MM2H & Kuala Lumpur Property Guide by BoonGiap.com.my

Why Consider Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)?

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is Malaysia’s official long‑stay residency program that grants approved foreigners a renewable long‑term Social Visit Pass, allowing them and their families to live in Malaysia while keeping their original citizenship. The latest version of MM2H (sometimes called MM2H 3.0) is designed specifically to attract high‑value individuals, retirees, investors and mobile professionals who want a safe, comfortable and well‑connected base in Asia.

Latest MM2H Structure and Categories

Different MM2H packages (Silver/Gold/Platinum/SEZ) suit different financial levels. Higher deposits and property purchases can unlock longer visas and more flexibility. *Always check the latest update before applying.

Feature	Platinum	Gold	Silver	SEZ
Minimum Age	25	25	25	21
Fixed Deposit	USD 1 million	USD 500,000	USD 150,000	USD 65,000 for those aged 21 – 49 years old USD 32,000 for > 50 years old
Participation Fee	RM200,000	RM3,000	RM1,000	RM1,000
Residence Purchase	RM2 million	RM1 million	RM600,000	State-specific property & rates
Validity Period	20 years	15 years	5 years	10 years
Renewal Fee	RM5,000	RM3,000	RM1,500	RM300
Business Activities	Allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed
Employment	Allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed
Foreign Maid	Allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed

The current MM2H framework introduces four categories: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Special Economic Zone/Special Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ), each with different visa duration and financial requirements.

Applicants must be at least 25 years old for Silver, Gold and Platinum; 21 and above for SEZ/SFZ.
All categories require placement of a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank and/or proof of strong offshore income, with higher tiers (Gold/Platinum) needing larger deposits but offering longer visa validity.

Core Eligibility and Requirements

The main requirement pillars are:

Financial strength
- Placement of a fixed deposit (amount varies by category and age) in a Malaysian financial institution.
- For certain categories, one‑off participation fee for the principal (for example, RM200,000 / RM3,000 / RM1,000 depending on tier in the current policy document), with no fee for dependents.
Background and character
- Certificate of good conduct / police clearance from the applicant’s country of origin or residence.
- No serious criminal record and compliance with Malaysian laws.
Health and insurance
- Medical check‑up at a clinic/hospital recognised by MOTAC, using Medical Form II.
- Valid medical insurance policy from an approved insurer, mandatory especially for applicants below 60.
Documentation
- Passports, marriage and birth certificates (translated into English and certified where necessary).
- Standard immigration forms such as IMM.12, IMM.38, Personal Bond form, Medical Form II, etc. which can be downloaded from the official Immigration/MOTAC portals.

What Can MM2H Participants Do in Malaysia?

Live in Malaysia long term
MM2H gives a multi‑year, multiple‑entry Social Visit Pass (5–20 years depending on category, renewable), allowing families to base themselves in Malaysia while travelling freely in and out.
Bring family members
Dependents can include spouse, children (biological/step/adopted) below 21, and unmarried children up to 34 who are not working in Malaysia, plus disabled children with no age limit.
Buy and enjoy property
- Foreigners can buy property in Malaysia without MM2H, but MM2H makes it easier to actually live in the property for the long term.
- In the latest terms, MM2H participants are required to own a residence property with restrictions on selling within 10 years (you may upgrade to a higher‑value home).
Education and healthcare
- Children can attend international schools and universities in Malaysia; the official MM2H framework explicitly recognises education as a permitted use of funds and purpose of stay.
- Access to private hospitals and specialists is supported by MOTAC’s official lists of panel clinics/hospitals for MM2H medical checks and recognised insurance providers.

Fixed Deposit and Withdrawal – Important for Property Planning

For investors and home buyers, the fixed deposit mechanism is crucial:

MM2H participants must maintain a minimum fixed deposit for the entire period of participation, but partial withdrawals are allowed from the second year onwards for specific purposes:
- Residential property purchase
- Children’s education in Malaysia
- Medical expenses in Malaysia
Under the Immigration Department’s latest guidelines:
- Participants aged 50 and above may withdraw up to RM50,000, but must keep at least RM100,000 as balance until they exit the programme.
- Participants below 50 may withdraw up to RM150,000, while maintaining at least RM150,000 as the remaining balance.

Withdrawal is on a reimbursement basis – you pay first (e.g. for property SPA, school fees, medical bills), then submit documents to request release from the fixed deposit. This timing should be part of your client’s cashflow planning.

Why Malaysia Appeals to China & Middle East Buyers

Cost‑effective Asia hub
Compared with many global cities and some Gulf destinations, Malaysia offers high‑quality living at a relatively modest cost: private healthcare, international schools, modern shopping malls and fine dining at prices often lower than Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong or major Chinese metros.
Safe, family‑friendly environment
Malaysia is politically stable with low violent crime in most residential areas, and well‑developed gated communities and serviced residences in Kuala Lumpur and key cities.
Cultural comfort
- For China buyers: Large Chinese communities, Mandarin widely spoken in cities, abundant Chinese food, and easy access to Chinese media and payment ecosystems.
- For Middle East buyers: Muslim‑majority country, halal food everywhere, many international schools and hospitals with Arabic‑speaking staff, plus mosques and Islamic finance options.
Travel connectivity
Kuala Lumpur is an aviation hub with direct flights to China, the Middle East and Europe, making Malaysia a convenient second home and stop‑over base.

Who Is the “Ideal” MM2H Client?

High‑net‑worth or upper‑middle‑class families who can comfortably place the required fixed deposit and purchase a RM2m+ residence while maintaining lifestyle and investments elsewhere.
Retirees or semi‑retirees from China and the Middle East seeking a milder climate, lower living costs, and good healthcare, with the flexibility to travel.
Business owners and professionals who are location‑independent (online businesses, investors, consultants) and need a stable, English‑friendly base with strong regional connectivity.

MM2H is not ideal for people who want immediate permanent residency, to work full‑time locally in standard jobs, or who cannot maintain the financial requirements.

Other Practical Points & Risk Management

Use licensed MM2H operators
MOTAC provides a QR link to an official list of MM2H operators; working with approved agents reduces the risk of misinformation or non‑compliant applications.
Be prepared for updates
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reserves the right to amend operational terms and conditions, and MM2H has been revised several times. Advise clients to always confirm figures and rules at the time of application.
Exit and inheritance planning
The Immigration Department has clear procedures for termination of the pass, withdrawal of fixed deposit, and handling of cases where the principal passes away, including the need for death certificates, wills or letters of administration, and proper documentation for dependents.

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