Hello There! Let Me Help with Your MM2H FAQ
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program seems almost too good to be true. As an applicant, you can live in Malaysia long-term on a renewable 10-year visa. You get fabulous weather, low cost of living, great infrastructure, quality healthcare, political stability, safety, amazing food, cultural diversity, English proficiency, and so much more.
With benefits like that, no wonder over 50,000 people from 125+ countries have become MM2H participants. I sure did a double take when I first learned about it!
If it sounds appealing but you still have nagging questions, you’re not alone. The MM2H program has specific requirements and procedures that can get confusing.
Well, you’ve come to the right place! After going through the process of applying for MM2H myself, I am aware of the common questions and concerns. In this FAQ guide, I will give you straight answers to help clarify key points about the MM2H application process.
Let’s dive into the details of how to apply for MM2H!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About MM2H Program
Below I’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about the Malaysia My Second Home program. I’ll give you brief yet thorough answers to address the common areas of confusion. My goal with this guide is to make the key aspects of the MM2H program clear so you can determine if you should apply for MM2H.
What are the basic MM2H FAQ for requirements?
The core MM2H requirements are:
- Age 50+ for retirees, any age if actively employed
- Passport validity of over 18 months
- Offshore income of RM10,000 monthly
- RM150,000 fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank
- RM500,000 liquid assets
- Clean bill of health
- Purchase health insurance
- No employment in Malaysia without approval
- Not a bankrupt or security threat
Meeting those criteria allows you to get a 10-year multiple entry visa renewable indefinitely.
How long can I stay in Malaysia on the MM2H visa?
The MM2H visa lets you stay in Malaysia as long as you want. There’s no minimum or maximum duration per entry or per year. You can freely come and go without needing to exit after any set period.
Can I work or run a business in Malaysia with an MM2H visa?
You cannot work in Malaysia without explicit approval from the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). For MM2H holders, the same rules apply for operating a business – it requires advance permission from the Ministry of Tourism, and it can be terminated if rules are not adhered to.
The purpose of the MM2H program is retirement, not employment. But some flexibility exists if you secure the proper authorizations.
What are the financial criteria I must meet?
The financial requirements are having:
- RM150,000 fixed deposit maintained throughout your participation
- RM500,000 liquid assets to qualify initially
- RM10,000 offshore income every month
To apply for MM2H, you must show one year of financial statements proving these requirements are met. Then each year you need to share bank records validating the deposits and income.
Can I withdraw from the fixed deposit account?
Yes, you can make withdrawals from the fixed deposit account once your MM2H participation surpasses two years. But you cannot empty it fully until you cancel your MM2H visa.
Do I have to buy property in Malaysia?
Purchasing real estate in Malaysia is allowed but not obligatory. You can rent instead if preferred. Either way, you must inform the Immigration Department of your housing arrangement.
Can I bring dependents?
Yes, you may bring dependents such as your spouse or children under 21 years old. They can apply for long-term social visit passes tied to your MM2H visa.
What taxes apply to MM2H participants?
For those living in Malaysia under the MM2H program, a flat rate of only 15% income tax is charged on Malaysian-sourced revenue. Most foreign-sourced income is tax exempt in Malaysia for up to 5 years.
How long does MM2H visa processing take?
Once the Immigration Department receives your complete application, MM2H approval often takes 3-6 months. Then, after getting the approval letter for your MM2H application, visa stamping typically finishes within 2-4 weeks.
Let’s Make Your Malaysian Dream a Reality
I hope this MM2H FAQ guide, facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Malaysia, has been instrumental in clarifying some of the key aspects of this unique program. Malaysia truly offers a high quality of life at a reasonable cost – it’s no wonder why so many of us have chosen it as our second home.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, I highly encourage you to apply. I personally love living in Malaysia under the MM2H program and I believe you will enjoy the benefits such as house purchase too.
Of course, please reach out if you have any other questions. I’m always glad to discuss the process in detail and make sure you understand everything clearly.
To wrap up, I wish you the very best in your consideration of the Malaysia My Second Home program. With the proper guidance and support, your application can sail through smoothly. Here’s to your future in Malaysia under the MM2H program!
Is an MM2H visa holder able to withdraw 50% of the money within or after a year to be utilised?
Thanks for your question! As an MM2H visa holder, you are generally allowed to withdraw 50% of your fixed deposit after the first year of holding the visa. This can be used for approved purposes, such as purchasing a house, education, health, and tourism activities in Malaysia.