How to Get Malaysia Residency by Investment

The government allows foreigners to pursue Malaysia residency by investment through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme. It was established over a decade ago in 2002, but regulations have recently been changed. Find out more about it in this article.

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Introduction 

There are many reasons why one should consider living in Malaysia. This multicultural country offers a low cost of living, warm weather, and various opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and personal advancement. This begets the question of how one can establish a residence in the country. One of the fastest ways to go about this is through investment.

Who can apply for Malaysia residency by investment?

Anyone over the age of 35 can apply to the MM2H program. There are no restrictions in terms of race, religion, or gender. 

At the same time, applicants can bring their spouses, children, and parents with them as dependents. However, this is only applicable to children who are not yet married and are younger than 21 years old. 

Furthermore, principal applicants (employers) can apply for the immigration of their domestic helper (employee) to Malaysia. But only one employee is eligible under this program.

What are the financial requirements for Malaysia residency by investment?

Applicants are required to have the financial capacity to support themselves without having to work or seek assistance from the government. 

Upon application, applicants must show the following documents:

1. Proof of liquid assets of at least MYR 1.5 million (USD 343,839.60)

2. Proof of offshore income of at least MYR 40,000 (USD 9,169.06) every month 

When providing proof of liquid assets, a bank statement or equivalent financial papers can be submitted. It must ascertain information about the past three months. 

Upon receiving a conditional approval letter, applicants must additionally comply with the following: 

1. A fixed deposit account in a Malaysian bank must be opened. It should have at least MYR 1 million (USD 229,226.40). 

2. When applying with dependents, MYR 50,000 (USD 11,461.32) must be deposited per dependent. This is in addition to the principal applicant’s fixed deposit amount. 

3. After one year, 50%, or MYR 500,000 (USD 114,613.20), of the fixed deposit amount can be withdrawn. This can only be used for approved expenses, such as buying a house, fees for schooling, and medical bills. 

4. A minimum amount of MYR 500,000 (USD 114,613.20) must be maintained in the bank account. This is applicable throughout the duration of residence in Malaysia.

What are the other requirements when applying for Malaysia residency by investment?

Apart from providing proof of sufficient financial capacity, there are other requirements that must be fulfilled as well. This is applicable to both the applicants themselves and their dependents. 

Letter of Good Conduct (LOGC) 

The LOGC must be obtained from the Police Department or Security Agencies in the country of residence. An application to the MM2H program will be automatically denied if records show that the applicant is guilty of offenses. 

Medical Report

A medical report must be obtained from a private hospital or a registered clinic either inside or outside of Malaysia. The specific form will be given by Malaysia Immigration. An application will be denied if the medical history shows sickness with a communicable disease.

Medical Insurance

The medical insurance policy should cover expenses incurred in Malaysia. This can be obtained from any insurance company that meets the condition. There are exemptions for applicants of old age or with existing comorbidities who find it challenging to apply for medical insurance.  

Security Bond

For applicants directly applying to the program themselves, a security bond is required. The specific rate per individual is dependent on nationality. In general, it ranges between MYR 200 (USD 45.89) and MYR 2,000 (USD 458.93). 

Personal Bond

For applicants applying through an agent, licensed companies will fulfill the personal bond requirement for them. 

What documents should I prepare when applying for the MM2H program?

You must prepare the following documents:

• Application letter
• Resume
• IM.12 Form (Social Visit Pass)
• Passport valid for more than 2 years
• 1 passport-sized photo
• Letter of good conduct
• RB2 form (Medical Report)
• Birth certificates of children and parents, if immigrating with them
• Marriage certificate, if relevant 
• Liquidity statement 
• Source of income 
• Pension slip, if retired 
• Tenancy agreement, if earning from rental property
• Document showing interest of dividend from investment for the past 6 months 

What are the benefits of applying for Malaysia residency by investment?

Individuals residing in Malaysia under this program can purchase a house in the country. There are no limits on the number of residential properties that can be bought. However, the property should meet the minimum price implemented for foreign nationals by the different states. In general, they often cost at least MYR 500,000 (USD 114,731.55) per unit.

Foreigners can also purchase or import cars as long as they are intended for personal use. There is a tax incentive for one car. This involves exemptions from excise duty and import duty. The maximum incentive is MYR 150,000 (USD 34,419.47).

At the same time, investing in businesses in the country is allowable. The relevant income tax rate will be applied to income from such local investments. But income received outside of Malaysia is not subject to tax.

Can I work as an MM2H participant?

No, foreign nationals in Malaysia under the MM2H program are not allowed to seek employment. A working visa permit must be applied for to be able to work in the country. 

How long can approved applicants stay in Malaysia?

Applicants who have been approved under the MM2H program will be issued a social visit pass, a multi-entry visa, and, if applicable, a journey performed visa. This is valid for a duration of 5 years and can be renewed thereafter. 

However, it is important to take note that MM2H participants must reside in Malaysia for at least 90 days per year. 

How can I apply for Malaysia residency by investment?

Applications to the MM2H program can be done online or through licensed agencies.

How much are the application fees for the MM2H Program? 

The principal applicant will need to pay a fee of MYR 5,000 (USD 1,146.13). Each dependent will be charged MYR 2,500 (USD 573.07). 

How long is the processing time for the MM2H Program?

It can take up to 90 days or more for an application to be processed and approved.

Conclusion

With this, the MM2H program allows foreign nationals to live in Malaysia for at least 5 years. The changes in regulations have not been welcomed with open arms. But if you decide to pursue this path, investing MYR 1 million (USD 229,226.40) can be the start of your journey to Southeast Asia.

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