Malaysia MM2H in 2026: Deposits, Homes and the Premium Visa
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) gives a renewable long-stay pass to foreigners who place a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank and buy a home there. The federal program has three tiers: Silver, Gold and Platinum, with deposits of US$150,000, US$500,000 and US$1 million. Malaysia also runs a separate Premium Visa, and Sarawak runs its own scheme.
Law as at 12 October 2026 · Next review 12 December 2026
Kuala Lumpur
OpenOpen through licensed operators, with three federal tiers.
| Key fact | Rule |
|---|---|
| Fixed deposit | US$150,000 Silver, US$500,000 Gold, US$1 million Platinum |
| Home purchase | RM600,000, RM1 million or RM2 million, held 10 years |
| Pass length | 5, 15 or 20 years, renewable |
| Minimum age | 25 for the three main tiers |
| Time in Malaysia | 90 days a year if under 50 |
Law as at 12 October 2026.
01
Who runs MM2H?
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) runs MM2H through its One Stop Centre. The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Immigration Department, decides immigration matters, including final approval. You must apply through an MM2H operator licensed by MOTAC under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (MOTAC guidelines). We name no operators.
Nationals of any sovereign country with diplomatic relations with Malaysia may apply.
02
How the investment works
You need two things: a fixed deposit and a home.
| Tier | Fixed deposit | Home, minimum price | Participation fee | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | US$150,000 | RM600,000 | RM1,000 | 5 years |
| Gold | US$500,000 | RM1 million | RM3,000 | 15 years |
| Platinum | US$1 million | RM2 million | RM200,000 | 20 years |
Sources: MOTAC terms; OSC categories.
The deposit sits with a Malaysian bank licensed under the Financial Services Act 2013 or the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013. After approval you may withdraw up to half of it to buy a home, or for education, medical care or tourism in Malaysia. The old offshore-income tests have been dropped for every tier.
The home must be bought after approval. You cannot sell it for 10 years, except to trade up to a more expensive home. Breaking any of these terms can lead to the pass being revoked.
The participation fee is one-off and is not charged for dependants. The OSC table also lists a processing fee of RM5,000 for the principal and RM2,500 for each dependant.
In our view, Silver gives the most flexibility per ringgit, but only Platinum lets you work or run a business.
03
What can you do on the pass?
Platinum holders may run a business, invest and work. Gold and Silver holders may not. All tiers allow long-term medical treatment in Malaysia, and children may study up to university level. Platinum holders may also bring a foreign domestic helper.
04
Which family members are included?
You may bring a spouse, and children under 21. Children aged 21 to 34 can come too, if they are single and not working in Malaysia. Children with a certified disability have no age limit. Parents and parents-in-law may also come. If the principal dies, the pass can pass to the next of kin among registered dependants.
05
How long must you stay?
If you are under 50, you or your dependants must spend 90 days a year in Malaysia, counted cumulatively (MOTAC guidelines). From 50, there is no minimum stay.
06
How do renewals work?
The pass sticker is renewed every five years, or in line with your passport. After the tier's maximum term, the pass can be renewed in five-year blocks with a valid passport, a recent medical report and health insurance. MOTAC's terms set renewal fees of RM5,000 for Platinum, RM3,000 for Gold and RM1,500 for Silver.
What is the Premium Visa?
The Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) is a separate scheme run by the Immigration Department. Its official terms ask for offshore income of RM40,000 a month or RM480,000 a year, and a fixed deposit of RM1 million at a Malaysian bank. The participation fee is RM200,000 for the principal and RM100,000 for each dependant. Approval runs for up to 20 years in five-year blocks, and you must apply through an agency the Department authorizes (PVIP terms; PVIP FAQ). The FAQ says there is no minimum stay and that holders may work and do business.
08
What about Sarawak?
Sarawak runs its own SMM2H scheme. Its official guidelines ask for applicants aged 30 or over, and a fixed deposit of RM500,000 with a panel bank in Sarawak. On top of that, you show monthly income of RM10,000, or RM15,000 with dependants, or savings of RM100,000, or RM200,000 with dependants. You must keep at least RM250,000 on deposit, spend 30 days a year in Sarawak, and be sponsored by a Sarawak resident or a licensed agent registered there (Sarawak guidelines).
09
What should families from Asia and the Gulf check?
Tax. MOTAC lists a tax exemption on foreign funds or income, such as the fixed deposit, as a benefit for MM2H participants. Ask a Malaysian adviser how it applies before you rely on it.
Singapore-based families. Johor sits next door. Malaysia also has a special economic zone tier (SEZ/SFZ) with lower deposits, which we will cover separately.
In our view, MM2H suits families who want a home in Malaysia and a long pass. The Premium Visa suits those who need to work there.
10
FAQ
What is the minimum deposit for MM2H?
Can I work on MM2H?
Can my parents come?
Do I have to live in Malaysia?
Is Sarawak's scheme the same?
General information on Malaysian immigration rules as at 12 October 2026, not advice on your circumstances.
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General information, not legal advice.