Considering living, retiring or establishing a long-term base in Malaysia?
The Malaysia My Second Home programme, commonly known as MM2H, allows eligible foreign nationals and their approved family members to reside in Malaysia under a renewable long-term Social Visit Pass with Multiple Entry Visa privileges.
This page explains the latest MM2H requirements, available categories, eligibility criteria, required documents, tier comparison, official fees and the application process to help you understand your options before proceeding.
What is the Malaysia My Second Home Programme?
MM2H is a Malaysian government programme that allows eligible foreigners and their approved dependants to reside in Malaysia for an extended period.
The programme is sometimes informally called the “MM2H visa” or “Malaysia retirement visa”. However, MM2H is not limited to retirees.
It may also suit:
- Couples seeking a second home in Asia
- Families considering education and long-term residence
- Former Malaysians who now hold foreign citizenship
- Professionals seeking a regional lifestyle base
- Investors and entrepreneurs who meet the relevant category requirements
- People who wish to spend part of each year in Malaysia
MM2H does not automatically provide Malaysian permanent residency or citizenship. Participants must continue to comply with the conditions attached to their approved category.
Applications are conducted through the One Stop Centre, Malaysia My Second Home (OSC MM2H), while immigration matters and final approval are handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Why Consider Malaysia as Your Second Home?
Choosing a second home is about finding a place that suits your lifestyle, family and long-term plans.
Malaysia offers a combination of modern cities, established healthcare and education options, diverse communities and convenient access to destinations across Southeast Asia.
Depending on your preferred lifestyle, you may consider:
- Urban living and international connectivity in Kuala Lumpur
- Coastal living, food and heritage in Penang
- Proximity to Singapore through Johor
- Quieter residential communities in other parts of Peninsular Malaysia
- Access to private healthcare, international schools and everyday amenities
English is also widely used in major cities and business environments, which can make everyday communication easier for many international residents.
Before deciding, consider your preferred location together with property requirements, healthcare access, education, transportation and your expected time in Malaysia.
MM2H Malaysia Requirements at a Glance
The current federal MM2H programme has four categories:
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Special Economic Zone/Special Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ)
Each category has different fixed-deposit, property, participation-fee and pass-duration requirements.
The right category will depend on your:
- Age
- Available funds
- Preferred pass duration
- Property plans
- Family situation
- Intention to work or conduct business in Malaysia
- Preferred place of residence
The table below summarises the financial and eligibility requirements across the main MM2H categories, based on the official MM2H category overview and MOTAC terms and regulations.
| Criteria | Silver | Gold | Platinum | SEZ/SFZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa validity | 5 years, renewable | 15 years, renewable | 20 years, renewable | 10 years, renewable |
| Minimum age | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years | 21 years |
| Fixed deposit | USD 150,000 | USD 500,000 | USD 1,000,000 | USD 65,000 for ages 21–49; USD 32,000 for ages 50 and above |
| Fixed deposit withdrawal | Up to 50% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% |
| Min. property value | RM 600,000 | RM 1,000,000 | RM 2,000,000 | Price as set for SEZ Property Development |
| Selling restriction | Cannot sell for 10 years (unless upgrading) | Cannot sell for 10 years (unless upgrading) | Cannot sell for 10 years (unless upgrading) | Cannot sell for 10 years (unless upgrading) |
| Minimum annual stay below age 50 | 90 cumulative days | 90 cumulative days | 90 cumulative days | 90 cumulative days |
| Minimum annual stay age 50+ | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| Work rights | Not allowed | Not allowed | Permissible | Not allowed |
| Business and investment rights | Not allowed | Not allowed | Permissible | Not allowed |
| Foreign maid | Not listed | Not listed | Allowed | Not listed |
| One-off Participating fee | RM 1,000 | RM 3,000 | RM 200,000 | RM 1,000 |
| Agency fee (est.) | RM 40,000 | RM 55,000 | RM 70,000 | RM 40,000 |
| Processing fee | RM 5,000 (principal) + RM 2,500 (each dependant) | RM 5,000 (principal) + RM 2,500 (each dependant) | RM 5,000 (principal) + RM 2,500 (each dependant) | RM 5,000 (principal) + RM 2,500 (each dependant) |
| Renewal fee | RM 1,500 | RM 3,000 | RM 5,000 | RM300 |
Who Qualifies for MM2H?
MM2H is open to eligible foreign applicants from sovereign countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Malaysia.
Age requirements
Applicants must be:
- At least 25 years old for the Silver, Gold, and Platinum categories; or
- At least 21 years old for the SEZ/SFZ category.
There is no upper age limit.
Baseline conditions
To qualify, applicants must also meet the following baseline conditions:
- Hold a valid passport and provide the required passport copies
- Place a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank, with the amount varying by category
- Purchase and own a qualifying residential property in Malaysia after obtaining MM2H approval
- Obtain medical insurance where applicable, with medical insurance required for applicants aged 60 and below
- Complete a medical check-up at a MOTAC-appointed panel clinic or hospital in Malaysia after receiving approval
- Submit the application through a MOTAC-licensed MM2H tour operating company
- Submit a Letter of Good Conduct, Police Certificate, or Certificate of Clearance for the principal applicant and dependents aged 18 and above
- Pass a security screening by the Royal Malaysian Police
Applicants below age 50 must fulfil a minimum stay of 90 cumulative days per year in Malaysia.
The stay requirement can be fulfilled by the principal applicant and/or eligible dependents, based on the relevant category rules.
Who Can Be Included as a Dependant?
The MM2H principal applicant may include the following family members under the same visa:
- Spouse
- Biological children, stepchildren, or adopted children below 21 years of age
- Biological children, stepchildren, or adopted children aged 21 to 34 who are single and unemployed while in Malaysia
- Children with disabilities — no age limit applies, subject to medical certification
- Parents or parents-in-law
Each dependant must provide the required supporting documents and meet the applicable medical and security requirements. Dependants aged 21 to 34 must provide an Oath Declaration Form confirming they are single and unemployed in Malaysia.
Understanding Each MM2H Category
How to Apply for MM2H Through Perfect Homes
All new federal MM2H applications must be submitted and completed through an MM2H company licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Perfect Homes guides applicants through document preparation, application submission, conditional approval and MM2H pass endorsement.
Ask Us About the MM2H Application Process
01Step 1: Sign the Service Agreement and Prepare Your Documents
We begin by discussing your circumstances and the MM2H category you are considering.
Once you decide to proceed:
- Sign the Perfect Homes Service Agreement
- Pay the initial deposit, equivalent to 20% of our professional service fee
- Receive a personalised list of documents to prepare
- Receive sample documents and preparation guidance where applicable
- Email the requested documents to our team for review
We will review your documents and inform you if any additional information, translation or certification is required.
Once the application package is complete, Perfect Homes will submit your MM2H application to the Malaysia My Second Home One Stop Centre on your behalf.
02Step 2: Receive the Conditional Approval Letter
The application will undergo assessment by the relevant Malaysian authorities, including the required security screening.
When the application is approved, a Conditional Approval Letter will be issued.
The remaining 80% of Perfect Homes’ professional service fee will be payable within 14 days from the date we email the Conditional Approval Letter to you.
Approval is not guaranteed, and processing times may vary according to the applicant’s circumstances, document completeness and the authorities’ review.
03Step 3: Travel to Malaysia and Complete the Post-Approval Requirements
After receiving conditional approval, the applicant must enter Malaysia within the period stated in the Conditional Approval Letter.
Perfect Homes will guide the applicant through the relevant post-approval requirements, which may include:
- Opening the required fixed-deposit account
- Completing the required medical examination
- Arranging medical insurance where applicable
- Preparing the security bond
- Paying the applicable government charges
- Preparing the documents required for pass endorsement
Our team will assist with the necessary appointments and documentation during this stage.
04Step 4: Submit the Passport for MM2H Pass Endorsement
Once all post-approval requirements have been completed, Perfect Homes will coordinate the submission of the applicant’s passport and supporting documents to the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Where permitted under the applicable procedure, Perfect Homes may attend to the endorsement submission on the applicant’s behalf.
The applicant’s original passport and all required documents must still be provided.
The endorsed period may be affected by the validity of the applicant’s passport.
05Step 5: Receive Your Endorsed MM2H Pass
Once the passport has been successfully endorsed, the applicant officially becomes an MM2H participant under the approved category.
Perfect Homes can also provide ongoing assistance relating to:
- Dependant applications
- MM2H pass renewals
- Transfer of endorsement to a new passport
- Fixed-deposit withdrawal applications
- Property and relocation coordination
- Other post-approval MM2H matters
MM2H Document Checklist 2026
The following documents are required for a complete MM2H application, based on the official MOTAC MM2H Application Checklist and Endorsement Checklist. Only complete applications are accepted by the MM2H Centre.
Some documents are required at the initial application stage, while others are required after conditional approval for visa endorsement.
Documents required from every applicant and dependant
Documents required from the principal applicant only
Additional documents for dependants
All documents in a language other than English must be translated into English and certified by the Malaysian Embassy, High Commissioner, or Consulate in your country of origin — or authenticated at the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Do not submit uncertified translations.
Why Apply Through Perfect Homes
Applicants must understand the category conditions, prepare acceptable documents, coordinate post-approval requirements and remain compliant after receiving the pass.
Perfect Homes provides practical support across the application journey.
MOTAC-Licensed MM2H Company
Perfect Homes (MM2H) Sdn. Bhd. is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture under licence number MM2H822.
Supporting Applicants Since 2013
We have worked with applicants from a wide range of countries and backgrounds, including retirees, families, professionals and entrepreneurs.
Professional-Led Team
Perfect Homes was established by professionals with accounting, legal and notarial backgrounds.
This helps us understand that an MM2H application may involve more than immigration paperwork. It may also require careful coordination involving documentation, property, banking, estate planning and family arrangements.
We work closely with Quah & Yeap Advocates & Solicitors for clients who require legal review of property purchase agreements and SPA documentation. This is an important step for applicants who are unfamiliar with Malaysian property law. Having an MM2H consultant and a Malaysian solicitor working in coordination can help reduce the risk of delays, missing documents, or legal misunderstandings during the property purchase process.
Application Support from Start to Finish
Our MM2H services include:
- Preliminary eligibility assessment
- MM2H category comparison
- Personalised document checklist
- Application preparation and review
- Submission through the appropriate official channel
- Follow-up on additional document requests
- Conditional-approval support
- Fixed-deposit coordination
- Medical and insurance coordination
- Pass endorsement assistance
- Dependant applications
- Renewal support
- Fixed-deposit withdrawal applications
- Transfer of pass to a new passport
Additional Coordination
Where required, we can also coordinate introductions or support relating to:
- Notarial services
- Certified documents
- Property matters
- Legal documentation
- Tenancy matters
- Education
- Healthcare
- Business setup
- Relocation arrangements
Regulated legal, financial or investment services will be provided by the appropriate qualified or licensed professionals.
Ready To Start Your MM2H Application?
Contact us for a free eligibility assessment. We will review your financial profile, recommend the right MM2H category, and provide a full cost breakdown with no obligation.
Answer Library
FAQs
Is there a minimum stay requirement for MM2H holders?
Applicants under the age of 50 must spend a minimum of 90 cumulative days per year in Malaysia. Importantly, this is calculated on a combined family basis — for example, main applicant 30 days + spouse 30 days + parents 30 days counts as 90 days total. Holders aged 50 and above are not subject to any minimum stay requirement, making MM2H particularly attractive for semi-retired or retired applicants.
What happens if I do not purchase a property within the required timeline?
Property purchase is compulsory after MM2H approval. If you fail to meet the required timeline stated in your approval conditions, your MM2H status may be affected and the pass may be revoked. Your licensed MM2H company should guide you on the applicable timeline.
Can MM2H applicants withdraw their fixed deposit?
Yes. Participants may withdraw up to 50% of the fixed deposit after approval for approved purposes, such as property purchase, medical, education and tourism-related activities in Malaysia.
Can I apply for MM2H without an agent?
No. MM2H applications must be submitted and completed through an MM2H company licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. Direct self-submission to MOTAC is not available under the current application process. Read our step-by-step application process guide.
Can I upgrade from Silver to Gold or Platinum?
MOTAC does not clearly state an automatic upgrade process between MM2H tiers. Any category change may be subject to reassessment, higher-tier requirements and the latest approval conditions by the relevant authorities.
Is health insurance compulsory for MM2H holders?
Yes. All MM2H participants are required to maintain comprehensive private health insurance with a minimum coverage of RM 80,000 throughout their participation in the programme. A brief medical check-up is also required as part of the approval process. Your licensed MM2H agent will guide you on obtaining suitable coverage prior to visa endorsement.
Is foreign income taxable for MM2H holders in Malaysia?
MM2H participants may enjoy tax exemption on foreign funds or income, but MM2H status does not replace Malaysia’s normal tax rules. If you stay in Malaysia for 182 days or more in a year, you may be treated as a Malaysian tax resident. Foreign income brought into Malaysia may also be subject to tax rules, although exemptions may apply depending on the income type and conditions. Applicants should get independent tax advice before relying on any tax benefits.
Is there a more affordable MM2H entry option?
Yes. In addition to the Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, there is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) pathway available exclusively for Forest City in Johor Bahru. The SEZ tier has a lower fixed deposit requirement — USD 65,000 for applicants aged 21 and above, or USD 32,000 for those aged 50 and above — with a 10-year renewable visa. Property purchase must be directly from the Forest City developer. Speak to our consultants to find out if the SEZ pathway suits your plans.
