Live and retire in Malaysia as your second home!
Updated: Aug 13, 2021
Why Malaysia as Your Second Home?
Malaysia welcomes foreigners to live in Malaysia on long stay visa for up to 10 years with the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. This international residency program is enacted and supported by the government of Malaysia with various benefits and incentives including entering and leaving the country without restrictions.
Why Malaysia?
- Warm friendly people with English widely spoken along with many other languages
- Low cost of living with remittances from abroad not taxed
- Diverse shopping and entertainment choices from branded goods to nightlife
- A food paradise with cuisine ranging from around the world to the best local street food
- Excellent healthcare and medical services
- Quality education facilities including international schools, private universities and colleges
- Good location neighboring other countries in Asia with good flight connectivity
- Beautiful natural splendor including jungles, hills, islands and beaches
- Nice warm weather throughout the year
- Rich traditional cultural heritage and customs
MM2H Requirements Update
After a brief suspension of new MM2H applications in Y2020, new guidelines for MM2H have been announced. There are new higher requirements (see below), so only participants who are financially stable and with permanent employment can apply for the MM2H according to Wan Ahmad Dahlan, Home Ministry secretary-general.
MM2H Visa Eligibility
General requirements
- Open to all countries and nationalities recognized by Malaysia
- Allowed to bring spouse, parents aged 60 above, and unmarried children below age 21
Financial requirements age 35-49:
- Proof of liquid assets above RM1.5m (previously RM500k)
- Offshore income of RM40k monthly (previously RM10k monthly)
- Fixed deposits min RM1m at any local branch (previously RM300k)
- Can withdraw up to 50% for property purchase/children’s education/medical
Financial requirements age 50 above:
- Proof of liquid assets above RM1.5m (previously RM350k)
- Offshore pension of RM40k monthly (previously RM10k monthly)
- Fixed deposits min RM1m at any local branch (previously RM150k)
- Can withdraw up to 50% for property purchase/children’s education/medical
Medical
For applicant and dependents (spouse and children)
- Medical report from any Malaysian private hospital
- Medical insurance policy covering their stay in Malaysia (waived if unable to get medical insurance due to age/pre-existing condition)
MM2H Program Incentives
Residential property purchase
State ID Cards: State ID card allowing passing immigration checkpoints into Malaysia as residents
Tax: Tax exemption for offshore pension fund remittance
Vehicle Purchase: One personal car
Domestic Helper: One domestic helper (maid) subject to Immigration Department guidelines
Part time work: Age 50 above can work part time up to 20 hours weekly
Investing in Malaysia
Investment options are available for those on MM2H program including shares, endowments, and unit trusts.
Application Procedure
You can apply with a direct application (DIY) OR through an agent (charges applicable).
Documents Needed
- Letter of Application
- Resume (Academic qualification, Working experience, Skills or expertise acquired)
- MM2H Application Form
- Social Visit Pass (IM.12 Form; 3 copies per applicant/dependents – 1 original & 2 copies)
- Passport sized photograph (4 copies colored)
- Passport/Travel documents
- Letter of Good Conduct
- Self-declaration of health condition
- Marriage certificate (if accompanied by spouse)
- Birth certificate/legal documents (if accompanied by children/parents)
- Certified copies latest 3 months bank statement/related financial documents to show financial capability
- Certified copies latest 3 months payslips and/or government pension
- Authorization letter from applicant to MM2H to verify financial and other documents
Application Costs
- MM2H pass: RM500 per year for up to 5 years (previously RM90 per year for up to 10 years)
- Processing fee (principle): RM5k
- Processing fee (dependents): RM2.5k each