Malaysia

Residency By Investment

RM1 Million

MM2H Visa

Mobility

169

Visa Free Travel

Malaysia Investment Immigration Programs Overview

Malaysia now has two residency-by-investment programs, Premium Visa Program (PVIP) and Malaysia My Second Home program (MM2H) – each offering temporary residents for varying periods. M2MH was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, only to later return with stricter rules, and PVIP was launched by the Malaysian government in September 2022.

Eligibility for Malaysia’s residency-by-investment programs

Eligibility for PVIP entails a minimum investment of RM 1 million ($218,400) deposited in a local bank and a guaranteed monthly income of at least RM 40,000 ($8,700).

The processing fees for the PVIP are set at RM 200,000 ($43,700) for the main applicant and an additional RM 100,000 ($21,800) for each dependent. Successful PVIP applicants get residency for up to 20 years. 

The MM2H program shares the minimum deposit value of RM 1 million, and a monthly income of at least RM 40,000 ($8,700). It stands out in requiring proof of liquid assets amounting to RM 1.5 million ($327,800).

While PVIP allows applicants of any age, MM2H is only available for candidates 35 years and above. They both share the minimum deposit value of RM 1 million, however the MM2H also requires proof of liquid assets amounting to RM 1.5 million ($327,800).

Similar to PVIP, MM2H requires proof of passive monthly income of at least RM 40,000 ($8,700). The processing fees for MM2H are notably lower, at RM 5000 ($1100) for the main applicant and half of that for each dependent. 

Under both programs, applicants and their families can live or retire on a long-term basis in Malaysia. 

Applicants who meet requirements will get a renewable 5-year multiple entry visa under MM2H, and up to 20 years under PVIP. Successful applicants are required to stay for at least 90 days per year in the country – the minimum stay requirement doesn’t apply to PVIP applicants.

Applicants can also bring along a domestic helper. Children under the age of 21 are allowed to accompany the applicant in Malaysia. Parents of the main applicant can join the applicant as dependents as well.

MM2H in the independent states of Sarawak and Sabah 

The two independent Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, both comprising more than half of Malaysia’s total land area, also offer their own variation of Malaysia My Second Home, which, though costing much less than the nationwide program, give the same residency and accessibility to the entirety of Malaysia.

The Sarawak program requires a fixed deposit of RM150,000  for applicants to qualify for MM2H, while the Sabah program requires RM 200,000. There’s the option of purchasing real estate for the purpose of residency, which if utilized would require a minimum investment of RM 600,000 for either of the programs. 

Similarly, the residency granted by the Sarawak and Sabah MM2H program is issued for a renewable 5-year term. The programs have recently been announced by the independent governments of Sarawak and Sabah but are not yet open for applications.

CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

While Malaysia does not offer a CBI program and neither PVIP nor MM2H visa lead to permanent residence, families can live and retire in Malaysia for as long as they wish.

HOW TO APPLY:

The Malaysian Immigration Department processes applicants and is responsible for issuing a conditional approval letter to approved applicants.

MOBILITY:

Malaysian citizens have visa free access to 169 countries.

COUNTRY:

With a population of over 30 million, Malaysia is the world's 44th most populous country. Malaysia has a strong economy, developed infrastructure, educated workforce and is a politically stable country. Malaysia has the third largest economy in the region. The country’s industrial sector has fueled Malaysia’s growth. Malaysia is also a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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Citizenship By Investment

While Malaysia does not offer a CBI program and neither PVIP nor MM2H visa lead to permanent residence, families can live and retire in Malaysia for as long as they wish.

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Residency By Investment

Two residency-by-investment programs now exist in Malaysia – neither granting permanent residency but both indefinitely renewable should all conditions remain fulfilled.

Malaysia My Second Home (MMH2)

First is the MMH2, a popular route for investors to settle and invest in Malaysia – and the only route until September 2022. The MMH2 program is open to foreigners, particularly professionals between 35 and 49 years of age, and retirees who are above 50.

Apart from expected conditions like no prior criminal records and good recommendation letters, successful applicants would now also be required to stay for at least 90 days per year in the country.

They would now need to have an offshore income of at least RM 40,000 ($8,700), per month; an amount that previously was RM10,000. 

The deposit threshold has also increased to at least RM1 million ($215,000), half of which could be used for buying property, or spending on health and education purposes.

Moreover, the government has decided that applicants who are between 35 and 49 years of age would now need to have an additional RM 50,000 ($11,000) in their fixed savings account for each dependent such as a spouse or children or parents-in-law.

Applicants would now also have to show liquid assets worth at least RM1.5 million ($327,800).

An applicant is required to pay RM500 (around $118) as an initial fee as well as a new processing fee of RM5,000 (around $1100) for the main applicant and RM2,500 ($550) for each dependent per year.

The MMH2 visa is granted for a renewable 5-year term.

Premium Visa Program (PVIP)

The PVIP program was launched in September 2022. Applicants of any age can apply for this 20-year residency visa, given a number of requirements.

A deposit of at least RM 1 million ($215,000) is required for applicants, as well as a monthly offshore income of at least RM 40,000 ($8,644).

The processing fees for PVIP applicants are notably high, set at RM200,000 ($43,000) for the main applicant and an additional RM100,000 ($21,540) for each dependent.

Furthermore, the processing fees for the PVIP are set at RM200,000 ($43,000) for the main applicant and an additional RM100,000 ($21,540) for each dependent.

Successful PVIP applicants are exempt from the 90-day minimum stay requirement.

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Roselind Moey

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