The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a long-term residence visa scheme offered by the Malaysian government to foreigners who wish to live, retire, or settle in Malaysia with their families. Since its inception, MM2H has remained one of the most popular residency-by-investment / long-stay options in Southeast Asia, appealing to retirees, expatriates, and global citizens seeking a comfortable and stable base in a dynamic yet affordable country
What is MM2H & Who Is Eligible
- Long-term residency visa — MM2H offers a renewable, multiple-entry visa that allows visa holders to stay in Malaysia for an extended period.
- Family friendly — Applicants can bring dependents under the same visa: spouse, unmarried children (under the applicable age limit), and parents/parents-in-law.
- Flexible target groups — The program is suitable for retirees, people seeking a second home, expatriates, and investors.
Basic eligibility & background checks
- Principal applicant generally must be at least 25 years old (some special zones have lower age thresholds)
- Good character: clean criminal record, no ongoing investigations, and general health requirements including medical insurance/health check.
MM2H Visa Tiers & Financial Requirements
MM2H today generally offers multiple tiers to accommodate different budgets and needs.
Tier / Category | Visa Duration / Renewal | Typical Requirements* |
Silver | 5-year (renewable) | Fixed deposit ~ USD 150,000 + minimum property investment of MYR 600k |
Gold | 15-year (renewable) | Fixed deposit ~ USD 500,000 + minimum property investment MYR 1m |
Platinum | 20-year (renewable) | Fixed deposit ~ USD 1,000,000 + minimum property investment of MYR 2m |
Special / SEZ / Economic-Zone Variant | 10-year (or per zone rules) | Lower fixed-deposit threshold (e.g. USD 65,000 for certain zones) — though property-purchase / zone-specific property requirements typically apply. |
* Requirements may change depending on location (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak) or policy updates; always verify with official sources before application.
Other common requirements: valid passport, medical insurance or check-up, proof of good conduct, and a minimum stay requirement (e.g. spending a certain number of days per year in Malaysia for certain visa tiers) for younger applicants.
Why MM2H Is Attractive: Key Benefits
- Cost-effective living with high lifestyle quality — Compared to many Western countries, Malaysia offers a lower cost of living, modern infrastructure, good healthcare access, and multicultural environment, making it a comfortable place to settle long-term.
- Family-centric residency — Visa allows family dependents, which makes it suitable for retirees, couples, or those wanting to relocate with children or elderly parents.
- Flexible residency — Renewal options, multiple-entry visa, and relatively straightforward procedures make MM2H a stable long-stay solution.
- Potential financial/tax advantages — For foreign remitted income or offshore income, MM2H residents may benefit from favorable tax treatment (subject to Malaysian tax/residency law).
Practical Advice Before Applying
- Check the most recent official requirements — Because tiers, thresholds and conditions may change, always confirm with official government or accredited agents before applying.
- Prepare property investment carefully — As property purchase is typically mandatory under MM2H, choose a property that meets program requirements and suits long-term stay goals.
- Consider family & dependents’ needs — If relocating with family, check age limits, dependents eligibility (children/parents), schooling, healthcare access, living costs.
- Understand visa maintenance obligations — Some tiers may require minimum stay periods per year; non-compliance could affect renewal.
- Factor in total cost vs lifestyle gain — While Malaysia offers affordable living, the upfront financial requirements are significant; ensure that the long-term benefits justify the investment.
Is MM2H Right for You — And Who It Works For
MM2H is most suitable for:
- Retirees seeking a comfortable, affordable long-term base in Southeast Asia.
- Expats or digital nomads desiring a stable residency with family flexibility.
- Investors or high-net-worth individuals looking for a “second home” in a culturally diverse, English-friendly country.
- Families wanting to balance good infrastructure, healthcare, multicultural exposure, and manageable living costs.
If you value flexibility, family-friendliness, and long-term stability—MM2H remains a strong option in 2025.
Next Steps: What to Do If You’re Interested
If you decide to explore MM2H:
- Prepare necessary documents: passport, proof of funds, health insurance, police clearance, etc.
- Choose the visa tier based on your financial capacity and residency goals.
- Select property wisely (location, value, compliance with MM2H property requirements).
- Stay updated on any policy changes from Malaysian government agencies.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we make every effort to ensure the information is accurate and current, some details may be subject to change or may not be fully up to date. We do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the information presented.
