Temporary residency program
Malaysia MM2H
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) lets you make Malaysia your base for up to 20 years on one renewable pass, with foreign income outside Malaysian tax and no minimum days from age 50. If Asia is calling you, this is your program.
- Contribution from
- $32K
- Processing time
- 3-6 months
- Citizenship path
- Not a path
- Presence required
- 90 days, none if 50yo
As featured in
Why Malaysia MM2H?
When I ranked the most underrated cities in the world for expats, Kuala Lumpur surprised people. It has the buzz of Bangkok without the chaos, and Singapore standards without the price tag.
Malaysia is clean, efficient, tropical, and English-speaking. The food is phenomenal, and its hospitals rank among the best in Asia. There's a reason medical tourism has flourished there.
MM2H is how I'd have you enjoy it: A renewable pass of up to 20 years, and no tax on the foreign income you bring in. From 50, there's no minimum number of days at all.
Once you see what your money buys there, the question stops being whether you can afford to retire. It becomes where you want to wake up every day.
James NuveenFounder of the Freedom Files
Benefits of Malaysia MM2H
Up to 20 years on one pass
Silver gives you 5 years, Gold 15, and Platinum 20. Each pass is renewable, and anyone applying with you receives one for the same term.
No minimum days from age 50
From 50, there's no presence rule at all. Under 50, it's 90 days a year, and the days of everyone on your pass count together.
Your deposit comes back
The fixed deposit is in your name at a Malaysian bank, earns interest, and is released when you leave the program. Up to half can go toward your home.
Foreign income outside Malaysian tax
Interest on your deposit is tax-free. If you become a tax resident, foreign income you bring into Malaysia is exempt through 2036, subject to conditions.
Long-term care and schooling
Your pass allows long-term medical treatment in Malaysia, and children on it can study through university without a separate student visa process.
Is Malaysia MM2H Right for You?
Right for you if
- Retirees 50 or older who want a long-term base in Asia with no minimum days
- Investors with $32K or more for a fixed deposit they get back
- Buyers who want to own a home in Malaysia
- Anyone planning to become a tax resident and bring in foreign income
- Applicants who want parents, in-laws, and adult children on one pass
Look elsewhere if
- You want a passport: MM2H doesn't lead to permanent residency or Malaysian citizenship.
- You don't want to buy property: Every tier requires you to buy a home after approval, and you can't sell it for 10 years.
- You want to work in Malaysia on Silver or Gold: Only Platinum allows employment and business activity.
- You're under 25: Every tier needs the main applicant to be 25 or older.
Who Your Malaysia MM2H Application Covers
One fixed deposit and one home cover anyone applying with you. Each person pays a processing fee and receives a pass for the same term as yours.
| Family member | Condition |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Legal marriage |
| Children under 21 | Biological, adopted, or stepchildren |
| Children 21 to 34 | Single and not working in Malaysia |
| Children with a disability | Any age, with a medical certificate |
| Parents and in-laws | Yours or your spouse's |
Are You Eligible for Malaysia MM2H?
Answer 3 quick questions. In 2 minutes, you'll know whether you're likely to qualify, and what fits better if you don't.
MM2H Tiers
There are 5 routes: 3 national tiers, a lower-deposit tier in the Johor Special Zone, and Sarawak's own program. Each centers on a fixed deposit at a Malaysian bank, which is your own money, returned when you leave the program.
- Popular
Silver
$150K
How this route works
A $150K fixed deposit and a home of at least MYR 600K, about $148K. The pass lasts 5 years and is renewable. The participating fee is MYR 1,000, about $246.
Johor Special Zone
$32K
How this route works
A fixed deposit of $32K if you're 50 or older, or $65K from age 21 to 49, plus a home you buy in Forest City, Johor, at the state's minimum price. The pass lasts 10 years and is renewable, and you don't have to live in the home.
Sarawak
$123K
How this route works
Sarawak, on Borneo, sets its own terms: a fixed deposit of MYR 500K, about $123K, at a Sarawak bank, from age 30. You also show about $2,463/mo in pension or offshore income, or $25K in savings. The pass lasts 5 years, is renewable, and asks for 30 days a year in Sarawak. No home purchase is required.
Gold
$500K
How this route works
A $500K fixed deposit and a home of at least MYR 1M, about $246K. The pass lasts 15 years and is renewable. The participating fee is MYR 3,000, about $739.
Platinum
$1M
How this route works
A $1M fixed deposit and a home of at least MYR 2M, about $493K. The pass lasts 20 years, allows employment and business activity, and can include a domestic helper. The participating fee is MYR 200K, about $49K.
Malaysia MM2H Cost
Estimated total for 4 people
$3,486
- Qualifying investmentSilver (5 years)
- $0
- Participating fee, one-offPaid directly to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
- $246
- Processing feePaid directly to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
- $3,080
- Criminal record checkPaid directly to your country's police authority
- $40
- Apostilles on your documentsPaid directly to the issuing authority
- $120
Later
- Pass renewal after 5 years$370
Government and official fees only. The fixed deposit is your own money, in your name at a Malaysian bank, and it's released when you leave the program. The home you buy after approval comes on top: MYR 600K on Silver, MYR 1M on Gold, and MYR 2M on Platinum. Ringgit amounts are shown at today's rate. The medical check-up at a panel clinic, health insurance, and a small visa fee set by your nationality aren't included. Freedom Files fees aren't included. All amounts are subject to change.
Get your numbers on the call. We price your route for everyone applying before you commit.
Malaysia MM2H Costs at a Glance
| Fixed deposit, returned when you leave | Johor Special Zone, 10 years: $32K from age 50, $65K from 21 to 49Sarawak, 5 years: $123KSilver, 5 years: $150KGold, 15 years: $500KPlatinum, 20 years: $1M |
|---|---|
| Home you buy after approval | Silver: MYR 600K, about $148KGold: MYR 1M, about $246KPlatinum: MYR 2M, about $493K |
| Participating fee, one-off | Silver: MYR 1,000, about $246Gold: MYR 3,000, about $739Platinum: MYR 200K, about $49K |
| Processing fee | MYR 5,000, about $1,232, for you, and MYR 2,500, about $616, per person applying with you |
| Medical check-up and health insurance | At a panel clinic after approval, and insurance for anyone under 60 |
| Translations and apostilles | Depends on the number of documents |
| The Freedom Files | A fixed quote in writing before you commit |
Malaysia MM2H and Taxes
The basics below are for planning only, and each one is pending licensed review. Your own position depends on your income, your assets, and where you spend your time. Our team provides US and Malaysia tax planning, so you can have your plan reviewed before you commit.
Tax residency in Malaysia
You're a Malaysian tax resident if you spend 182 days or more in Malaysia in a calendar year. The days don't need to be consecutive.
US income tax treaty
The US and Malaysia have no income tax treaty, only one on shipping and air transport. If you're a US citizen, foreign tax credits help prevent double tax.
MM2H presence vs tax residency
From age 50, MM2H has no minimum days, and under 50 it's 90 days a year across everyone on your pass. Tax residency starts at 182 days in Malaysia in a calendar year.
Special tax regimes
Foreign income that residents bring into Malaysia is exempt through 2036, subject to conditions, and interest on your MM2H fixed deposit is tax-free.
Malaysia MM2H Document Checklist
Here's the typical file for Malaysia MM2H. Your country and your case can change the list, and we confirm yours on the call.
Main applicant
- Valid passport, every page
- Passport photos on a blue background
- Criminal record check
- Personal bond, stamped
Investment proof
- Bank statements that show the funds for your deposit
- Fixed deposit certificate and the bank's letter confirming the lien
- Sale and purchase agreement for your home
Spouse and children
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate for each child
- Statutory declaration for children over 21 that they're single and not working
- Health insurance for anyone under 60
Parents
- Your birth certificate, or your spouse's, to show the relationship
Prepared in Malaysia
- Conditional approval letter
- Medical report from a panel clinic, for each person
Malaysia MM2H Process and Timeline
Total: 3-6 months from filing to conditional approval. 1 trip to Malaysia for your medical check-up and pass.
- 1
Freedom Consult
A call with our founder. We confirm MM2H fits your goals, your capital, and anyone applying with you, and which tier makes sense, or we point you to a better route. You leave with a clear plan and a quote in writing.
- 2
Engagement and document file
You sign the engagement and we send your checklist. You gather your records, and we arrange the apostilles and any translations.
- 3
Filing and conditional approval
We file your application with the MM2H One Stop Centre. The Immigration Department reviews it and issues a conditional approval letter.
- 4
Fixed deposit
With the approval letter, you open the fixed deposit at a licensed Malaysian bank and transfer the funds. The bank confirms the lien for the program.
- 5
Medical check-up and pass
You travel to Malaysia, complete the medical check-up at a panel clinic, and receive the MM2H pass in your passport. Each person applying with you does the same.
- 6
Buying your home
You buy a home at or above your tier's minimum. Once eligible, you can release up to half of your deposit toward it, and we file the request with the sale and purchase agreement.
- 7
Renewals and new passports
Your pass lasts 5, 15, or 20 years, by tier, and renews 5 years at a time with your passport, a medical report, and health insurance. When you change passports, we move the pass to the new one. Contact us to renew.
Milestones to residency and citizenship
Conditional approval
3-6 months
MM2H pass in your passport
Within 1-2 months of approval
First renewal
Year 5, 15, or 20, by tier
“I love the way the Freedom Files team present themselves and show up for our family. I much prefer their honest, on-the-ground-experience approach than the suited-up lawyers with bookshelves of textbooks behind them.”
Malaysia MM2H vs Alternatives
| Malaysia MM2H | Thailand Privilege Visa | UAE Golden Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum financial requirement | $32K | $19K | $545K |
| Processing time | 3-6 months | 1-3 months | 1-3 months |
| Presence required | 90 days, none if 50yo | None | None |
| Time to citizenship | Not a path | Not a path | Not a path |
| Family included | Spouse, children to 34, parents | Spouse, children, parents, from Platinum | Spouse, children, parents |
| Capital returned | Yes, the deposit is returned | No, the fee is non-refundable | Yes, when you sell |
Undecided between these programs? We compare them for you on the call.
How the Freedom Files Helps You with Malaysia MM2H
You get one team from your first call to your arrival in Malaysia. We prepare, check, and file your application, and we're your single point of contact from start to finish.
- Clients served
- 200+
- years in investment migration
- 10+
- Americans educated
- 2M+
| This program only | Private Client Engagement | |
|---|---|---|
| An eligibility review before you pay a government fee | ||
| Your document file, assembled and optimized | ||
| We prepare and submit your application | ||
| Consular coordination and liaising | ||
| Qualifying investment vetting and due diligence | ||
| Your case manager | Through arrival | Long term |
| A global Plan B strategy across residency, citizenship, tax, asset protection, and more | ||
| Residency and/or citizenship in more than one country | ||
| US and foreign tax strategy, with introductions | ||
| Banking and asset protection strategy, with introductions | ||
| Healthcare, schools, and relocation, with introductions | ||
| Book a consult | Learn more |
Other Freedom Files Services in Malaysia
We can take on each of these for you, alongside your application or on its own. Our Malaysia team provides legal, tax, financial, immigration, and investment advice and services.
Tax strategy and filing
Bank account opening
Investment vetting
Real estate and accommodations
Healthcare enrollment
Residency renewals
“We came in with a complicated global setup and needed special attention. What we got from the Freedom Files team was direct, honest, and personal responsiveness at every turn. Exactly what we needed! Very impressed.”
Mike · New York“The Private Client Engagement has been perfect for our unique situation. James is the total quarterback of our whole Plan B strategy.”
Kenneth · Illinois
Why Malaysia?
Islands and warm seas
Langkawi, Penang, and the islands of the east coast offer beaches, rainforest, and warm water all year.
One of Asia's great food scenes
Malay, Chinese, and Indian kitchens side by side, from hawker stalls in Penang to fine dining in Kuala Lumpur.
Many cultures, one country
Mosques, temples, and churches share the same streets, and English is widely spoken in daily life and business.
Modern cities, first-rate hospitals
Private hospitals draw patients from across the world, and the cities offer fast internet, modern condos, and easy flights across Asia.
Malaysia MM2H Content
Malaysia MM2H FAQs
Cost and qualifying routes
How much do you need for Malaysia MM2H?
From $32K. The Johor Special Zone asks for a $32K fixed deposit from age 50, or $65K from 21 to 49, plus a home in Forest City. Sarawak asks for about $123K with no home purchase. The national tiers ask for $150K on Silver, $500K on Gold, or $1M on Platinum, plus a home of about $148K on Silver, up to about $493K on Platinum. The fee calculator adds up the fees for you and anyone applying with you.
Do you get the MM2H fixed deposit back?
Yes. It's your money, in your name at a Malaysian bank, and it earns interest. It's released when you leave the program, and up to half can be withdrawn earlier toward your home, education, or medical costs in Malaysia.
Is buying property required for MM2H?
Yes, on every tier. You buy a home after approval, at or above your tier's minimum, and you can't sell it for 10 years. You can upgrade to a more valuable home in that time.
Which MM2H tier is right for you?
It depends on how long you want the pass and whether you plan to work. Silver gives you 5 years, Gold 15, and Platinum 20 with the right to work and do business. We work it through with you on a Freedom Consult.
Timeline and presence
How long does MM2H take?
Plan on 3-6 months from filing to conditional approval. You then open the deposit, travel to Malaysia for a medical check-up, and receive the pass in your passport.
How many days a year do you need to spend in Malaysia?
None if you're 50 or older. Under 50, it's 90 days a year, and the days of everyone on your pass count together.
Citizenship
Does MM2H lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
No. MM2H is a long-term renewable pass, and it doesn't lead to permanent residency or Malaysian citizenship. If citizenship is part of your plan, we look at other routes on a Freedom Consult.
Family, tax and living
Who can join you on Malaysia MM2H?
Your spouse, children under 21, single children 21 to 34 who aren't working, children of any age with a disability, and your parents and in-laws. Platinum adds a domestic helper. One deposit covers everyone.
Do you pay tax on foreign income with MM2H?
Interest on your fixed deposit is tax-free. You become a tax resident at 182 days in a calendar year, and foreign income residents bring into Malaysia is exempt through 2036, subject to conditions. If you're a US citizen, you file US taxes too. We review your position before you move.
Can you work in Malaysia on MM2H?
On Platinum, yes: Employment and business activity are allowed. On Silver and Gold, you'd need a separate permit, and part-time work needs approval.
What about Sarawak's MM2H?
Sarawak, on Borneo, has its own version, known locally as S-MM2H, with a fixed deposit of about $123K, a minimum age of 30, and 30 days a year in Sarawak. It's one of the 5 routes on this page, and we compare it with the national tiers on a Freedom Consult.
Is it right for you?
Malaysia MM2H vs Thailand Privilege Visa: Which is better?
MM2H needs a deposit you get back and a home you buy, and it gives you up to 20 years. The Thailand Privilege Visa is a non-refundable membership fee with no property, for 5 to 20 years. We compare both on a Freedom Consult.
Documents and approval
What documents does MM2H require?
Your passport, photos, a criminal record check, a stamped personal bond, and bank statements for your deposit, plus civil records and health insurance for anyone applying with you. The document checklist on this page lists each one.
Can you apply for MM2H on your own?
No. Every new application goes through a company licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and is filed with the MM2H One Stop Centre. We prepare your file and take it through that process for you.
Working with the Freedom Files
What does the Freedom Files do on your application?
We review your eligibility, assemble and check your documents, and optimize your application for approval. We have a 100% approval rate so far. We prepare and file your application, liaise with the government, coordinate your consular appointments and communication, and support you through your arrival in Malaysia, when your residency or citizenship is formalized. We're your single point of contact from start to finish.
Who does the legal work?
Our Malaysia team can provide any legal, tax, financial, immigration, or investment advice and services you need. You work with one team from your first call to your arrival.
What does the Freedom Files charge?
Prices differ by program, because each program has its own costs and its own currency. You get a fixed quote in writing before any work begins. Government fees and third-party costs are listed separately, and you pay them directly.
How does the Freedom Files get paid?
We accept card, wire or ACH transfer, Bitcoin, USDC, and most other payment methods. You choose whether to pay for our services up front or monthly through the end of your engagement.
What if you need more than one country, or help with tax and banking?
That's what the Private Client Engagement is for. A long-term case manager with global expertise, always reachable on WhatsApp, manages your whole Plan B: Residency and citizenship in more than one country, tax strategy, banking and asset protection, and introductions for your move.
What if this program is the wrong fit?
Compare it with the alternatives on this page. Then book a Freedom Consult: If you're ready to move forward, we tell you which programs are best for you.
How do I start?
Book a Freedom Consult. There's no charge.
Start Your Malaysia MM2H
If Malaysia is the wrong fit, we tell you on the first call.