The MM2H visa
Malaysia My Second Home
Tiers, bank deposit, property purchase and length of stay: the complete 2026 framework of the long-term residence programme for settling in Malaysia.
⚡ Key takeaways
- Relaunched in July 2024 by the Ministry of Tourism (MOTAC), the MM2H now has 4 tiers: SEZ, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
- The locked bank deposit ranges from 32,000 USD (SEZ, age 50 and over) to 1,000,000 USD (Platinum). Up to 50% can be withdrawn for a property purchase, education or healthcare.
- Buying a property is mandatory for every tier of the main programme (from 600,000 RM to 2,000,000 RM).
- Applicants under 50 must spend at least 90 days a year in Malaysia; those aged 50 and over have no minimum stay.
Dreaming of setting down your bags in the tropics, between Kuala Lumpur and the beaches of Penang? In 2026, the MM2H remains the royal road to settling in Malaysia for the long term without working there. But the programme has changed its face.
Since its relaunch in July 2024 under MOTAC, the financial thresholds have climbed and buying a property has become mandatory. Here, tier by tier, is what the visa truly requires, what it costs, and who it is for.
What exactly is the MM2H?
Malaysia My Second Home is a renewable long-term residence visa that lets you live in Malaysia without holding a local salaried job. It is neither a work visa nor a path to citizenship (Malaysia does not recognise dual nationality). You keep your original nationality and gain a stable right of residence, for yourself and your family.
The appeal? A moderate cost of living, a tropical climate all year round, well-regarded healthcare and a lenient tax regime on foreign-source income. Enough to win over retirees, nomads and families.
The 4 MM2H tiers in 2026
The main programme is organised into four levels, from the most accessible (SEZ, tied to special economic zones such as Forest City) to the most exclusive (Platinum). Each tier sets its own bank deposit, visa duration and property purchase threshold. The table below summarises the official framework (source: Wise, 2026).
| Tier | Bank deposit | Property purchase | Visa duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEZ | 65,000 USD (ages 21-49) 32,000 USD (50+) | ≥ 500,000 RM (Forest City) | 5 years |
| Silver | 150,000 USD (~138,000 €) | ≥ 600,000 RM | 10 years |
| Gold | 500,000 USD (~460,000 €) | ≥ 1,000,000 RM | 15 years |
| Platinum | 1,000,000 USD (~920,000 €) | ≥ 2,000,000 RM | 20 years |
The bank deposit: how much, and is it locked?
The fixed deposit is the centrepiece of the application. It is opened in a Malaysian bank after approval and stays locked for the duration of the visa. Good news: up to 50% of the balance can be released for approved expenses, namely a property purchase, your children's schooling in Malaysia or medical costs on the spot.
This deposit is not a tax: it remains your money, simply tied up as a guarantee. It earns interest, modest but real. Worth bearing in mind, though: these amounts have risen sharply since the old scheme, which has refocused the programme on wealthier profiles.
Why has buying a property become mandatory?
This is the big new feature of the 2024 version: buying a home is no longer optional, it is a requirement. The threshold depends on the tier, from 600,000 RM (Silver) to 2,000,000 RM (Platinum). For the SEZ, purchases are limited to specific areas such as Forest City, starting at 500,000 RM.
The property must be held for the entire duration of the visa. Before signing, look into the purchase rules for foreigners, which vary from state to state: our guides on buying property and on property law detail these local thresholds.
How long do you have to stay in Malaysia?
The presence rule depends on age. Applicants under 50 must spend at least 90 days a year in the country. Those aged 50 and over have, as things stand, no minimum stay requirement, which makes the visa very flexible for retirees who travel.
This flexibility partly explains the programme's success with European seniors, who can split their year between Malaysia and their home country without losing their status.
MM2H or another visa?
The MM2H targets those who want to live in Malaysia without working there. If your plan is professional, you should aim instead for the Employment Pass or a company-linked permit: see our pages on visas & work permits and starting a business.
For a short stay, a simple tourist visa is enough. The MM2H comes into its own as soon as you are talking about settling long term with capital available.
How do you apply?
- Choose your tier based on your budget and your age.
- Go through a licensed MM2H agent (using a licensed agent is required to submit the application).
- Gather the documents: passport, proof of income and assets, police clearance, medical certificate.
- Obtain conditional approval, then open the bank deposit and complete the property purchase.
- Receive the visa and activate your resident status.
FAQ
Does the MM2H grant Malaysian citizenship?
No. It is a residence visa, not a path to citizenship. Malaysia does not allow dual nationality: you keep your original passport and gain a renewable right of residence.
Can you work with an MM2H?
The MM2H does not allow conventional local salaried employment. To work, you need an Employment Pass or a suitable permit. Some remote activities remain possible depending on your situation.
Is the bank deposit lost?
No, it remains your money. It is locked as a guarantee for the duration of the visa, and up to 50% can go towards a property purchase, education or healthcare in Malaysia.
Do you really have to buy a property?
Yes, since the 2024 relaunch, buying is mandatory for every tier of the main programme, with a threshold that depends on the level chosen (from 600,000 to 2,000,000 RM).
Sources & updates
MM2H programme relaunched in July 2024 by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Data verified via Wise (2026). As the thresholds and rules change regularly, always confirm the conditions with MOTAC or a licensed agent before committing.