Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) 2023–2024: Updated Rules, Deposit Tiers, and Residency Options

Meta Description

Learn about Malaysia’s updated My Second Home (MM2H) program, including deposit tiers, residency options, physical presence requirements, benefits, and potential citizenship pathways.

Introduction

Malaysia’s My Second Home (MM2H) program has long been one of Asia’s most attractive residency schemes, offering foreign nationals the opportunity to live, invest, and retire in Malaysia with long-term residence permits.

As of October 2023, the MM2H program has been updated with three new deposit tiers ranging from MYR 500,000 (~US$105,000) to MYR 5 million (~US$1.05 million). These tiers determine the length of the residence permit, ranging from 5 years (renewable) to permanent residency (Platinum tier).

Although MM2H does not guarantee citizenship, it provides an affordable and flexible option for long-term living in a country known for its low cost of living, favorable tax regime, and multicultural environment.

Program at a Glance

Program Type: Golden Visa / Residency by Bank Deposit
Visa Duration: 5 years (renewable) to permanent (Platinum tier)
Time to PR: Immediately upon approval (Platinum tier only)
Time to Citizenship: At least 12 years (case-by-case naturalization)
Minimum Investment / Deposit: MYR 500,000 (~US$105,000)
Physical Presence Requirement: 60 days per year (main applicant OR spouse, depending on age)
Processing Time: 3–6 months
Visa-Free Travel (Citizenship): ~179 destinations (Schengen, UK, etc.)
Contribution Type: Bank deposit (partially withdrawable for education, healthcare, housing)

Deposit Tiers and Requirements

Silver Tier

Deposit: MYR 500,000 (~US$105,000)
Duration: 5 years, renewable
Withdrawal: Up to 50% for property (≥ MYR 750,000), healthcare, or education

Gold Tier

Deposit: MYR 2 million (~US$420,000)
Duration: 15 years, renewable
Withdrawal: Up to 50% for property (≥ MYR 750,000), healthcare, or education

Platinum Tier

Deposit: MYR 5 million (~US$1.05 million)
Duration: Permanent residency granted
Withdrawal: Up to 50% for property (≥ MYR 1.5 million), healthcare, or education

Additional Conditions

Minimum Age: 30 years old
Parents & In-laws: Eligible dependents if aged 60+
Children: Eligible if unmarried, not working in Malaysia, and under age 34
Physical Presence: Ages 30–49: 60 days/year for main applicant OR spouse Ages 50+: 60 days/year for main applicant AND spouse

Benefits of MM2H

No donation requirement – unlike many golden visa programs
Lower taxes – Malaysia taxes only income sourced from within the country (territorial system)
Affordable living – significantly lower cost compared to Singapore, Japan, or Western countries
Fast processing – 3–6 months for approval
Family-friendly – parents, in-laws, and children up to 34 years old can be included
Flexible use of deposit – up to half can be allocated for property, education, or healthcare

Citizenship & Naturalization

The MM2H visa itself does not lead to citizenship. However, in rare cases, long-term residents may apply for naturalization if:

They have lived in Malaysia for 10 of the previous 12 years, and
They demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Malay language.

⚠️ Note: Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship. Applicants must be prepared to renounce their original nationality.

Program Authority

Administered by: Immigration Department of Malaysia
Legal Basis: Section 64 and 65 of Immigration Act 1959/63 [Act 155]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I withdraw my MM2H deposit?
A: Yes, up to 50% can be used for healthcare, education, or property purchase (subject to minimum property values).

Q2: Does MM2H guarantee permanent residency?
A: Only the Platinum Tier (MYR 5m deposit) grants PR. Silver and Gold tiers are renewable visas.

Q3: How soon can I apply for citizenship under MM2H?
A: After at least 12 years, subject to strict criteria, including Malay language proficiency.

Q4: Is there a minimum stay requirement?
A: Yes, 60 days/year. The rule varies depending on applicant age (main applicant OR spouse for <50; both for 50+).

User Comments

Chen Wei – Business Owner from China

I chose the Gold Tier because 15 years is long enough for stability, and the deposit is still manageable compared to the Platinum tier.

Sarah – Retiree from the UK

The cost of living in Penang is much lower than back home. MM2H made it easy for my husband and me to settle here.

Ahmed – Investor from UAE

Permanent residency under Platinum Tier is attractive, but the MYR 5m requirement is quite steep.

Julia – Parent from Germany

The fact that we could include our parents and kids up to 34 years old made MM2H more family-friendly than most programs.

Editor’s Note

The updated MM2H program offers flexibility and clear deposit-based tiers. While the Silver and Gold tiers are attractive for those seeking renewable residency, only the Platinum tier provides true permanent residency.

For investors who value low cost of living, tax advantages, and family inclusivity, MM2H remains one of the most competitive residency programs in Asia. However, those seeking citizenship or a second passport should consider alternatives such as Singapore’s GIP or Portugal’s Golden Visa.

Malaysia Premium Visa Program (PViP)

Malaysia My Second Home Program (MM2H)