The Malaysian government created the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program to allow foreign citizens with a spouse and children (under the age of 18) to stay in Malaysia for an extended period of time.
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Participants in this program are issued a 10-year multiple-entry social visit pass that is renewable. Currently, around 12,000 persons are residing in Malaysia as part of the MM2H program. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi are the most popular destinations to stay.
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An Expat’s Guide to Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program
Malaysia boasts one of the finest living standards in the region, with modern infrastructure and all required services. If you match the prerequisites, settling in Malaysia is pretty simple.
People who reside in Malaysia under the MM2H scheme are permitted to purchase freehold property in Malaysia using a mortgage. All around the country, there are lovely terrace houses, semi-detached houses, bungalows, flats, and condominiums. There are also some of the best residences in tourist areas, such as along beaches, near jungles, recreational areas, and city centers.
Here are 10 Reasons to Join the MM2H program:
- You can have a high standard of living.
- Malaysia is regarded throughout the country for its kind people. Because almost everyone in Malaysia speaks English, there will be no language barrier when you arrive.
- Throughout the year, the weather is pleasant.
- Because of Malaysia’s excellent infrastructure, it is simple to travel inside the country. There are many wonderful places to visit throughout the nation.
- Malaysia’s cost of living is quite low.
- Medical and sanitary requirements are of the highest caliber.
- Malaysia’s political system is stable.
- Participants have the option of purchasing (freehold) property.
- The very simple process of obtaining a 10-year multiple-entry social visit card is unique to Malaysia’s MM2H program, as are the numerous benefits available to MM2H participants.
- The ability to bring a spouse and children as dependents.
Requirements to Join the MM2H Malaysia My Second Home Program
So now that you’ve got your reasons and goals sorted out, it’s time to put in the work to achieve your objectives. Here are the things you need to know before signing up for this special immigration program:
Who is Eligible?
The program is open to all citizens of Malaysian-recognized nations. As dependants, applicants may bring their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18.
Financial Requirements:
(Below 50 years old)
- Participants must make an RM300,000 fixed deposit and demonstrate proof of additional funds of RM500,000 or more in bank statements.
- Participants must be able to demonstrate a minimum monthly off-shore income of RM10,000 for the previous three months (remuneration from company, pension plan, rental income, any other fixed income or return from investments).
- After one year, participants may withdraw RM150,000 from their fixed deposit.
- From the second year onwards, and during the duration of the program’s stay in Malaysia, a minimum balance of RM150.000 must be maintained.
- If participants can demonstrate the purchase of property worth more than one million ringgit, the fixed deposit is reduced to RM150.000.
(Above 50 years old)
- Participants must have an RM150,000 fixed deposit or a monthly off-shore income of RM10,000 from government pension benefits from their home country, as well as proof of additional cash of RM350,000 or more in bank statements. You must be able to demonstrate that you have met this monthly income criterion for at least the last three months.
- Participants may withdraw RM50,000 after one year of putting it in a fixed deposit.
- Participants must maintain a minimum balance of RM100,000 beginning in the second year and continuing throughout their stay in Malaysia under this program.
- If participants can demonstrate the purchase of property worth more than one million ringgit, the fixed deposit is reduced to RM100,000.
Disclaimer: You may also visit the official MM2H website to check for updates on the current financial requirements.
Important Reminders:
The funds can only be withdrawn to buy a home, send their children to school in Malaysia, or for medical treatment. After the one-year term, the sales and buy agreement must be signed for the acquisition of a residential property. Otherwise, it is invalid, and you will be unable to withdraw funds from the fixed deposit to purchase the property. The deposit can only be made in Malaysian banks (all banks, foreign or Malaysian); it cannot be done in a Malaysian bank abroad. All payments must be paid in Malaysian ringgit.
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance coverage provided by Malaysian insurance firms is adequate, but you are not required to obtain your insurance in Malaysia. Medical insurance has a cut-off age of 60/65 (depending on the insurance company), and you can renew it until you are 70/75. Medical insurance ranges from RM350 for a no-frills package to RM10,000 for full and comprehensive coverage. All applicants must have medical insurance coverage (including spouse and children). All participants must undergo a medical examination (including spouse and children). It will only be done when you come in for passport endorsement, not when you apply.
Additional Information You Need to Know about the MM2H Program:
- MM2H visa holders are not permitted to work or seek employment in Malaysia unless they have received special permission from the Expatriate Committee.
- The purchase of real estate is not required. If you like, you can hire a room to stay.
- There is no requirement for this visa to be valid for a minimum number of days in Malaysia.
- You can renew your MM2H visa forever as long as you meet the requirements.
- Foreign citizens can apply for the program directly at the MM2H center or use the services of MM2H agents licensed by the Ministry.
- Qualified MM2H participants over the age of 50 with specific skills and competence needed in vital sectors of the economy are permitted to work, subject to the permission of the Expatriate Committee.
- Participants in the MM2H program are now encouraged to invest and actively participate in business in many sectors of the economy. Foreign spouses of Malaysian nationals have the option of staying in Malaysia through the MM2H or Spouse Program.
- All Silver Hair and MM2H participants who were previously accepted under the five-year Social Visit Pass are now eligible for the ten-year Social Visit Pass.
- Employment Pass holders who want to engage in the MM2H program are exempt from the six-month cooling-off period after their Employment Pass expires.
- If you want to settle in Sabah or Sarawak on the island of Borneo, you must apply for your MM2H visa in either state, as each has its own MM2H board.
- Pension payments made to Malaysia are tax-free.
List of Benefits of the MM2H Program
- You are permitted to acquire one car tax-free or to import your own car tax-free.
- Depending on the location of the property, each participant may purchase up to two units of residential dwellings at a minimum price of RM500,000 each. Purchasing property in Malaysia does not necessitate a visa.
- There are no taxes charged on income brought into Malaysia.
- You are permitted to remain in Malaysia (without leaving the country) until the visa expires, and you are not required to leave the country during the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Procedures
- Can my friends or colleagues (third party) submit an application on my behalf?
Submissions from third parties will NOT be accepted. Direct applicants may submit their applications via courier or at the MM2H counter.
- Item C in IMM.12 Form – Social Visit Pass requires particulars of Sponsor in Malaysia. Since I apply directly, do I have to fill up this part?
The section C – particulars of the Sponsor in Malaysia – may be omitted by the direct application.
- Can I submit a passport sized photograph of white background?
The applicant must submit a passport-sized photograph with a blue background only.
Financial Requirements
- I am the main applicant. I can show proof of liquid assets under my name but I don’t have any offshore income. Can I show monthly offshore income of at least RM10,000.00 under my wife’s name?
The main applicant must provide documentation of liquid assets and offshore income. Income from a spouse can only be approved if the main applicant’s financial capability is insufficient, and it only serves as a supporting/supplementary document. However, the main applicant’s income MUST be at least 70% of the total minimum offshore income.
Medical Requirements
- Can I have the medical check-up in my country?
Medical examinations must be performed only at registered clinics or hospitals in Malaysia.
- Can I take the Medical check-up first before getting approval? What is the medical check-up package should I take? (For example, general screening? Pre-employment package?)
After their application has been granted, the applicant should schedule a medical check-up with a hospital or clinic in Malaysia. A routine medical check-up that meets the standards of the medical report form (RBII) is adequate.
- Are dependents required to obtain the medical insurance?
Dependents must receive medical insurance from any insurance company that is available in Malaysia. Exemptions may be granted to persons who are unable to obtain medical insurance owing to their age or medical condition.
Financial Requirements
- What is the period given to do the endorsement of MM2H pass after the issuance of Conditional Approval Letter?
The approved applicant will have six (6) months from the date of issue of the Conditional Approval Letter to complete the endorsement.
- Can I delay my endorsement process? If yes, please provide the guidelines.
According to the Conditional Approval Letter, the accepted applicant must complete the endorsement within six (6) months of the letter’s issuing date, and the letter is NOT renewable.
- How do I apply for the Visa With Reference (VDR) at the MM2H Immigration Unit?
Please prepare the following documents to request a Visa With Reference (VDR):
- Intention letter;
- a copy of the passport (with the personal particulars page and the latest exit stamp); and
- A copy of the Conditional Approval Letter is required.
- Can my family enter Malaysia with passport’s validity less than six (6) months?
Those having passports that are less than six (6) months old are not permitted to enter Malaysia.
- My family (wife and children) have dual citizenship. Is it feasible to transfer the MM2H Visa printed in one of our passports to the other one that has a longer expiration date?
Transfer of endorsement into a different passport (eg. From Venezuela passport to Spain passport) is prohibited and will NOT be entertained. Please note that applicant is NOT allowed to change to other passport once they apply for MM2H programme.
- Are MM2H dependents required to pay the security bond?
The security bond is only required of the primary applicant.
Fixed Deposit Requirements
- Upon approval, am I allowed to open fixed deposit in currencies other than Malaysian Ringgit?
No, the fixed deposit MUST be in Malaysian currency.
- Can I place the fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank located in my country?
No, the Fixed Deposit Account MUST be opened with a Malaysian bank or financial institution.
- When can I withdraw my fixed deposit?
After one year, the member may withdraw his/her fixed deposit for approved expenses such as house acquisition, automobile purchase, medical expenses, schooling for children in Malaysia, or termination from the program.
- Can I withdraw my fixed deposit at any time during my stay in Malaysia?
Some banks allow participants to withdraw interest earned on their Fixed Deposit Accounts on a regular basis. This is subject to the bank’s policy and discussion at the time the account is opened with the bank in question. For current rates and terms, please visit the banking portal www.bankinginfo.com.my.
- Am I allowed to withdraw my fixed deposit for a few months and then topped it back later?
The participant is obligated to renew the fixed deposit on a yearly basis.
Permanent Residence
- Am I allowed to apply for Permanent Residence or Citizenship status in future?
The participant is NOT qualified for Malaysian Permanent Residence or Citizenship.
Once you’ve decided to start your application for the MM2H Program, you may click here. For inquiries and other concerns, you may send a message to the MM2H by filling out their contact form at http://www.mm2h.gov.my/index.php/contact-us. Alternatively, you may send them an email at mm2h@motac.gov.my or call +603 8891 7424.
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