Thank you for reaching out to us via email or WhatsApp regarding your interest in MM2H. We are here to help you with the long-term visas discussed below. Please read this blog article carefully to decide which version suits you best as it is very important. So, what’s the next step?
First, determine if you are serious about making Malaysia your primary home. If you plan to stay here only during the winter (around three months a year), a tourist visa might suffice. However, if your country’s tourist visa to Malaysia is limited to one month, you will need the MM2H visa to stay continuously for 3-4 months.
A digital nomad visa (de Rantau) might be ideal if you:
Plan to stay in Malaysia for just one year and do not intend to extend the visa.
Have a remote job.
Do not plan to bring your parents or parents-in-law.
Do not have plan to let your children study in Malaysia.
Lack the financial means to meet MM2H requirements.
However, note that de Rantau only provides 6 – 12 months of visa. Applying for de Rantau can take a few months and can be challenging. Additionally, you will need to pay Malaysian income tax and obtain an income tax number.
Second, once you decide to make Malaysia your primary home, choose where you want to stay. For Sabah, apply for Sabah MM2H (SBH-MM2H); for Sarawak, apply for Sarawak MM2H (S-MM2H). If you can’t meet the financial requirements for Peninsula Malaysian MM2H, consider S-MM2H, though it lacks guarantees. If you meet the new MM2H criteria and prefer to rent rather than buy property, read more about your options here: The new MM2H or S-MM2H?
Peninsula Malaysian MM2H offers clear benefits:
No taxes on income or money brought into Malaysia.
Next of kin can take over the visa if the main applicant passes away.
The visa is renewable every 5 years, with grandfathered requirements for current valid passports, medical reports, and medical insurance.
We can help with new MM2H, S-MM2H, or SBH-MM2H, but make an informed decision and remember that you have decided to make Malaysia your primary home while having the financial means to meet the new MM2H. S-MM2H does not require property purchase, but rental expenses can be high. Renting for RM3,000 a month totals RM36,000 a year, RM180,000 for five years, and RM360,000 for ten years. So, buying a property might be more economical long-term.
Furthermore, switching to Peninsula Malaysian MM2H later may require meeting new conditions. To avoid uncertainty, consider the stability Peninsula Malaysia offers now. The requirements for MM2H in 2026 or 2028 may not be the same as 2024. Those who applied earlier will not be affected by this change.
In Malaysia, landlords can only rent to foreigners with long-term visas such as employment pass, student visa or MM2H. With fewer employment pass holders especially in Penang and Johor Bahru (JB), rental opportunities may decline, and property prices may appreciate. Buying property now could be more beneficial than paying rent over time.
Regarding the fixed deposits in Malaysia, remember:
Interest rates are currently high (3.5%–4% annually) and tax-free.
The banking system in Malaysia is different from western countries – We have Glass-Steagall Act here and banks earn money from the spread between loans and deposits by holding onto the loans to maturity and cannot be sell off which makes Malaysian banking system much safer than other countries.
Malaysia’s fixed deposit is a risk-free investment.
Denominate your funds in Malaysia to avoid international forex uncertainties. Local inflation is low, and essentials remain affordable.
Third, if considering SEZ / SFZ or silver, visit SEZ / SFZ to see if it fits your investment needs. If you are attracted by the lower fixed deposit requirement of SEZ / SFZ, think carefully about your decision as they may not fit your investment needs.
Fourth, if you have already bought a property in Malaysia for over RM600,000 during the time of purchase (not the current value), you can use it to meet the MM2H requirement. Ensure you have proof of ownership such as Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA or S&P), invoices, receipts and bank transfer documents (may also need to show the ownership via a recent land title search).However, if you are planning to buy a property, you are given 12 months from the date of your MM2H Visa is issued. We strongly advise you to start the process at least 3 months before the 12 months is up and do work with us for reliable contacts before purchasing any properties.
Partial withdrawal of fixed deposit is allowed after all documents has been lodged with MM2H Centre; thus, it is on a “reimbursement basis” – Details have yet to be released by MOTAC. There is a possibility you may not be able to do partial withdrawal, especially for properties free of mortgage and property purchased before the application of MM2H visa. However, this should not be a huge worry because most of the time, the money that was done via partial withdrawal will be used on another fixed deposit again. In fact, once your MM2H has been terminated, those fixed deposit funds will be fully returned to you along with its interest.
Fifth, if unsure about where to stay, spend at least two weeks in each location before deciding.
Sixth, once you have decided, send us the following details:
Nationality and age of the main applicant and accompanying family members.
Property details if you have bought one, including its address, development name, purchase year, owners, and price as stated on the Sales and Purchase Agreement.
Which plan you want to apply for: Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah, or Sarawak; and whether it’s platinum, gold, silver, or SEZ / SFZ.
Your plans: apply now or later.
Any other relevant information.
How you found us: Internet? Friends?
We will provide a breakdown of our charges and guide you through the entire process.
Thank you,
Toh Ghee, Ch’ng
+6012-4937270