Relocating to Malaysia? Latest 2026 MM2H Guide

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is Malaysia’s long-term residency programme, allowing foreigners to live in the country for 5 to 20 years under a renewable visa. It provides access to property ownership, local banking, healthcare, and family inclusion, making it popular among retirees, investors, and long-term residents. Work rights are generally restricted, with limited allowances in certain categories.

This guide reflects the latest MM2H updates for 2025–2026 and focuses on the federal programme for Peninsular Malaysia. It explains how the programme operates, highlights policy changes, and outlines key considerations for prospective applicants.

This article will cover:

• How MM2H works in 2026, including tier structure and key updates
• Core eligibility, financial thresholds, and compliance basics
• Real MM2H costs beyond fixed deposits, including taxes and fees
• Practical guidance on choosing the right MM2H path and suitability

With extensive experience guiding applicants through approvals, tax planning, and compliance, Moore Bzi provides practical insights to help you decide whether Malaysia is the right second home for you.

MM2H 2025-2026: Latest Updates Overview 

Since its introduction in 1996, the MM2H programme has evolved to better serve foreign residents.  

Major Policy Changes 

• Mandatory property purchase with proof of ownership
• 90-day annual stay requirement, now digitally tracked
• Health insurance now required for all applicants
• Applications must be submitted via licensed MM2H agents
• 10-year lock-in period before property resale
• New Special Economic Zone (SEZ) pathway introduced for younger professionals and tech talent
• MM2H pass can be transferred to the dependent upon the principal applicant’s passing 

MM2H Programme Structure and Financial Thresholds

MM2H operates under a tiered framework starting from 2024, with each tier defined by visa duration, age eligibility, and minimum financial commitments. 

The newest tier, the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), also known as the Special Economic Zone (SFZ) pathway, launched in 2025 and offers lower entry thresholds but is limited to approved zones (currently Forest City, Johor).

Tier Comparison Table 

Note: All government fees are subjected to 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST)

What MM2H Allows

• Unlimited residential property purchases (subject to state minimums)
• Inclusion of spouse, children, and parents as dependents
• Access to property financing up to 80%
• Withdrawal of up to 50% of fixed deposit for approved purposes
• Tax exemption on foreign-sourced income

Key Restrictions

• No employment rights, except under the Platinum tier
• Commercial property purchases not permitted
• No pathway to permanent residency or citizenship
• Property cannot be sold within the 10-year lock-in period (upgrades to higher value allowed)

Standard  Application Timeline

• Processing: Around 60 working days after submission
• End-to-end timeline: Approximately 3 to 4 months to visa endorsement
• SEZ timeline: 90 days to purchase Forest City property after approval

Which MM2H Path Fits You Best?

Forest City SFZ 

Choosing the right MM2H pathway depends on your financial capacity, lifestyle goals, and long-term plans in Malaysia. The federal programme offers multiple tiers to match different levels of commitment, while select states provide alternative options with unique rules and advantages. 

Tier Highlights

• Silver: Entry-level, ideal for first-time applicants exploring Malaysia. Provides basic residency benefits but no work or business privileges.
• Gold: Longer validity, suitable for families or those seeking secure long-term residency. Higher deposit and property thresholds reflect deeper financial commitment.
• Platinum: Designed for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) investors or business owners. Allows directorship and shareholding, combining residency with entrepreneurial flexibility.
• Special Economic Zone (SEZ): Introduced in 2025 for digital economy workers and entrepreneurs. Lower thresholds exclusively for Forest City development in Johor. Close proximity to Singapore makes this appealing for cross-border professionals.

Decision Guidance & Risk Considerations

Silver:

• Best for: Trying out residency; budget-conscious applicants
• Not suitable for: Those needing work privileges or business flexibility
• Risk factors: Currency fluctuation between USD deposit and RM property

Gold:

• Best for: Long-term family or professional stays; secure residency without business needs
• Not suitable for: Short-term plans, limited budgets, or those requiring work rights
• Risk factors: Higher financial lock-in; policy changes may affect renewal terms

Platinum:

• Best for: UHNW individuals seeking business flexibility and maximum privileges
• Not suitable for: Middle-income applicants; those uncomfortable with RM 200,000 participation fee
• Risk factors: Significant upfront capital; business ventures require separate compliance

SEZ:

• Best for: Young professionals (over the age of 21 years old), digital nomads, Singapore residents seeking affordable Malaysia base
• Not suitable for: Those wanting property choice flexibility; retirees preferring established areas
• Risk factors: Tied to Forest City development only; strict purchase deadline; forest City has lower occupancy and limited resale market

MM2H Pathways at a Glance

The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) is another government residency initiative available for expats. Discover how it compares to MM2H and which option might be right for you in this article. 

MM2H Eligibility Checklist 

To qualify for MM2H in 2026, applicants must meet certain criteria and comply with residency obligations to improve their chances of approval and ensure smooth processing.

Financial Criteria

• Fixed Deposit: Tier-dependent with mandatory lock-in periods. Partial withdrawals are allowed only for approved purposes.
• Offshore Income: Proof of stable monthly income is required. Documentation must show consistency rather than just large one-off deposits.
• Property Purchase: Most tiers require a minimum property value and verification. “Intention to buy” is no longer sufficient.

Health & Insurance

• Comprehensive health insurance must be maintained (minimum coverage RM 80,000)
• Medical checkup required to confirm fitness for long-term residency

Dependants & Family Inclusion

• Eligible dependants include spouse, children up to 34 years old of age(unmarried), and parents.
• Additional documentation may be required to verify relationships and dependent status.

Residency & Compliance

• Minimum 90-day annual stay, strictly enforced
• Non-compliance can affect visa renewal and future applications.
  

MM2H Application Process

The MM2H application is generally straightforward when applicants understand the main stages.

Key Stages of the Application

1. Eligibility & Tier Assessment: Identify the most suitable tier (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or SEZ) based on finances, lifestyle, and family needs.
   
2. Document Preparation: Gather essential documents such as bank statements, proof of income, medical reports, insurance coverage, and property verification.
   
3. Application Submission: Complete applications are submitted to Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) for review.
   
4. Conditional Approval Letter (CAL): Once approved, the CAL confirms deposit, property, and insurance requirements.
   
5. Initial Visit & Compliance Checks:  Applicants make an initial visit to Malaysia to place the fixed deposit, complete the medical check, and finalise insurance coverage.
   
6. Visa Endorsement:  After fulfilling all obligations, the MM2H Social Visit Pass is endorsed and stamped in the passport.

Standard Timeline

• With complete documentation, approvals usually take around 3 to 4 months.
• Delays are usually due to incomplete or inconsistent documents, not government quotas or backlogs.

Under the new MM2H regulations, applications must be submitted through registered agents. Partner with Moore Bzi to navigate the process smoothly and secure your Malaysian dream home.

Tax Considerations You Cannot Ignore

Understanding the tax implications of living in Malaysia under MM2H is essential to avoid surprises:

• Tax Residency vs Immigration Status: MM2H holders may be considered tax residents if they stay 183 days or more, which can affect reporting obligations
• Foreign-Sourced Income: Generally tax-exempt, but accurate reporting required to maintain compliance

As a licensed MM2H agent, Moore Bzi provides integrated advisory services that include personalized tax planning alongside your MM2H application, helping you understand your tax position before relocating and optimise your financial structure from day one.

For detailed guidance, see Foreigner vs Non-Resident in Malaysia: Key Differences for Payroll & Tax

Living in Malaysia under MM2H 

Freepik

MM2H affects how you live in Malaysia day-to-day in several aspects:

• Healthcare: Access to both public and private healthcare. Private hospitals offer international-standard care; public facilities provide affordable treatment. Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory.
• Cost of Living: Varies by lifestyle and location. Kuala Lumpur and Penang are higher-cost urban centres; smaller towns offer lower expenses.
• Education: Children can enrol in public, private, or international schools. Malaysia offers British, Australian, and IB programmes, ideal for expatriate families.
• Banking & Property: MM2H holders can open Malaysian bank accounts, place fixed deposits, invest locally, and purchase residential property above the programme minimum thresholds. Property selection must comply with state-specific regulations.

For a deeper look at lifestyle advantages, see Top 10 MM2H Benefits That Make Malaysia a Preferred Home Abroad.

MM2H vs Other Visa Types: What is the Difference?

MM2H is often compared with Permanent Residence (PR)  and employment-based visas, but each option serves a very different purpose. This comparison outlines how MM2H differs in specific factors:

*Platinum Pass holders can become company directors and shareholders. Silver, Gold, and SEZ/SFZ tiers do not permit employment in Malaysia.

Planning a business or investment under the Platinum MM2H? Read our Corporate Tax Rate in Malaysia: What Businesses Need to Know article for the know-how.

Making Malaysia Your Second Home – The Informed Way 

Relocating to Malaysia through the MM2H program opens the door to a new lifestyle, long-term residency, and exciting opportunities for you and your family. By staying up to date with the 2026 requirements and criteria, you can confidently navigate the program. 

MM2H is more than just residency; it’s your pathway to making Malaysia your second home, with options in healthcare and education, property, and investment. 

Why Choose Moore Bzi?

Unlike traditional MM2H agents who only process visas, Moore Bzi delivers integrated advisory services that position you for long-term success with our strengths:

• Licensed MM2H Agent & Tax Expertise: Authorised MM2H agent with over 20 years supporting foreigners and businesses in Malaysia; combining immigration with tax optimisation.
• Comprehensive One‑Stop Solutions: End-to-end services including MM2H, visas, company registration, payroll, and business licensing.
• ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality: Services follow international standards focused on reliability and client satisfaction
• Personalised, Client‑Centric Support: Tailored guidance on documents, banking, and property throughout your relocation journey.
• Strong Government Network: Collaboration with Malaysian authorities for faster, compliant processing.

Reach out to our team for a consultation today to turn your Malaysian dream into reality.

FAQ

What happens to my MM2H status if I get divorced?

The main MM2H holder keeps their visa regardless of marital status. A dependent spouse loses MM2H status if divorced and must leave Malaysia or obtain their own visa. 

Property acquired under MM2H is subject to Malaysian law and should be handled with legal counsel.

Is MM2H transferable if I die?

Yes, under the new MM2H regulations, the pass is transferable to the spouse or other dependents upon the applicant’s demise. 

The dependent must notify the MM2H One-Stop Centre within the required timeframe (usually within three months of the principal’s death) to maintain visa continuity. 

Who should NOT apply for MM2H?

MM2H may not be suitable if you:

• Cannot commit to 90-day annual stay (if under 50 years old)
• Need employment rights without investing in the Platinum tier
• Want property investment flexibility (10-year lock-in period applies)
• Have only short-term plans (3 years or less)
• Cannot meet financial requirements comfortably (don’t stretch beyond your means)
• Require commercial property rights (MM2H only allows residential)
• Want a guaranteed path to PR or citizenship (MM2H does not provide this)
• Are applying for SEZ but want property choice (Forest City only, no resale market flexibility)

If you are uncertain about a long-term commitment or financial capacity, consider shorter-term visas first, or consult with Moore Bzi to assess whether MM2H aligns with your goals.

Can I use the existing property I already own for MM2H?

Yes, if your property meets these conditions:

• Your name (or joint name with spouse as dependent) is on the Sales & Purchase Agreement
• Property purchase price meets minimum requirement for your tier (as stated in SPA, not valuation)
• However, you forfeit the ability to withdraw 50% of fixed deposit if the property was purchased more than 2 years before visa issuance

How do I renew my MM2H visa after it expires?

MM2H visas can be renewed around 3 to 6 months before pass expiry. Applications are submitted through a licensed MM2H agent with the necessary documents and meeting all programme requirements.