A Full Guide To MM2H Pass Requirements (Updated For 2025)
The recently revised Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program allows foreigners to live in Malaysia for up to 20 years with their family members and the freedom to pursue work and business opportunities.
If you’d like to join the 56,000 pass holders currently residing in Malaysia, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about MM2H Passes in 2025.
Here’s how we’ve broken it down:
- a full list of MM2H Pass categories
- requirements, similarities, and differences between categories
- steps in the application process
- a MM2H application document checklist, and
- an offer to let us assist you 😃
Let’s begin.
MM2H Pass categories
There are currently four categories of MM2H Passes:
- Silver: Valid for 5 years, lowest requirements and least allowances
- Gold: Valid for 15 years, moderate requirements and allowances
- Platinum: Valid for 20 years, highest requirements and most allowances
- Special Economic Zone: Valid for 10 years, with purchase of specific property
Platinum
| Detail | Requirement |
| Finances | 1. Fixed Deposit of USD 1 million in a Malaysian financial institution 2. Maximum withdrawal of 50% from FD after MM2H approval for buying residence, education, medical, or tourism |
| Participating Fee (One-Off) | 1. RM200,000 for principal applicant 2. No fees for dependents. |
| Residence Purchase | 1. Purchase of residence worth RM2 million or more 2. Selling is prohibited for 10 years unless a higher value property is purchased first |
| Minimum Stay | 1. 90 days (cumulative) per year. 2. Participants aged 25–34 can fulfill stay requirements via principal or dependents. |
| Dependents | 1. Spouse 2. Biological / step / adopted children below 21 3. Children between 21–34 if single and unemployed 3. Medically certified disabled children 4. Parents / in-laws 5. Foreign maid |
| Validity Period | 1. 20 years with Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) 2. Renewable |
| Education | 1. Dependent children can pursue education up to tertiary level in government-recognised institutions. 2. Eligible for Student Pass automatically |
| Medical Benefits | Long-term medical treatment allowed |
| Business Activities | Allowed |
| Work / Employment | Allowed |
| Medical Check-Up | Mandatory check-up in government approved clinics / hospitals |
| Change of Principal | In case of principal’s death, MM2H pass can be transferred to next-of-kin among registered dependents |
| Terms of Renewal of MM2H Pass | 1. Renewable every 5 years after program completion 2. Via One Stop Centre, MM2H/Immigration Department 3. RM5,000 for principal and dependents |
Gold
| Detail | Requirement |
| Finances | 1. Fixed Deposit of USD 500,000 in Malaysian financial institution 2. Maximum withdrawal of 50% from FD after MM2H approval for residence, education, medical, or tourism |
| Participating Fee | 1. RM3,000 for principal applicant 2. No fees for dependents |
| Residence Purchase | 1. Purchase residence worth RM1 million or more 2. Selling is prohibited for 10 years unless a higher value property is purchased first |
| Minimum Stay | 1. 90 days (cumulative) per year 2. Those aged 25–49 can fulfill condition via principal or dependents |
| Dependents | 1. Spouse 2. Biological / step / adopted children below 21 3. Single / unemployed children 21–34 4. Medically disabled children 5. Parents / in-laws |
| Validity Period | 1. 15 years with Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) 2. Renewable |
| Education | Dependent children eligible for tertiary education in recognised institutions and Student Pass automatically |
| Medical Benefits | Long-term medical treatment allowed |
| Business Activities | Not allowed (requires separate pass) |
| Work/Employment | Not allowed (requires separate pass) |
| Medical Check-Up | Mandatory check-up in government-approved clinics/hospitals |
| Change of Principal | Transferable to next-of-kin among registered dependents in case of principal’s death |
| Terms of Renewal | 1. Renewable every 5 years 2. RM3,000 renewal fee for principal and dependents |
Silver
| Category | Details |
| Financial Requirements | 1. Fixed Deposit of USD 150,000 in Malaysian financial institution 2. Maximum withdrawal of 50% from FD after MM2H approval for residence, education, medical, or tourism |
| Participating Fee (One-Off) | 1. RM1,000 for principal applicant 2. No fees for dependents |
| Purchase of Residence | 1. Purchase residence worth RM600,000 or more 2. Selling is prohibited for 10 years unless a higher value property is purchased first |
| Minimum Length of Stay | 1. 90 days (cumulative) per year 2. Those aged 25–49 can fulfill condition via principal or dependents |
| Dependents | 1. Spouse 2. Biological / step / adopted children below 21 3. Single / unemployed children 21–34 4. Medically disabled children 5. Parents / in-laws |
| MM2H Pass | 1. 5 years with Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) 2. Renewable |
| Education | Dependent children eligible for tertiary education in recognised institutions and Student Pass automatically |
| Medical | Long-term medical treatment permitted |
| Business Activities | Not allowed (requires separate pass) |
| Work Opportunities | Not allowed (requires separate pass) |
| Medical Check-Up | Mandatory check-up in government-approved clinics/hospitals |
| Change of Principal | Transferable to next-of-kin among registered dependents in case of principal’s death |
| Terms of Renewal | 1. Renewable every 5 years 2. RM1,500 renewal fee for principal and dependents |
Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
| Category | Details |
| Age Requirement | 21 and above |
| Financial Requirements | 1. Fixed Deposit of USD65,000 for those aged 21 – 49 / USD32,000 for those > 50 and above in a Malaysian financial institution 2. Maximum withdrawal of 50% from FD after MM2H approval for residence, education, medical, or tourism |
| Participation Fee (One-Off) | 1. RM1,000 for principal applicants 2. No participation fees for dependents |
| Residence Purchase | 1. Must purchase specific property (minimum price subject to state policies) directly from developers and not through real estate agents or existing owners 2. Selling is prohibited for 10 years unless a higher value property is purchased first |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | 1. 90 days (cumulative) per year 2. Those aged 25–49 can fulfill condition via principal or dependents |
| Dependents | 1. Spouse 2. Biological / step / adopted children below 21 3. Single / unemployed children 21–34 4. Medically disabled children 5. Parents / in-laws |
| MM2H Pass | 1. 10 years with Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) 2. Renewable |
| Education | Dependent children eligible for tertiary education in recognised institutions and Student Pass automatically |
| Medical | Mandatory check-up in government-approved clinics/hospitals |
| Business/Investment Activities | Not allowed (requires separate pass) |
| Employment Opportunities | Not allowed (requires separate pass) |
| Change of Principal | Transferable to next-of-kin among registered dependents in case of principal’s death |
| Renewal Terms | 1. Renewable every 5 years 2. RM300 renewal fee for principal and dependents |
Key similarities
All four MM2H Passes share the following benefits and features:
- Dependents: Spouse, children, and parents/in-laws
- Multiple Entry Visa: Principals and dependents may freely leave and enter
- Minimum stay: A 90-day cumulative stay per year
- Minimum property hold: You cannot sell the home purchased to satisfy MM2H requirements for 10 years unless purchasing a more expensive property
- Medical benefits: Long-term medical treatment is permitted
- Education benefits: Children eligible for tertiary education / Student Passes
- Fixed deposit withdrawal: Up to 50% of deposit may be withdrawn
- Pass transfer: The principal changes to next of kin if the original holder dies
- Renewal requirements: Every five years
- Tax exemption: The same overseas funds are not taxed (see our MM2H tax exemption guide for details)
Note: We noticed many online sources repeat the same positive things about MM2H, some of which we don’t really agree on. If you’re interested to an honest review of the program, see our list of key MM2H benefits and tradeoffs expats should know!
Key differences
The table below highlights the major differences between the four categories:
| Feature | Platinum | Gold | Silver | SEZ |
| Minimum Age | 25 | 25 | 25 | 21 |
| Fixed Deposit | USD 1 million | USD 500,000 | USD 150,000 | USD 65,000 for those aged 21 – 49 years old USD 32,000 for > 50 years old |
| Participation Fee | RM200,000 | RM3,000 | RM1,000 | RM1,000 |
| Residence Purchase | RM2 million | RM1 million | RM600,000 | State-specific property & rates |
| Validity Period | 20 years | 15 years | 5 years | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | RM5,000 | RM3,000 | RM1,500 | RM300 |
| Business Activities | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Employment | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Foreign Maid | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
MM2H renewals
All MM2H passes must be renewed every 5 years and require the following documents:
- a copy of a valid passport
- a copy of the latest medical report
- proof of valid health insurance
Applications should be submitted to the One Stop Centre, MM2H / Immigration Department, and the renewal fee differs based on type of MM2H Pass as follows:
- Platinum: RM5,000
- Gold: RM3,000
- Silver: RM1,500
- Special Economic Zone (SEZ): RM300
You might think a Platinum pass isn’t worth it if it needs renewal every five years– let us explain!
While renewal is every five years, the validity period determines how long you can renew your pass without reapplying from scratch.
Reapplying is not just much more expensive, but subject to changes in government policies.
Meanwhile, renewals throughout the validity period are the norm, and existing MM2H visas are usually exempt from changes implemented after their approval.
For those who value long-term security, the Platinum MM2H pass with its 20-year validity period offers unmatched peace of mind.
Application steps and wait time
MM2H is tightly regulated by the Malaysian Ministry Of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC), and applications must be submitted via MOTAC approved MM2H agents.
This is what the typical application process looks like:
- Step 1: Meet a consultant from an MM2H agent to discuss your requirements.
- Step 2: Confirm your package selection, sign an agreement, and make a downpayment (usually around 20%).
- Step 3 (1-2 months): You now need to prepare the necessary documents and have them notarised and certified–see our document checklist for full details.
- Step 4 (2-3 months): The agent will submit the documents to MOTAC, who will issue a conditional letter of approval if everything is in order.
- Step 5 (2-3 months): Get conditional approval letter and pay outstanding balance within 7 days.
- Step 6: Enter Malaysia for visa endorsement within 3 months of the approval letter.
- Step 7 (3-4 working days): Visit Malaysia to open a bank account in Malaysia for FD purposes, complete a medical check-up, and purchase medical insurance.
- Step 8: Visa endorsement is successfully done.
In total, expect your application to take around 3 months from beginning to end,
If you haven’t purchased your property yet, Immigration will issue a one-year MM2H visa and you have 12 months to find and purchase a home (depending on location).
Once you submit the Sale and Purchase agreement, Immigration will issue a full MM2H Pass.
MM2H document checklist
These are documents to submit to your MM2H agent:
- Copy of principal applicant’s passport
- Copy of principal dependent’s passport
- 4 copies of recent passport-size photos with blue background
- Resume of principal and principal dependent
- Proof of kinship:
- Spouse: Marriage certificate.
- Children: Birth certificate.
- Parents: Proof of relationship between the main applicant and parents, along with the parents’ marriage certificate.
- Parents-in-law: Proof of relationship between the spouse and parents, along with the parents-in-law’s marriage certificate.
- Certificate of proof of unmarried and unemployed status for dependents aged 21 to 34 years old.
- Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) / Police Certificate / Certificate of Clearance for participants aged 18 years and above (principal & dependent)
- Any other relevant documents
NOTE: All copies must be certified true copies of original documents by the embassy, high commission, notary public, and commissioner of oaths registered in Malaysia. Where original documents are not in English, translation must be done by a qualified translator and certified.
Ok, no way you just read all that for fun–let’s get your MM2H application started!
Let MISHU help with your MM2H Pass application
Not all MM2H agents are created equal – some leave you more confused! Let us connect you to one who will make the process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.
💡 FAQs on MM2H
-
Q: Which category is best for someone who wants to set up a business in Malaysia?
A: Easily the Platinum tier which automatically allows the holder to work and do business. -
Q: Are MM2H participants entitled to discounts on certain property types?
A: There are no discounts on the basis of being an MM2H participant. Developers and property agencies may offer discounts at their discretion, but the purchase price must meet the minimum value for your intended MM2H category. -
Q: Where can I find SEZ-approved developers?
A: Unfortunately, there is no such list at the moment, though we can confirm that Forest City in Johor is developed by Country Garden. -
Q: Where can I find MM2H-approved agents?
A: The Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and Culture which oversees MM2H has a directory here. -
Q: How much does an MM2H application cost?
A: Adding up the various fees, as much as USD1.5 million or as (comparatively) little as USD295,000 depending on the tier. -
Q: Can MM2H holders own agricultural land?
A: There are no specific allowances for MM2H holders, which means it depends on state-specific guidelines on foreign ownership of land. -
Q: Can participants bring household goods when relocating to Malaysia?
A: There are no specific rules for MM2H, so it would be best to verify with customs for high-value items. -
Q: If I choose not to extend my visa, can I withdraw my full fixed deposit amount?
A: Yes. -
Q: Can I withdraw the interest earned on my MM2H fixed deposit account?
A: Yes. -
Q: If I’ve already given the minimum property investment amount to a developer, can I still withdraw 50% of my fixed deposit to purchase a property?
A: Yes, if the Sale & Purchase Agreement is signed after your MM2H pass endorsement. -
Q: Can I apply for MM2H alone if my property is under joint ownership?
A: No, both owners must apply together—one as principal and the other as dependent. -
Q: What are the options if our property is jointly owned?
A: You have three options:
– Transfer full ownership to one spouse (who applies as the principal).
– Both apply together (one as principal, one as dependent).
– Purchase a new property under 100% ownership of the principal applicant. -
Q: What properties in Johor Bahru fall under the MM2H Special Economic Zone (SEZ)?
A: As of January 2025, property in Forest City and Medini Iskandar, though the government may approve more in the future. -
Q: Is there a timeframe for purchasing property after obtaining approval?
A: 12 months. -
Q: Can MM2H holders become company directors and shareholders in Malaysia?
A: Platinum Pass holders are automatically allowed to do this, but holders of other categories will need to request additional passes. -
Q: Are there additional fees if I bring my spouse or children?
A: No, dependents are not subject to the participating fee. -
Q: Can I purchase multiple lower value properties that together meet the minimum property purchase value for my chosen MM2H category?
A: Unfortunately no, you must meet the property requirements with a single property. -
Q: Will cash transfers into Malaysia be taxed for MM2H participants?
A: If you are thinking of your fixed deposit, then no, you get a tax exemption on that :). -
Q: Under Gold and Silver tiers, can participants hire a live-in maid through an agency?
A: Yes. -
Q: Can Platinum MM2H holders hire a maid directly without an agency?
A: Yes. -
Q: Can I get a bank loan to finance my MM2H property purchase?
A: Yes. -
Q: Do I get a discount if I upgrade to a higher MM2H tier?
A: Unfortunately no – each application is treated separately. -
Q: What is the price of SEZ property in Johor?
A: SEZ developers have special permission from the state government to sell properties to foreigners at lower prices to encourage MM2H applicants. For example, Forest City properties can be sold for as low as RM500,000 instead of the usual RM1,000,000.
Of course, this only applies to SEZ MM2H Passes as there’s no minimum purchase value as long as the property meets state policies and is bought directly from the developer, so be sure to check the Developer’s license and permits for state government certification to verify a property falls under SEZ! -
Q: We’re our 10 years of MM2H under the previous scheme. Will our renewal follow those or new rules?
A: So long as your pass is not expired, it will be renewed based on previous MM2H rules and requirements. -
Q: What if I get an attractive job offer in Malaysia if I hold a Gold, Silver, or SEZ MM2H visa?
A: If you are keen on taking the job, you must cancel your MM2H visa and apply for an Employment Pass. -
Q: What happens to my dependents if I switch from an MM2H Pass to an Employment Pass?
A: If a principal holder cancels their MM2H Pass, dependent visas under them will be canceled. -
Q: What happens if my dependents get a lucrative job offer in Malaysia?
A: Dependents can easily switch to an EP without affecting your MM2H status.