FAQ for MM2H | Alter Domus

Frequently Asked Questions

About MM2H

What is Malaysia My Second Home or MM2H visa?

MM2H is a long-term visa that allows the applicant and his or her family to stay in Malaysia.
The visa is issued in five-year blocks and is renewable.
Spouses, children, parents, and parents-in-law can be added as dependents. The duration of their visas will be the same as that of the main applicant.
Children must be under 34 years of age, unmarried, and not employed in Malaysia.
You cannot bring in your siblings, nieces or nephews, or your grandchildren or grandparents.
If you are a single parent, you will need to provide legal and official custody documents.
If your child is adopted, official adoption papers are required.
The MM2H visa is not a resident visa, employment visa, or permanent residence visa.

What are the benefits offered under MM2H?

Stay long-term in Malaysia, rather than just 30 or 90 days on a tourist visa.
Open bank accounts in Malaysia. Without a visa, banks in Malaysia will not open accounts for foreigners.
Buy Malaysian health or medical insurance. Malaysian insurance is affordable and offers good coverage compared to many other places.
Partial withdrawal of fixed deposits: For the 3-tier MM2H and MM2H in SEZ/SFZ, if you purchase a property after obtaining the MM2H, you can withdraw up to 50% of your fixed deposit, subject to terms and conditions.

Do I need to report to the authorities where I stay?

The Malaysian government does not track where MM2H participants stay. They do not require MM2H participants to report their residence. MM2H participants can enter and leave the country at any time and without restrictions.

Note for Europeans: We do not have a system where you register with the town hall to obtain a “residence” certificate. The only way you can prove your address is through utility bills.

Why do I need an agent to apply, why can’t I just do it myself?

It was found that a large portion of the fraud, particularly involving fake documents, is committed by direct applicants or those who apply on their own. The Malaysian government could not track these individuals as there were no local sponsors responsible for their applications. Fake documents make it much harder for genuine applicants, as they must undergo extra certification processes. Fake applicants do not benefit Malaysia. MM2H agents are licensed, and the recent cleanup ensures that only legitimate agents are allowed to operate.

Can I add in dependents like spouse, children, parents, or parents-in-law later? Is it easy to add in dependents?

Yes, you can, but there will be additional charges for the “inclusion of dependents.” Certified marriage certificates, birth certificates, and/or legal adoption papers are required.

Can I bring in my maid?

For Platinum category, you can bring in maid under MM2H application. However, Silver, Gold and SEZ/SFZ categories have to hire or bring in a maid via Malaysian maid agency (not under MM2H application).

Bringing or hiring a maid is only applicable to those applying as a husband and wife. It is not open to single applicants. Applicants must be female, under 45 years old, with no exceptions. Please check with us first.

Can I change the level (Silver, Gold, or Platinum)?

No, you must cancel the application and reapply as a new applicant. An additional service fee will be charged to cover administrative work.

How to go about in the medical insurance?

Anyone below the age of 60 requires local medical insurance. We will arrange an affordable policy for you to meet the requirements of MM2H, with additional charges depending on your occupation, age, height, and weight. If you wish to purchase comprehensive medical insurance, let us know, and we will provide you with contacts for reputable insurance agents.

Can I stay in Malaysia on a tourist visa while waiting for MM2H approval?

You can only stay for the dates specified in your passport—no more than 30 or 90 days per entry, depending on your nationality.
Extensions on tourist visas are very difficult to obtain, and the authorities prefer that you remain outside Malaysia while waiting for MM2H approval. This may change if we request MOTAC to allow applicants to stay here.

Can I change my citizenship after getting the MM2H?

You can, but you must apply to MM2H and provide evidence that you have surrendered the original citizenship associated with the MM2H application. The process can be quite lengthy, and many official documents must be submitted, so try not to change unless it is absolutely necessary. Alternatively, you can change your citizenship first and apply for MM2H after the change is successful.

How many years is the MM2H approved for?

There are 3 categories of new MM2H:

Platinum: 20 years, renewable for 5 years.
Gold: 15 years, renewable for 5 years.
Silver: 5 years, renewable for 5 years.
MM2H in SEZ/SFZ (JB): 10 years, renewable for 5 years.

Is it easy to renew and are the requirements grandfathered?

So far, renewal has been straightforward. Many MM2H participants have been renewing for the past 20 years without issues, as long as their MM2H status has not lapsed or expired. To date, all the requirements have been grandfathered for existing MM2H holders.

Schooling for children:

Public schools are not open to foreigners. However, you can enrol your children in private schools.
A separate student visa (under the MM2H programme) must be obtained for your children to study at the school. We will guide you through the process of obtaining the student visa.

Are the fees refunded if I pull out or cancel my MM2H?

Our professional fee is non-refundable if you decide to stop after we have submitted the application. However, RM1,000 will be refunded if you choose not to proceed and we have not yet submitted your application. Once your MM2H has been approved, the visa fees are non-refundable, even if you cancel the visa before its expiration date. The security bond will be refunded, but it may take a long time to receive the funds.

Privacy concerns:

We have been in this business for nearly 20 years, holding licence number MM2H/0001, which has been renewed to MM2H810. We do not sell or share information with third parties, and we take privacy seriously. We are registered with the Malaysian government under the PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act).

Taxation:

As of 2024, you are not issued a tax number, and you do not pay Malaysian taxes. If you need a certificate of tax residency, you can obtain it, but you must fulfil certain conditions to receive it. Please contact us for more information.

Cars and Houses:

You do not have to buy a car; you can rent one or even stay with friends or relatives while applying for the MM2H visa. However, participants in the new three-tier MM2H and MM2H in SEZ/SFZ programmes are required to purchase property in Malaysia after their MM2H visa has been approved:

Platinum: Properties valued at RM2 million and above.
Gold: Properties valued at RM1 million and above.
Silver: Properties valued at RM600,000 and above.
MM2H in SEZ/SFZ: Prices are determined by the developers and may require approval from the State Authority. Properties must be purchased from developers and not through agents or homeowners.

The MM2H visa will be revoked if the applicants fail to comply with this condition. However, this does not apply to existing MM2H holders under the old conditions; they do not need to buy a car or house.

Process & Timing:

Alter Domus cannot control the processing time or the outcome of the application. What we have is the experience to know which documents are required and how to best present them to the MM2H Centre.

For the 90-days stay in Malaysia for aged 50 and above, must it be fulfilled solely by the principal applicant only or it can be principal and spouse or it has to be every applicants under the application (includes children, parents and parents-in-law)?

If the principal is aged below 50 years, both the principal and their dependents can assist each other in achieving the 90-day stay per calendar year. However, for principals aged above 50 years, all their dependents are exempted from the minimum stay of 90 days per calender year along with their principals.

What will happen if I cannot fulfil the minimum stay conditions?

The MM2H committee reserves the right to reject your renewal application at their discretion.

Work & The MM2H:

Existing MM2H holders, along with Silver, Gold, and MM2H in SEZ/SFZ holders, cannot work for a Malaysian company or within Malaysia. However, you can continue to work remotely if the company you work for operates outside of Malaysia (meaning it is not a Malaysian business entity). You can set up a business, but you should not actively work for it or be on the payroll. You may serve as an advisor or consultant and share in business dividends. If you wish to work full-time in Malaysia, you must obtain an Employment Pass.

This restriction does not apply to Platinum holders, who are permitted to engage in any business, investment activities, and employment in Malaysia.

If I pass away first, can my spouse continue to get the MM2H?

Once the principal passes away, participants in the three-tier MM2H and MM2H in SEZ/SFZ programmes are allowed to transfer the principal status from the deceased applicant to their next of kin, who is a dependent under their MM2H application. The dependents are required to formally report the principal's death to the MM2H OSC within three months from the date of the principal's death. Failing to do so will prevent the dependents from transferring their principal status.

However, existing MM2H holders who applied under the old conditions will not be able to do so; all dependents will be automatically terminated. If the spouse wishes to continue staying in Malaysia, he or she must reapply as a new applicant under the three-tier MM2H or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ conditions and requirements.

Will I be excluded from Tourist Tax (such as hotel tourist tax for holidays in Malaysia) if I am an MM2H holder?

No, only Malaysian citizens holding a MyKad and Malaysian Permanent Residents (PR) are exempt from the Tourist Tax, as the MM2H visa is not a permanent residency permit.

Driving Licence, Shipment of Household Effects, etc.

Can I get a Malaysian driving licence and how do I get it?

Yes, you can obtain a Malaysian driving licence through licence conversion, and you do not have to relinquish your existing foreign driving licence. A Singapore driving licence can be used in Malaysia. However, you will need to obtain documents from your home country, so please inform us if you wish to proceed with the licence conversion. We will advise you on how to go about it. You can only complete the conversion after you have obtained your MM2H visa. Not all countries’ driving licences are convertible, so please check with us first.

Can I ship my household effects over?

Used household effects can be shipped in tax-free. Please liaise with us if you wish to ship them, as you have two options:

Option 1: Door-to-door service.
Option 2: We can assist you with the Penang sector.

Can I bring in my car?

Yes, but it is very difficult. We do not recommend this unless you are willing to pay the hefty taxes and endure the hassle of navigating numerous strict procedures to bring a car in.

Healthcare

What types of healthcare are available in Malaysia?

Public and private healthcare are available to foreigners, although practically all MM2H participants choose private healthcare. Private healthcare offers far superior customer service and patient experience compared to public healthcare. Public healthcare, on the other hand, is much cheaper, but some restrictions may apply, as it is more geared towards the needs of Malaysians.

If you are found unconscious and require medical attention, you will be sent to a general hospital (public hospital) for treatment, regardless of your ability to pay.

What types of medical insurance are available in Malaysia?

There is no public health insurance in Malaysia, only private options. As the premiums are not expensive, many Malaysians and foreigners can afford them. Foreigners require a long-term visa, such as MM2H or employment, to purchase medical insurance. Tourists are not permitted to buy medical insurance.

Please contact us if you need a list of agents to assist you in purchasing comprehensive insurance. We can help you obtain affordable insurance that you may need for MM2H, with additional charges applied. Medical insurance is compulsory for obtaining the MM2H visa for your passports.

Properties

Do I need to buy or rent under MM2H?

Yes, you are required to purchase residential properties in Peninsula Malaysia after your three-tier MM2H or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ visa has been approved, within one year from the date of the first endorsement. The MM2H visa will be revoked if applicants fail to comply with this condition.

However, this does not apply to existing MM2H holders who applied under the old conditions and regulations of the MM2H programme.

What should I do if I want to buy properties?

Land is under state jurisdiction, so we suggest that you engage a local solicitor to assist you with the purchase.

Before placing a deposit on the property, please ask the local solicitor to verify the local rules and regulations pertaining to property purchases by MM2H holders. Avoid hiring a solicitor who practices outside the state, as he or she may not be well-versed in local council regulations. However, MM2H holders in SEZ/SFZ must purchase their properties from developers and not from agents or homeowners. Prices are subject to State Authority approval, and you may need to obtain this approval before making any purchase.

Can I buy land or commercial properties?

Yes, you can, but it is subject to state laws. Please ask the local solicitor to verify this before you place any deposit. "Residential properties with commercial titles" are acceptable for partial withdrawals of the MM2H fixed deposit. However, land, shop lots, or offices are not acceptable. The main applicant's name must be on the title to make partial MM2H fixed deposit withdrawals. Trusts and companies owned by the main applicant do not qualify.

Banks & MM2H Fixed Deposit

What are the rules for putting the MM2H Fixed Deposit in a bank in Malaysia?

You can use any bank operating legally in Malaysia, whether it is a local or foreign bank.
The account can be in US Dollars (USD) or Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
It must be a fixed deposit (or time deposit) only, with a 12-month term and auto-renewal (tagged as "LIEN").
Properties, bonds, and investment products are not allowed.
If the application is for an individual, the account must be in a single name. If the application is with a spouse, joint names are permitted; however, it cannot be solely in the spouse’s name. Children cannot be joint account holders for MM2H accounts.
Islamic or Sharia-compliant accounts are acceptable for MM2H.
It does not matter how the funds for the MM2H deposit come into Malaysia, as long as it is through legal means. This can include transfers from a local bank account (friends or relatives), cash deposits, or remittances from overseas.
The interest is usually deposited into a separate savings account, from which you can withdraw and use the interest.
In the future, you cannot change banks once you have confirmed the MM2H deposit in the bank.

Why are banks in Malaysia different from many other countries, especially developed countries?

Malaysian banks are traditional banks that generate revenue from the difference between loans and deposits. They are not permitted to operate as investment banks, although banks may have investment arms that are separate entities.
PIDM (also known as the Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corporation) provides deposit insurance in Malaysia. However, due to the nature of the strict controls imposed by the Central Bank, banks are considered safe. No locals are concerned about the safety of their banks. You can always download the annual reports of banks from their respective websites, as virtually all of them are publicly listed companies.
Islamic (Shariah-compliant) banking is also available in Malaysia.

If I decided to leave Malaysia after a number of years, will the MM2H Fixed Deposit be refunded?

Your MM2H Fixed Deposit can only be refunded after you have officially cancelled or terminated your MM2H visa. You will receive 100% of the principal amount, along with any interest earned.

If I die in Malaysia, will my spouse / children be able to collect the deposit from abroad (out of Malaysia)? The reason I ask this is that someone told me they would have to come to Malaysia to claim it.

You must create a will for your assets in Malaysia, including your MM2H deposit. The legal documents and probate can be arranged from abroad; however, once this is completed, your spouse or children must come to Malaysia to collect the funds. The bank requires them to sign the necessary documents in person before releasing the money to them.

Can I open bank accounts with banks that I don’t have MM2H Fixed Deposit with?

Yes, you can have a separate account with another bank for your personal or daily use, but this is subject to the terms and conditions of the bank where you wish to open a second account. Bank policies may change, so please check with the banks first.

Can I transfer money in and out of Malaysia easily?

Yes, but applicable anti-money laundering laws apply. Please check with the banks if you wish to make large transfers.

What other facilities do the banks offer?

Unlike in many countries, credit cards can be difficult to obtain here. Banks typically require a deposit as a guarantee, and the credit card limit is usually equivalent to the amount deposited.
You can discuss car hire purchases, mortgages, and other financial products with the bank.
Banks in Malaysia are quite strict about protecting customer privacy. For further inquiries, please contact the banks directly.

I bought a residential property before applying for 3-Tier MM2H or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ, can I request for the 50% MM2H Fixed Deposit withdrawal after I have gotten my MM2H Visa?

No, applicants who purchased properties before the endorsement (before obtaining the MM2H visa on their passports) are not entitled to withdraw from their MM2H Fixed Deposit. However, these applicants can still requrest for partial withdrawal of their MM2H Fixed Deposit for medical treatment or expenses in Malaysia, educational expenses for their children who are under their MM2H, and domestic travel expenses within Malaysia only.

However, there is no confirmation if you can withdraw full 50% of your MM2H Fixed Deposit even though the payment for your property purchase is less than the withdrawal amount or you can only request for a withdraw according to how much you pay for your property purchase at the moment.

When can I apply/request for the MM2H Fixed Deposit withdrawal for my residential property purchase under 3-Tier MM2H or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ? And what are the documents required?

Partial withdrawal of MM2H Fixed Deposit for residential property purchases after endorsement (under the 3-Tier MM2H and MM2H in SEZ/SFZ programmes) is permissible as long as you have your Sales and Purchase Agreement (S&P or SPA) and a copy of the receipt for your down payment. Additional documents may required upon request of MM2H OSC for further clarification.