Visa and Residence in Malaysia - International Living Countries

Malaysia was one of the first countries in the world to introduce long-term residency by investment—well before countries like Portugal and Greece introduced golden visas in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. The country has long been popular with expats, especially the British, given its long association with the country as a former colony and protectorate. Penang, in particular, is well known as an expat haven for both Westerners and Asians.

Temporary Visas

North American visitors to Malaysia do not need a visa. It is possible to stay for up to three months after arrival.

Long-Term Visas

Unlock long-term living in Malaysia through investment and residency programs.|©iStock/fotoVoyager

Multiple Entry Visa

This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa for business purposes. It’s valid for three to 12 months, depending on the nature of your business, from the date of issue.

Residence Pass-Talent

The Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) is a 10-year renewable pass for highly qualified expats to live and work in Malaysia. The RP-T also offers expats an attractive range of benefits, including the flexibility to change employers during the validity of the pass. Spouses are also eligible for the RP-T and can seek employment without the need to apply for an Employment Pass.

MM2H (Malaysia My 2nd Home)

Malaysia launched its MM2H program in 2006. It has been revised repeatedly since then, most recently in mid-2024. It is now available to anyone 25 years or older.

The MM2H residency permit is not permanent residency. It is a long-term residency permit that can be renewed as long as the conditions are still met. Those requirements include three financial components: A fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank, sufficient income, and the purchase of a property in Malaysia.

The program is divided into three tiers:

There are a number of quirks in this program that require careful consideration.

• For all tiers, the property purchased must be held for at least 10 years, unless selling to upgrade to a more expensive property. For the silver tier that means the property must be held for longer than the validity of the permit. If it is not renewed for any reason, you can be stuck with a Malaysian property you don't want.

• Up to 50% of the fixed deposit can be withdrawn to fund property purchases, education, health care costs, or tourism within Malaysia. But it must be replenished to the full amount when renewing the permit.

• Fixed deposits and property values are expressed in Malaysian ringgit, so the foreign currency amounts required will vary with the exchange rate.

• Malaysia is a federal system, and individual states have their own requirements. In particular, Sarawak and Sabah, on the island of Borneo, have their own MM2H program with different age requirements and financial minimums. To date, these programs have attracted little interest from Western expats, given their remoteness and the underdeveloped nature of that part of Malaysia.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency is available to high-net-worth individuals, experts in specific fields, certain professionals, and the spouse of a Malaysian citizen. There is also a points-based system for people with specific skills and talents. It requires 65 points out of a total of 120 in order to be considered. On top of that, these applicants also need to have one Malaysian sponsor, as well as a certificate of good conduct from their country of origin.

Citizenship

Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship. It is possible to become a citizen of Malaysia after holding permanent residency for at least 12 years. You must have been in the country for at least 10 of those years. You must be proficient in Bahasa Malaysia, be able to support yourself, have a clean criminal record, and renounce your previous citizenship.

Requirements and Documentation

• Completed MM2H application form, available from the official MM2H website or authorized MM2H agents.

• Passport: Copies of your passport, including all pages (must be valid for at least 12 months).

• Passport-Sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs (usually 4 copies).

• Proof of Financial Capability:

• Bank Statements Showing proof of liquid assets and income.

• Proof of Income.

• Proof of the required fixed deposit placed in a Malaysian bank.

• A police clearance certificate or a letter of good conduct from the relevant authorities in your home country, showing that you have no criminal record.

• A health examination certificate from a recognized clinic or hospital. This must be done in Malaysia at clinics approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

• Proof of valid health insurance coverage that is accepted in Malaysia (this requirement may not apply to applicants over 60 years old).

• Sponsor Letter (if applicable)

• For the property purchase requirement, if you are applying for a specific tier (such as Silver, Gold, or Platinum), you may need to show proof of purchasing a qualifying property in Malaysia. The minimum property value ranges from RM 600,000 to RM 2 million, depending on the tier.

• Marriage Certificate (if applicable): Required for married applicants to prove the relationship with a spouse included in the application.

• Children’s Birth Certificates: If dependent children are included in the application, their birth certificates must be provided.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A brief CV or resume may be requested, particularly for high-net-worth individuals or investors.

Applications must be submitted either online or through a licensed MM2H agent authorized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Processing times vary, but the entire process typically takes 6 to 12 months from submission to approval.

Processing Time

Processing times for long-term visas are between three and six months.

Cost

The application fee for a long-term visa is $1,100 for the principal application and $550 for each dependent.

Contacts

Embassy of the Republic of Malaysia

• 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

• Tel. (202) 572-9700

• Email: mwwashington@kln.gov.my

• Web: https://www.kln.gov.my/web/usa_washington/home