Federal MM2H Vs Sarawak MM2H: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing between Malaysia’s MM2H programs can feel like navigating a maze. Imagine standing at the crossroads, perplexed by which path leads to your new home in this enchanting country.
The Sarawak MM2H program, for instance, has witnessed a staggering 2,800% increase in approvals – a testament to its growing appeal. To ease your journey through this decision-making process, I decided to put both the Federal and Sarawak versions of the MM2H program under the microscope.
By comparing their differences and highlighting their similarities, my aim is to arm you with the knowledge needed to pick the one that aligns best with your aspirations. Ready to embark on this discovery?
Key Takeaways
- Sarawak MM2H is more affordable, with lower living costs and easier financial requirements. It became very popular after the rules changed, with approvals jumping up by 2800%.
- You need RM500,000 for Silver category, RM2 million for Gold category, and RM5 million for Platinum Category in your bank for Federal MM2H versus RM150,000 for individual or RM300,000 for couple for Sarawak MM2H.
- In Sarawak’s program, participants under the age category 50 years old and above, they are allowed to work under the following categories: Part-time lecturer, Sleeping Partner (51% Bumiputera, 49% foreigner) and any part time works based on sectors approved by ILMU, Premier’s Department.
- New rules still made fewer people apply for the federal program while many more chose Sarawak’s offer because it’s cheaper and less days about staying time.
Overview of Federal MM2H vs Sarawak MM2H Programs
Diving into Malaysia’s My Second Home (MM2H) program has been quite the journey. There’s something truly intriguing about this visa initiative that offers people from around the globe a chance to call Malaysia home for an extended period.
You’ve got two main routes you can take: the Federal MM2H and Sarawak MM2H, each painting its own picture of Malaysian life.
The Federal MM2H opens up doors to the vast landscapes of West Malaysia or Peninsula Malaysia, inviting you to settle in beloved spots like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. But then there’s Sarawak’s version, which seems like it was dreamed up for those who are drawn to the allure of Malaysian Borneo.
With its slightly different approach, it beckons with a promise of serene landscapes and rich cultures found in places like Sabah and Sarawak.
“Each path leads to its own kind of journey; the choice just depends on what scenery you want outside your window.”
Let’s simplify things a bit more without getting bogged down by too much detail. If lounging under Sabah’s expansive skies or weaving through Sarawak’s ancient rainforests sounds appealing, S-MM2H might be your calling.
This variant has a soft spot for applicants over 50 or younger ones that meet specific conditions such as schooling children locally or making meaningful real estate investments.
On the other hand, if your heart is set on exploring wider horizons across mainland Malaysia, then going with the federal option could be right up your alley. It’s perfect for those still deciding on their preferred slice of Malaysia or anyone craving urban conveniences with nature’s tranquility just a stone throw away.
It feels like mapping out dreams against Malaysia’s diverse backdrop—each choice leading down paths filled with potential stories and experiences waiting to unfold.
Comparing Applicant Eligibility for Federal MM2H vs Sarawak MM2H
So, I’m here to talk about how the rules stack up for getting into Malaysia’s MM2H program, both for the whole country and for Sarawak specifically. Let’s see how they compare.
| Criteria | Federal MM2H | Sarawak MM2H |
|---|---|---|
| Age Requirements | At least 30 years old | 50 years old and above (Eligible to apply) 30-49 years old (applicant must own a residential house in Sarawak with a price value of at least RM600,000.00 OR applicants have children (under 21 years old) who are continuing their studies in Sarawak (for those who already have a student pass only) OR Undergoing long-term medical treatment in Sarawak and certified by a Private/Government Physician) |
| Fixed Deposit | RM500,000 for Silver category, RM2 Million for Gold category, and RM5 Million for Platinum category | RM150,000 for individual and RM300,000 for couple |
| Visa Duration | 5 years for Silver category, 15 years for Gold category, and Eligible for Permanent Resident for Platinum Category | 5 + 5 years of approved visitors pass with a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) |
| Required days in Malaysia per year | 60 days | 30 days |
It’s kind of striking to see the differences laid out like this, right? Sarawak has its own set of rules that make it unique, especially with financial proofs. Looking for Sarawak MM2H application guide? Refer on this pdf as amended on March 2024 by Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Financial Requirements of Both Programs
Alright, let’s jump into the nuts and bolts of the financial requirements for the Federal MM2H and Sarawak MM2H programs. This part is crucial because it’s all about the money – how much you need to have in your bank account.
Here’s a simple breakdown in a table format:
| Criteria | Federal MM2H | Sarawak MM2H |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Bank Deposit | RM500,000 | RM150,000 |
So, breaking this down even simpler, if you’re looking to move to Malaysia under the Federal MM2H, you need to show a wad of cash – RM500,000 under silver category for 5 years visa duration. That’s a lot! On the flip side, the Sarawak version of the program is way more wallet-friendly with a requirement of RM150,000. That’s a huge difference, right?
This part of the comparison really puts things into perspective. It tells us Sarawak is not just trying to attract the super-rich but also people who have a modest income but still dream of living in Malaysia. For me, these numbers are more than just requirements; they’re a reflection of each program’s ethos and whom they’re hoping to attract.
Impact of Recent Changes in MM2H Rules on Applicant Numbers
New rules for the MM2H visa made a big splash. They changed how many people could apply and get accepted. I saw this first hand. Before, it seemed like anyone with a dream could jump in.
Now, there’s more to think about.
For starters, Sarawak caught my eye by letting in way more people under its program than before. The spike was huge—like going from one small party to a festival!
This shift came because Sarawak played it smarter with their conditions—less money in the bank needed and you don’t have to stay as long each year. It sounded perfect for someone not ready to plant roots too deep.
On my end, deciding between Federal and Sarawak’s offers felt tricky with these updates. I noticed lots of others feeling the same pinch or rush of excitement depending on where they stood financially or what freedom they wanted living here.
Conclusion
So, we looked at the Federal MM2H and Sarawak MM2H programs. Both have their ups and downs. The one from Sarawak is getting more people interested because it’s easier on the wallet and less days about how long you stay.
Plus, if you pick Sarawak, you’re not stuck there; you can live anywhere in Malaysia but just visit Sarawak for a bit every year. On the other side, the federal program might feel too hard to get into now with its higher demands.
Each program fits different folks, depending on what they need – like lower costs or where they want to spend most of their time.
