MM2H visa requirements and benefits: 2025 guide

With its gorgeous natural beauty, year-round tropical weather, and modern standards of living, it's easy to see why many flock to Malaysia. If you were thinking of residing in this fascinating, vibrant country, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa program might be for you. This renewable visa offers 5 to 20 years of residency, depending on the tier.

In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of MM2H visas and requirements, financial criteria, eligibility, and application process - including the benefits of the MM2H so you can decide for yourself if this fits into your future. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Table of contents
What is the MM2H Program? MM2H visa benefits MM2H visa requirements How to apply for the MM2H visa Planning to move to Malaysia? Make visa fee payments and manage multiple currencies easily with Wise Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the MM2H Program?

Since its launch in 2002, the MM2H program has undergone several changes, including those in 2024 - introducing a tiered system, lowering age limits, and adding property requirements.

Today, the MM2H program is divided into four tiers - Silver, Gold, Platinum, and SEZ/SFZ (Special Economic/Financial Zones), each with its own requirements and duration of stay. This renewable multiple-entry visa offers foreign nationals residency without the need for citizenship or employment.

MM2H visa benefits

The MM2H program appeals to retirees and remote workers who want to make Malaysia a stable base, as well as Singaporeans who want to enjoy a more laid-back, affordable lifestyle. The multiple-entry visa allows flexibility to come and go freely, and Malaysia doesn’t tax income earned overseas, which means you can enjoy foreign-sourced income without the extra cost.

You can also purchase property, open local bank accounts, and enjoy both public and private healthcare systems. Dependents, including spouses and children, can also be included under the MM2H visa. Some other MM2H visa benefits include:

• Long-term, up to 20 years, depending on the tier
• Multiple entry
• No tax on foreign-sourced income or pensions
• Right to purchase residential property in Malaysia
• Ability to include spouse and children under 21 as dependents
• Option to bring parents as dependents (over 60 years old)
• Access to Malaysia’s excellent healthcare system
• Access to local banking and financial services

MM2H Visa Requirements

The MM2H visa has multiple tiers - Silver, Gold, Platinum, and SEZ/SFZ, each with its own requirements¹. The three main components are the fixed deposit required, property purchase, and government fees.

All MM2H visas allow dependents for children, spouses, and parents above 60 years. In addition, if you are below 50, you’ll need to stay in Malaysia for more than 90 days a year. Regardless of age, you’ll also need to show proof of medical insurance and a health check.

For each tier, individual MM2H requirements are as follows:

MM2H Platinum Requirements

This is the highest tier of the MM2H program and offers a renewable 20-year stay. It requires a fixed deposit of USD 1 million and the purchase of a MYR 2 million property, making it ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term stability and investment opportunities.

This tier includes the right to work, run a business, bring your dependents, and hire domestic help. It’s best for those who want maximum privileges and are ready to invest a significant amount.

Visa Duration	20 years renewable
Minimum Age	25 years
Fixed Deposit Required	USD 1 million (~MYR 4.5 million)
Property Purchase	MYR 2 million minimum
Proof of Foreign Income	Required
Business or Work Allowed	Yes
Domestic Helper Allowed	Yes
Government Participation Fee	MYR 200,000
Professional Fee	MYR 70,000

MM2H Gold Requirements

This is the middle tier of the MM2H program, offering a 15-year renewable stay. Requiring a fixed deposit of USD 500k and a MYR 1 million property purchase, this tier would be ideal for those seeking a balance of investment and benefits.

With the Gold tier, you can also work, run a business, bring your dependents, and hire domestic help.

Visa Duration	15 years renewable
Minimum Age	25 years
Fixed Deposit Required	USD 500K (~MYR 2.25 million)
Property Purchase	MYR 1 million minimum
Proof of Foreign Income	Required
Business or Work Allowed	Yes
Domestic Helper Allowed	Yes
Government Participation Fee	MYR 3,000
Professional Fee	MYR 55,000

MM2H Silver Requirements

This is the lowest tier of the MM2H program, offering a 10-year renewable stay. The few notable differences between the Silver tier and the Gold and Platinum tiers are that with this one, you cannot work, run a business, or hire domestic help. Also, the minimum age is 21 instead of 25.

This tier would suit those who want to make Malaysia a base but want to invest the minimum. Digital nomads and remote workers aged 21 to 25 would also benefit from this program.

Visa Duration	10 years renewable
Minimum Age	21 years
Fixed Deposit Required	USD 150K (~MYR 675K)
Property Purchase	MYR 600K minimum
Proof of Foreign Income	Required
Business or Work Allowed	No
Domestic Helper Allowed	No
Government Participation Fee	MYR 1,000
Professional Fee	MYR 40,000

MM2H SEZ/SFZ (Special Economic/Finance Zones)

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Special Finance Zones (SFZs) are designated areas within Malaysia where the government wants to attract investment and boost development. At the time of print, the only such area is Forest City², located in Johor.

Financial perks include 0% tax for family offices, 0 to 5% corporate tax, and 15% personal income tax for knowledge workers. Forest City is also a duty-free zone, reducing the cost of alcohol and fragrances. The SEZ/SFZ category of the MM2H program costs significantly less, and applicants have to place a deposit of only US$65,000 and US$32,000 for applicants over 50.

This MM2H visa is the lowest-cost visa for foreigners wanting to live or invest in Malaysia, but don’t need to be employed or show income. Close to Tuas, it can also suit Singapore citizens and residents who want a more affordable place to live and make the daily commute across the border.

Visa Duration	5 years renewable
Minimum Age	21 years
Fixed Deposit Required	USD 65K (~MYR 275K)
Property Purchase	Restricted to SEZ/SFZ zones
Proof of Foreign Income	Not required
Business or Work Allowed	No
Domestic Helper Allowed	No
Government Participation Fee	MYR 1,000
Professional Fee	MYR 40,000

Applying For The MM2H

At the time of print, you cannot apply directly for the MM2H program. You’ll have to use a licensed, registered visa agent. A standard fee imposed by the Malaysian government is as follows³:

Silver and SEZ/SFZ – RM40,000
Gold – RM55,000
Platinum – RM70,000

MM2H Application Procedure

Apart from the MM2H requirements, you’ll need to know how to get the visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about applying for your MM2H.

Step 1: Select a registered, licensed agent, and pay the deposit

Step 2: Choose the tier that you will be applying for

Step 3: Check your eligibility and make sure you meet the financial requirements

Step 4: Prepare your documents

Step 5: Submit your application and wait for conditional approval

Step 6: Once approved, you’ll need to pay the rest of the agent’s fees and the participation fee

Step 7: You’ll have to travel to Malaysia for the visa endorsement, open a fixed deposit account, have a medical checkup, and enroll in medical insurance

Step 8: From the time your visa is approved, you have 12 months to purchase a property

Documents Required

Depending on the tier that you are applying for, documents can vary, but here’s a general checklist of all the requirements you need for your MM2H application :

• Application form⁴
• Personal letter of intention
• Three months of income slips
• Photocopy of your passport
• Six passport photographs for each applicant
• Marriage or birth certificates if applying for dependents
• Resume
• Bank statements for three months
• Letter of Good Conduct (LGC) or Certificate of Clearance from your country’s relevant authority

All copies will need to be certified true and countersigned by your embassy, government official, or notary. If they are in a foreign language, they’ll have to be translated into English.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can MM2H visa holders work in Malaysia?

Gold and Platinum MM2H visa holders can work in Malaysia. Silver and SEZ/SFZ MM2H holders cannot. Do take note of which tier you’re applying for and what the corresponding MM2H requirements are.

Can MM2H visa holders do business in Malaysia?

Gold and Platinum MM2H visa holders can do business in Malaysia, but Silver and SEZ/SFZ holders cannot. Check in with your application agent for more details regarding doing business in Malaysia and the necessary requirements.

What are MM2H property purchase guidelines?

You’ll have to purchase a property for the MM2H visa. For Platinum applicants, the value of the property must be a minimum of RM 2 million, for Gold, RM 1 million, and for Silver, RM 600k. For the category SEZ/SFZ, you must purchase directly from the developer in special zones such as Forest City.

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Sources:

1. MM2H Immigration Department of Malaysia
2. Forest City MM2H Special Finance Zone
3. MM2H Visa Agent Fees
4. MM2H Application Form