FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About MM2H
What is the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa and who can be included?
- MM2H is a long-term visa that allows the applicant and their family members to reside in Malaysia.
- The visa is issued in five-year blocks and is renewable upon expiry.
- Spouses, children, parents, and parents-in-law may be included as dependents. Their visa duration will be aligned with that of the main applicant.
- Children must be below 34 years of age, unmarried, and not employed in Malaysia.
- You cannot include siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents, or grandchildren as dependents under the MM2H program.
- If you are a single parent, you will be required to provide official custody documentation.
- For adopted children, legal adoption papers must be submitted.
- The MM2H visa is not a resident visa, work visa, or permanent residence permit.
What are the benefits offered under MM2H?
- Stay long-term in Malaysia, instead of being limited to 30- or 90-day tourist visas.
- Open personal bank accounts in Malaysia. Most banks will not allow foreigners to open accounts without holding a valid visa.
- Purchase Malaysian health or medical insurance. Local insurance is both affordable and offers competitive coverage compared to many other countries.
- Partially withdraw fixed deposits: Under the 3-tier MM2H program and MM2H in SEZ/SFZ areas, if you purchase property after receiving your MM2H approval, you may withdraw up to 50% of your fixed deposit—subject to specific terms and conditions.
Can I add dependents such as my spouse, children, or parents to my MM2H visa after approval?
Yes, dependents such as your spouse, children, parents, or parents-in-law can be added to your MM2H application. However, this process involves additional fees for each inclusion. You’ll also need to provide certified documents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or legal adoption papers, depending on the relationship.
Am I allowed to bring my domestic helper under the MM2H program?
Only Platinum category applicants can bring a maid under the MM2H application. Silver, Gold, and SEZ/SFZ applicants must hire a maid through a Malaysian maid agency (not via MM2H), and all cases are subject to MOTAC approval.
This option is available only to married couples, not single applicants. The maid must be female and under 45 years old, without exception. Please check with us before applying.
Why do I need an agent to apply for MM2H? Can’t I submit the application on my own?
While it’s technically possible to apply for MM2H on your own, using a licensed agent is highly recommended. Agents are familiar with the latest government requirements, documentation standards, and policy changes, which helps avoid delays, rejections, or errors. In recent years, many fraudulent applications—particularly those involving forged documents—have been linked to direct applicants. By working with a licensed agent, you ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and professionally managed.
Am I required to report my residential address to the authorities under the MM2H program?
No, the Malaysian government does not require MM2H participants to register or report their residential address. You are free to reside anywhere in Malaysia and may enter or exit the country at any time without restriction.
Can I upgrade or change my MM2H category (Silver, Gold, or Platinum)?
No, you cannot directly switch between MM2H categories. To change your category, you must cancel your current application and submit a new one. Please note that additional service fees will apply to cover the administrative processing involved.
What is the process for obtaining medical insurance under the MM2H program?
Applicants below the age of 60 are required to obtain local medical insurance as part of the MM2H program requirements. We can assist in arranging an affordable policy that meets the government’s criteria. Premiums may vary depending on factors such as age, occupation, height, and weight.
If you prefer more comprehensive coverage, we can also connect you with reputable insurance agents who offer a range of suitable plans.
What is the duration of the MM2H visa?
The duration of MM2H visa approval depends on the category you apply for:
Platinum: 20 years, with a renewal option for an additional 5 years.
Gold: 15 years, renewable for 5 years.
Silver: 5 years, with a 5-year renewal available.
MM2H under Special Economic Zones / Special Financial Zones (e.g., Johor Bahru): 10 years, renewable for 5 years.
Each category offers different benefits and requirements, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your long-term plans in Malaysia.
Is it possible to change my citizenship after obtaining the MM2H visa?
Yes, you can change your citizenship after obtaining the MM2H visa. However, you must inform the MM2H authorities and submit official proof that you have renounced the citizenship used in your original application. The process is detailed and may require substantial documentation, so it is generally advised to proceed only if necessary.
Alternatively, you may choose to complete your citizenship change first and then apply for the MM2H program using your new nationality.
Am I allowed to remain in Malaysia on a tourist visa while my MM2H application is being processed?
You are only allowed to stay in Malaysia for the duration stated in your passport—typically 30 or 90 days per entry, depending on your nationality.
It is generally difficult to extend a tourist visa, and the authorities prefer that you stay outside Malaysia while waiting for your MM2H application to be approved.
This policy may change if we request permission from MOTAC to allow applicants to remain in the country during the approval process.
Is the renewal process simple, and will the original requirements still apply for future renewals (also known as being grandfathered in)?
So far, the renewal process has been smooth. Many MM2H participants have successfully renewed their visas over the past 20 years without any issues, as long as their status remained active and did not lapse.
To date, all original requirements have been honored for existing MM2H holders and have been grandfathered in at the time of renewal.
Schooling for children:
Children under the age of 18 are allowed to study at private schools in Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa.
However, once a child turns 18 and pursues higher education at a college or university, they must cancel their MM2H visa and apply for a separate student visa.
Taxation:
As of 2024, MM2H participants are not issued a tax identification number and are not subject to Malaysian income tax.
If you require a Certificate of Tax Residency, it is possible to obtain one, provided certain conditions are met. Please contact us for further details and assistance.
Cars and Houses:
You are not required to purchase a car or property while applying for the MM2H visa—you may choose to rent a vehicle or stay with friends or relatives during the application process.
However, participants under the new three-tier MM2H programme and the MM2H programme in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) or Special Financial Zones (SFZ) are required to purchase property in Malaysia after their visa is approved:
Platinum Tier: Minimum property value of RM2 million
Gold Tier: Minimum property value of RM1 million
Silver Tier: Minimum property value of RM600,000
MM2H in SEZ/SFZ: Property prices are set by the developer and may require approval from the relevant State Authority. Properties must be purchased directly from developers—not from agents or private owners.
Failure to meet this property requirement will result in the cancellation of the MM2H visa.
Please note: This condition does not apply to existing MM2H holders under the previous programme—they are not required to purchase property or a vehicle.
Process & Timing:
While D’Arthitz does not have control over the processing time or the final outcome of the MM2H application, our strength lies in our extensive experience. We understand the required documentation and know how to present it effectively to the MM2H Centre to ensure the best possible chance of success.
Does the 90-day stay requirement for applicants aged 50 and above need to be fulfilled only by the principal applicant, or can it be shared among the spouse and other dependents (such as children, parents, or parents-in-law)?
If the principal applicant is under 50 years old, the 90-day minimum stay per calendar year can be shared between the principal and their dependents. This means the total number of days spent in Malaysia by all applicants can be combined to meet the requirement.
Example:
If the principal and two dependents stay in Malaysia for 5 days together:
5 days × 3 people = 15 days counted toward the 90-day requirement.
However, if the principal applicant is aged 50 or above, then neither the principal nor their dependents are required to meet the 90-day minimum stay. In this case, the stay requirement is completely waived.
What happens if I am unable to meet the minimum stay requirement?
The MM2H Committee reserves the discretion to decline your renewal application if the minimum stay requirement is not met.
Employment and Business Rules for MM2H and Related Pass Holders
If you are an existing MM2H holder—or a holder of the Silver, Gold, or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ passes—you are not allowed to work for a Malaysian company or be employed within Malaysia.
However, you are allowed to:
Work remotely for a company based outside of Malaysia (i.e., the company is not registered in Malaysia).
Set up a business in Malaysia, but you cannot actively manage or be employed by the business. You may:
Act as a consultant or advisor, and
Receive dividends from the business as a shareholder or investor.
If you wish to work full-time in Malaysia, you must apply for and obtain an Employment Pass.
Note:
These restrictions do not apply to Platinum Pass holders. Platinum holders are allowed to work, invest, and engage in business activities freely within Malaysia.
If I pass away, can my spouse continue to hold the MM2H visa?
If you are the principal holder of a three-tier MM2H or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ visa and you pass away, your next of kin who is listed as a dependent (such as your spouse) may take over your principal status.
To do this, your dependents must:
Formally report your death to the MM2H One Stop Centre (OSC) within three months of the date of death.
If they fail to report it within this period, they will lose the opportunity to transfer the principal status.
Important exception:
If you hold an MM2H visa under the old conditions (prior to the three-tier or SEZ/SFZ models), your dependents cannot transfer the principal status. In such cases, all dependent visas will be automatically terminated upon the death of the principal.
If the spouse or other dependents wish to remain in Malaysia, they must submit a new MM2H application under the current three-tier or SEZ/SFZ program rules.
As an MM2H holder, am I exempt from paying the tourist tax when staying at hotels in Malaysia?
No, MM2H holders are not exempt from the Tourist Tax.
Only Malaysian citizens with a MyKad and Malaysian Permanent Residents (PR) are exempt. This is because the MM2H visa is not considered a form of permanent residency.
Driving Lisence, Shipment of Household Effects, etc.
Am I eligible to obtain a Malaysian driving licence, and what is the process to get one?
Yes, as an MM2H visa holder, you are eligible to obtain a Malaysian driving licence through a licence conversion process.
You do not need to give up your existing foreign driving licence.
If you hold a Singapore driving licence, you can use it in Malaysia without conversion.
For other nationalities, you will need to:
Obtain certain documents from your home country.
Complete the conversion process after your MM2H visa is approved.
Please note:
Not all countries’ licences are eligible for conversion, so we recommend checking with us first.
If you wish to proceed, let us know and we will guide you through the necessary steps and requirements.
Am I allowed to ship my household belongings to Malaysia under the MM2H programme?
Yes, you are allowed to ship your used household items to Malaysia tax-free under the MM2H programme.
If you plan to do so, please coordinate with us in advance.
We will guide you through the process based on your preferred option.
Am I allowed to bring my personal car into Malaysia under the MM2H programme?
Yes, it is possible to bring your personal car into Malaysia under the MM2H programme.
However, we do not recommend this option unless you are prepared to pay high import duties and navigate complex and strict procedures. The process can be time-consuming and costly.
For most applicants, purchasing a vehicle locally is a more practical and cost-effective choice.
Healthcare
What types of healthcare services are available in Malaysia?
Malaysia offers both public and private healthcare services to foreigners, including MM2H participants.
In practice, most MM2H holders opt for private healthcare due to its higher quality of service, shorter waiting times, and better overall patient experience.
While public healthcare is significantly more affordable, it is primarily designed to serve Malaysian citizens and may have limitations or longer wait times for foreigners.
It’s important to note that in the event of an emergency—such as being found unconscious—you will be taken to the nearest government (public) hospital for immediate treatment, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay.
What types of medical insurance plans are available in Malaysia?
Malaysia does not offer public health insurance; only private medical insurance options are available. Fortunately, premiums are generally affordable, making private coverage accessible to both locals and foreigners. However, foreigners must hold a long-term visa—such as the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa or an employment pass—in order to be eligible for medical insurance. Tourists are not permitted to purchase medical insurance in Malaysia.
If you require assistance in obtaining comprehensive medical coverage, please feel free to contact us. We can connect you with trusted agents who can help you secure suitable and cost-effective insurance. Please note that additional charges may apply.
Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for MM2H applicants, and we are here to support you throughout the process.
Properties
Am I required to buy or rent a property under the MM2H program?
Yes, under the current MM2H program—whether through the Three-Tier MM2H or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ—you are required to purchase residential property in Peninsular Malaysia within one year from the date of your initial visa endorsement. Failure to meet this condition may result in the revocation of your MM2H visa.
Please note that this requirement does not apply to existing MM2H holders who were approved under the previous terms and conditions of the program.
What steps should I take if I want to purchase property in Malaysia under the MM2H program?
Since land matters fall under state jurisdiction in Malaysia, we strongly recommend engaging a local solicitor to guide you through the property purchase process.
Before placing any deposit, ask your solicitor to verify the specific rules and regulations related to property ownership for MM2H holders in that particular state. Avoid appointing solicitors from outside the state, as they may not be familiar with local council requirements.
For MM2H participants in SEZ/SFZ areas, properties must be purchased directly from developers—purchases from agents or individual homeowners are not permitted. Additionally, property prices are subject to approval by the respective State Authority, and this approval may need to be obtained prior to completing any transaction.
Am I allowed to purchase land or commercial properties under the MM2H program?
Yes, you may be allowed to purchase land or commercial properties, but this is strictly subject to the laws and regulations of the individual state. It is essential to consult a local solicitor to verify the specific rules before placing any deposit.
Please note that residential properties with commercial titles may be accepted for partial withdrawals from the MM2H fixed deposit. However, land, shop lots, and office units are not eligible for this purpose.
Additionally, the property must be registered under the main applicant’s name in order to qualify for fixed deposit withdrawals. Properties held under a trust or company owned by the applicant are not eligible.
Banks & MM2H Fixed Deposit
What are the requirements and regulations for placing the MM2H fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank?
You may place the MM2H fixed deposit in any legally operating bank in Malaysia, whether local or foreign.
The account can be held in either Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) or US Dollars (USD).
The deposit must be placed in a fixed (time) deposit account with a 12-month term and set to auto-renew. The deposit should be tagged as “LIEN”.
Alternative financial products such as property investments, bonds, or other investment instruments are not permitted.
For individual applicants, the account must be in the applicant’s sole name. For applications with a spouse, a joint account is allowed, but the account cannot be solely in the spouse’s name. Children are not permitted as joint account holders for MM2H purposes.
Islamic or Shariah-compliant fixed deposit accounts are acceptable.
Funds for the deposit may come from any legal source, including transfers from local bank accounts (e.g., friends or relatives), cash deposits, or overseas remittances.
Interest earned is typically credited to a separate savings account, from which you may withdraw and use the funds.
Once the MM2H fixed deposit is placed and confirmed with a bank, you may not transfer it to another bank in the future.
In what ways do banks in Malaysia differ from those in many other countries, particularly developed nations?
Malaysian banks operate primarily as traditional commercial banks, generating revenue through the interest margin between deposits and loans. They are not permitted to function as investment banks, although some may have separate investment arms operating under different legal entities.
Deposits in Malaysia are insured by the Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM), or the Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition to this safety net, the banking sector is subject to strict regulations and oversight by Bank Negara Malaysia, the country’s central bank. As a result, the financial system is considered stable and secure, and there is a high level of public confidence in the safety of local banks.
Most major banks in Malaysia are publicly listed, and their annual reports are readily accessible through their official websites for transparency and accountability.
In addition to conventional banking, Islamic banking—which complies with Shariah principles—is widely available and well-established across the country.
If I choose to leave Malaysia after several years, will the MM2H fixed deposit be refundable?
Your MM2H fixed deposit will be fully refundable only after you have officially cancelled or terminated your MM2H visa. You will receive 100% of the principal amount, along with any accrued interest.
In the event of my death in Malaysia, will my spouse or children be able to claim the MM2H fixed deposit from overseas, or would they be required to travel to Malaysia to do so? I ask because I was informed that they may need to be physically present to claim the funds.
It is essential to prepare a will covering your assets in Malaysia, including your MM2H fixed deposit. While the legal process and probate can be initiated and managed from abroad, your spouse or children will eventually need to travel to Malaysia in person to collect the funds. The bank requires their physical presence to sign the necessary documents before releasing the deposit.
Am I allowed to open bank accounts with banks other than the one holding my MM2H fixed deposit?
Yes, you may open a separate bank account with another bank for personal or daily use. However, this is subject to the specific terms and conditions of the bank where you intend to open the account. As bank policies may vary and are subject to change, we recommend confirming the latest requirements directly with the bank.
Is it easy to transfer funds into and out of Malaysia?
Yes, funds can be transferred into and out of Malaysia; however, applicable anti-money laundering regulations apply. We recommend verifying with your bank if you intend to conduct large transfers.
What additional services or facilities do banks in Malaysia typically offer?
Unlike in many other countries, obtaining a credit card in Malaysia can be more challenging. Banks often require a security deposit, with the credit limit typically matching the deposited amount.
You may also explore hire purchase options for vehicles, mortgage facilities, and other financial products directly with the bank.
Malaysian banks maintain strict standards for customer privacy. For detailed information or specific inquiries, it is recommended to contact the banks directly.
If I purchased a residential property prior to applying for the 3-Tier MM2H or MM2H under the SEZ/SFZ scheme, am I eligible to request a 50% withdrawal of the MM2H fixed deposit after my visa has been approved?
No, applicants who purchased residential properties prior to the endorsement of their MM2H visa (i.e., before the visa is officially stamped in their passport) are not eligible to withdraw 50% of their MM2H fixed deposit for property-related purposes.
However, these applicants may still apply for partial withdrawals from their fixed deposit for specific purposes, including medical expenses incurred in Malaysia, education expenses for children under their MM2H visa, and domestic travel within Malaysia.
At present, there is no official confirmation on whether the full 50% withdrawal is permitted if the property purchase amount is less than the allowable withdrawal limit, or if the withdrawal must match the actual amount paid for the property. We recommend consulting with the relevant authorities or your appointed agent for the most up-to-date guidance.
When am I eligible to apply for a fixed deposit withdrawal under the 3-Tier MM2H or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ for the purchase of a residential property, and what documents are required for the application?
“Partial withdrawal of the MM2H fixed deposit for residential property purchases is allowed after visa endorsement under the 3-Tier MM2H or MM2H in SEZ/SFZ programmes. To proceed, you must provide a copy of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and proof of down payment (official receipt). Additional documentation may be requested by the MM2H One-Stop Centre (OSC) for further verification.