08 Jan MM2H Frequently Asked Questions: What You Must Know Before Applying
Most MM2H FAQs online are outdated, inconsistent, or based on programme rules that no longer apply. This leaves many applicants confused and unsure how to move forward, even though Malaysia remains one of the region’s most attractive long-term stay options.
This guide cuts through that confusion by explaining the current MM2H structure, updated eligibility requirements, and realistic financial expectations based on how applications are assessed today. The focus is on clear, practical information you can rely on.
Backed by hands-on experience supporting MM2H applicants, Moore Bzi shares insights that go beyond generic FAQs, helping you avoid costly mistakes and approach your application with confidence.
What Is MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) in 2025?
FREEPIKMM2H is a long-term residency programme that allows foreigners to live in Malaysia on a renewable basis. It gives individuals and families the flexibility to stay, retire or maintain a second home in a country known for stability, affordability and quality of life.
Recent updates have introduced clearer financial expectations and better-defined criteria.
Applicants can now choose between the national MM2H, Sabah MM2H, or Sarawak MM2H. Each version has its own entry requirements and benefits, and the state-level programmes are generally more flexible.
At its core, MM2H requires financial stability. Applicants must show a combination of liquid assets, foreign income and a fixed deposit in Malaysia. These requirements aim to ensure that participants can comfortably support themselves while living in the country.
Questions on Eligibility
1. What is the minimum age requirement?
Applicants under the national MM2H programme must meet minimum age requirements based on category. The Platinum, Gold and Silver categories require applicants to be at least 25 years old, while the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) category allows applications from age 21. There is no formal upper age limit, subject to medical insurance eligibility.
2. What counts as liquid assets in 2025?
Acceptable assets include cash savings, fixed deposits, investment portfolios, listed shares, and other cash-equivalent instruments. Property value is not accepted unless converted into funds.
3. What form of proof of income does the government accept?
Pension, business income, overseas salary, rental income, and dividends are acceptable as long as they are consistent and well-documented.
4. Can income come from business, property or mixed sources?
Yes. Multiple sources are allowed. Clear statements and supporting documents are required.
5. Can joint assets or income be used?
Yes. Married couples may combine resources if documentation is provided for both.
6. Who qualifies as dependent?
Eligible dependents include spouses and children. Children may be biological, stepchildren or legally adopted. Children below 21 years old qualify automatically.
Children aged 21 to 34 years old may also qualify provided they are single, unmarried, not employed in Malaysia, and remain financially dependent on the main applicant.
7. Do parents qualify under the main applicant?
Certain MM2H versions allow this. It depends on the category chosen and state-level rules.
8. What are the requirements for medical insurance?
For new MM2H applications, all main applicants and dependents below the age of 60 are required to obtain Malaysia-approved medical insurance before visa endorsement.
Applicants aged 60 and above must also demonstrate adequate medical coverage, which may be assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on age, health condition and available insurance options.
Questions on Financial Requirements
1. What are the fixed deposit requirements?
A fixed deposit must be placed in a Malaysian bank after conditional approval. The amount varies by category and state.
2. What is the minimum amount and when must it be placed?
The deposit is placed after arrival in Malaysia, just before visa endorsement.
3. What are the withdrawal rules?
A portion of the deposit can be withdrawn later for approved expenses, including children’s education, medical needs or property purchase.
4. What are the annual income expectations?
Applicants must show stable yearly income that aligns with the financial expectations of the chosen category.
5. What is the total realistic cost estimate?
Costs include processing fees, visa charges, insurance, medical screening and consultant services.
6. Are there any currency considerations?
Income or assets in non-USD currencies must be converted into Malaysian ringgit using official bank rates.
7. How to demonstrate financial stability?
We advise applicants to prepare clear bank statements, proof of income over several months, evidence of investments, and a simple summary of financial resources to support their case.
Questions on Lifestyle and Practical Living
PEXEL1. Do MM2H holders need to stay in Malaysia full-time?
No. Most participants stay part-time, and the programme is designed with flexibility in mind.
2. How many days a year should one stay?
Under the current federal MM2H framework, a minimum stay of 90 days per calendar year in Peninsular Malaysia is required.
For the Platinum, Gold and Silver categories, this requirement applies to applicants aged 25 to 49 and may be fulfilled either by the main applicant or any registered dependant.
For MM2H under the SEZ or Special Federal Zone (SFZ) categories, the minimum stay applies to applicants aged 21 to 49 and may likewise be fulfilled by the main applicant or dependents.
Applicants aged 50 and above are not subject to the minimum stay requirement.
3. Can MM2H holders work, freelance or manage a business?
Employment in Malaysia is generally not permitted under MM2H. However, the Platinum MM2H category allows limited work participation, subject to specific approvals and conditions imposed by the authorities.
Gold, Silver and SEZ MM2H holders are not permitted to work in Malaysia. Across all categories, remote work for overseas employers or businesses is allowed, provided income is generated outside Malaysia.
4. What are the schooling options for children?
Children can attend private or international schools. Malaysia has strong options in major cities.
5. Is it compulsory to buy a property?
Under the new federal MM2H categories (Platinum, Gold, Silver and SEZ), property purchase in Malaysia is compulsory.
Approved applicants are required to purchase residential property in Malaysia in accordance with minimum value, holding period and timing requirements set by the authorities.
Renting alone is no longer sufficient under the new MM2H framework.
6. Can you buy a car with tax incentives?
The national MM2H no longer offers car tax incentives. Some state-level programmes may differ.
7. How is healthcare access?
MM2H holders access private healthcare, which is affordable and of high quality.
Questions on Application Process
1. Full Step-by-Step Process
| Stage | Details & What to Expect |
| 1. Financial Assessment & Eligibility Review | An initial review confirms whether you meet MM2H financial thresholds, including income, liquid assets, and savings. Consultants such as Moore Bzi access bank statements and income history to identify the most suitable category before documentation begins. . |
| 2. Document Preparation & Translation (if required) | Applicants prepare passports, income and bank statements, marriage or birth certificates, and supporting financial documents. Non-English documents must be translated and certified to Malaysian standards to avoid delays. |
| 3. Submission to the Ministry / Immigration Department | Documents are compiled and submitted to the Ministry or Immigration Department, either directly or through a licensed agent, together with the required forms and fees. |
| 4. Background Checks & Financial Screening | Authorities conduct security and financial checks to verify income sources and ensure applicants can support themselves legally in Malaysia. |
| 5. Conditional Approval Letter (CAL) | Successful applicants receive a CAL outlining the next steps, including travel to Malaysia, medical screening, insurance purchase, and fixed deposit placement. |
| 6. Arrival in Malaysia | Applicants must enter Malaysia within the CAL validity period to complete remaining formalities. |
| 7. Medical Screening | A basic medical examination at a registered clinic, usually completed within the same day. |
| 8. Medical Insurance Purchase | Applicants obtain Malaysia-approved medical insurance unless an existing policy already meets the requirements. |
| 9. Fixed Deposit Placement | The required fixed deposit is placed in a Malaysian bank. Partial withdrawals may be allowed later for approved expenses, depending on the MM2H category. |
| 10. Visa Endorsement | Passports are submitted for visa endorsement, and the MM2H Social Visit Pass is issued, typically valid for five to ten years, depending on the programme tier. |
2. Document Requirements & Additional Notes
| Category | Details |
| Required Documents | Applicants must provide passports for all applicants, recent bank statements, proof of income or pension, evidence of liquid assets, marriage certificates, birth certificates for children, passport-sized photos, and completed medical forms. Additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances. |
| Embassy Submission (Varies by Country) | Certain documents, such as statutory declarations, translations, or certified true copies, may need to be notarised or submitted through a Malaysian Embassy or High Commission, depending on country-specific requirements. |
| In-Person Presence | Applicants must travel to Malaysia to complete medical screening, fixed deposit placement, and visa endorsement. Dependants are usually required to be present during the endorsement stage. |
| Interview Requirements | Occasionally, applicants may be asked to attend a short interview to verify documents or clarify financial sources. These interviews are generally straightforward and focused on confirmation rather than assessment. |
Questions on Renewal and Long-Term Stability
1. What is the MM2H validity period?
Validity varies by category, typically up to five or ten years, and is renewable.
2. What are the renewal criteria?
Proof of the fixed deposit balance, continued financial stability and updated medical insurance.
3. What happens if requirements change
Existing pass holders normally continue under the rules they were approved with, unless stated otherwise.
4. Can MM2H lead to PR
MM2H is not a direct path to permanent residency, but long-term presence in Malaysia may support future PR considerations.
5. Is it possible to maintain MM2H while living abroad?
You may live abroad for most of the year. Regular visits and compliance with updated requirements are recommended.
Common Misconceptions
1. “MM2H is the same as PVIP.”
PVIP has higher financial thresholds and different benefits.
2. “Only retirees qualify.”
MM2H welcomes families, remote workers and investors.
3. “Malaysia rarely approves applications.”
Approval rates are solid for applicants who meet requirements.
4. “MM2H requires permanent relocation.”
The programme is designed for flexible, part-time residency.
5. “MM2H is unsafe due to rule changes.”
Despite policy adjustments, MM2H remains stable for approved participants.
Confused about MM2H vs PVIP? Discover the key differences and find out which programme suits you best at MM2H vs PVIP: Choose the Right Malaysian Visa.
Real-Life Applicant Scenarios
Scenario 1: Family with school-age children
FREEPIKFamilies often look for a safe environment and strong international schooling options. In cases like this, the focus is usually on dependants, education pathways, and ensuring the fixed deposit and financial documents are properly structured.
Scenario 2: Digital nomad or remote worker
PEXELMany remote professionals want a stable base in Asia while continuing to work for overseas clients. These profiles typically involve proving mixed income streams and demonstrating sufficient liquid assets to meet MM2H requirements.
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Scenario 3: Semi-retired couple
PEXELPeople seeking a warm climate, high-quality healthcare and long-term comfort often explore MM2H as part of their retirement lifestyle planning. They commonly need guidance on medical insurance, budgeting, and how fixed deposit withdrawals may be used later for medical or property expenses.
Scenario 4: Investor splitting time between countries
PEXELSome individuals split their time between multiple countries and want residency flexibility without relocating full-time. They usually prioritise clear financial documentation and stable asset reporting to show strong eligibility for MM2H.
Why Applicants Choose Moore Bzi
Understanding MM2H requirements is one thing. Applying them correctly, with the right structure and documentation, is what determines whether many applications succeed or fail.
This is where experienced guidance from agents like Moore Bzi makes a real difference.
We handle MM2H applications daily, not occasionally. Our team stays fully aligned with the latest 2025 requirements, policy clarifications, and procedural changes, so our advice reflects how applications are assessed today rather than outdated assumptions.
We take the time to clearly explain costs, financial expectations, and documentation, helping applicants understand not just what is required but why it matters.
From the initial eligibility assessment through to approval and endorsement, we provide end-to-end support, ensuring each step is handled accurately and efficiently.
Even after approval, Moore Bzi continues to guide clients on renewals, compliance, and long-term planning. Our approach is professional, transparent, and human because MM2H is not just an application; it is a long-term lifestyle decision.
Conclusion
MM2H remains achievable for applicants who meet the criteria and prepare their applications properly. With the right planning and clear documentation, Malaysia remains one of Asia’s most attractive long-term residency destinations.
Want personalised guidance or clarity on how MM2H works for you? The Moore Bzi team is ready to assist. Talk to our consultants today and take the next step with confidence.