensure that he or she is a Licensed Agent, registered under the Malaysian Government to provide MM2H services. Their License should look like this:
An agent will be able to guide you through all the paperwork needed to complete your application. You will get their full assistance in preparing the documents mentioned above and they will advise you based on the most up to date information regarding the application process.
How long does it take to get MM2H?
It typically takes around 3 to 6 months for approval. To make the MM2H programme more interesting and competitive, the Malaysian Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, together with the Home Ministry, is always revising the terms and conditions of this programme.
New Launches in Malaysia Above RM600,000
| Project | Property Type | Price | Built-up | Developer | Completion Date | Layout |
| Conlay by E&O, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur | Serviced Residence | RM 1,680,000 – RM 3,680,000 | From 743 sq. ft. | Eastern & Oriental Berhad | Q1 2025 | 1-3 rooms, 2 baths |
| Residensi 38, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur | Serviced Residence | RM 763,333 – RM 1,906,667 | From 580 sq. ft. | One JSI Development Sdn Bhd | Q1 2026 | 1-3 rooms, 1-3 baths |
| Sejati Residences, Cyberjaya, Selangor | 3-sty Terrace/Link House | RM 1,119,100 – RM 1,648,000 | From 2,267 sq. ft. | Paramount Property Sdn Bhd | 2027 | 5 rooms, 5 baths |
| The Serenade, Subang Jaya, Selangor | Condominium | 1,300,000 – RM 1,900,000 | From 1,335 sq. ft. | Sime Darby Property Sdn Bhd | 2026 | 3-5 rooms, 3-5 baths |
| Serenia Aqila, Sepang, Selangor | Semi-detached House | RM 1,712,888 – RM 2,760,888 | From 3,030 sq. ft. | Sime Darby Property Sdn Bhd | Q4 2024 | 6 rooms, 5 baths |
| Puchong Legenda, Puchong, Selangor | 3-sty Terrace/Link House | RM 1,535,000 – RM 2,988,000 | From 3,164 sq. ft. | Huges Development Sdn Berhad | Q3 2026 | 6 rooms, 5-6 baths |
| Garden Home @ Norton Garden, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor | 2-sty Terrace/Link House | RM 1,184,000 – RM 1,247,000 | From 2,090 sq. ft. | Paragon Pinnacle Sdn Bhd | Q4 2025 | 4 rooms, 3 baths |
| Bukit Impian Residence, Johor Bahru, Johor | Semi-detached House | RM 1,700,000 – RM 2,381,000 | 3,613 sq. ft. | Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd | Q1 2026 | 4 rooms, 5 baths |
| Bayu Sutera, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan | 2-sty Terrace/Link House | RM 608,299 – RM 1,158,238 | From 2,315 sq. ft. | Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad | Q4 2025 | 4 rooms, 4 baths |
| Merissa Serviced Suites, Langkawi, Kedah | Serviced Residence | RM 1,716,000 – RM 2,477,000 | From 1,066 sq. ft. | Cenang Resort Sdn Bhd | 2026 | 2-3 rooms, 2 baths |
Edited by Reena Kaur Bhatt
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