Southeast Asian Residency Options: Indonesia Golden Visa vs Malaysia MM2H Visa
Indonesia and Malaysia, two neighboring Southeast Asian countries, have recently updated their long-term visa programs to attract foreign investors and retirees. Let’s compare Indonesia’s new Golden Visa program with Malaysia’s revised MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) visa:
Indonesia’s Golden Visa:
Indonesia launched its Golden Visa program in July 2024, offering visas of up to 10 years for substantial investments. The program has three main options:
- Individual investors:
- 5-year visa: Establish a company worth $2.5 million
- 10-year visa: $5 million investment
- Non-company investors:
- 5-year visa: $350,000 investment
- 10-year visa: $700,000 investment
- Corporate investors:
- 5-year visas for directors/commissioners: $25 million investment
- 10-year visas: $50 million investment
Investments can be made in Indonesian government bonds, public company stocks, or deposits.
Malaysia’s MM2H Visa:
Malaysia revamped its MM2H program in 2024, introducing a three-tier system: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Key features include:
- Silver tier:
- 5-year renewable visa
- Fixed deposit requirement: USD150,000
- Gold tier:
- 15-year renewable visa
- Fixed deposit requirement: USD500,000
- Platinum tier:
- 20-year renewable visa
- Fixed deposit requirement: USD 1million
The MM2H program allows withdrawals of up to 50% of the fixed deposit after one year for purchasing property, healthcare, and tourism within Malaysia.
Key Differences Indonesia Golden Visa vs Malaysia MM2H Visa:
- Investment Focus: Indonesia’s program is more focused on attracting large-scale investors, particularly in its new capital city project . Malaysia’s program caters to a wider range of applicants, including retirees and those seeking a second home.
- Visa Duration: Indonesia offers visas up to 10 years, while Malaysia’s Gold tier provides a 15-year visa, and the Platinum tier offers 20-year visa .
- Property Requirements: Malaysia requires visa holders to purchase property, with minimum values varying by tier. Indonesia does not have a specific property purchase requirement.
- Minimum Stay: Malaysia requires a minimum stay of 90 cumulative days per year. Indonesia’s minimum stay requirements are not specified in the available information.
- Application Process: Malaysia’s MM2H applications must be made through approved agents, while Indonesia’s process is not clearly specified .
Both programs aim to attract foreign investment and long-term residents, but they cater to slightly different demographics. Indonesia’s Golden Visa seems more geared towards high-net-worth individuals and large corporate investors, while Malaysia’s MM2H program offers more flexibility and options for a broader range of applicants, including retirees and those seeking a second home.
As these programs are relatively new or recently revised, potential applicants should closely monitor any updates or changes to the requirements and benefits of each visa option.
