Sarawak MM2H 2024 vs 2025 Enhanced Requirements: Is It Still the Best Choice for Retirement?
If you’re considering Sarawak as your new home, the Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) program offers an exciting pathway to live in this culturally rich and scenic region of Malaysia. But with recent changes and the introduction of the Enhanced S-MM2H 2025 program, it’s important to understand how the new requirements, financial expectations, and lifestyle options differ from the previous Sarawak MM2H 2024 program. Here, we break down the key updates to help you choose the best program to fit your needs.
1. Eligibility Requirements
In 2024, the Sarawak MM2H program was open to citizens from any country except Israel, making it broadly accessible. The Enhanced Sarawak MM2H 2025 continues this openness but narrows the eligible pool slightly by restricting applicants from North Korea as well. An additional requirement for 2025 applicants is to declare their country of origin and citizenship(s) before beginning the application. This declaration brings added transparency to the process, allowing applicants and authorities to have a clear understanding of the applicant’s background and intentions in Sarawak.
2. Minimum Stay Requirement
To maintain their status in the S-MM2H program, participants need to spend a minimum amount of time in Sarawak each year. Both the 2024 and 2025 programs require a stay of at least 30 days annually. However, the Enhanced 2025 program specifies that this requirement applies only to the main applicant, allowing dependents to have more flexibility in their stay arrangements. This adjustment may benefit families with varying commitments in other regions, as only the primary applicant needs to ensure their physical presence in Sarawak for the required period.
3. Financial Commitments: Fixed Deposit Requirements
One of the biggest changes in the 2025 Enhanced S-MM2H program is the increased fixed deposit (FD) requirement. In 2024, the fixed deposit stood at RM150,000 for individuals and RM300,000 for couples. Participants in the 2024 program could withdraw up to 40% of their FD after the first year, with funds accessible for specific uses like buying a house or car, medical expenses, or children’s education in Sarawak.
In 2025, the Enhanced program has raised the fixed deposit requirement to RM500,000 for the main applicant. This FD must be placed in a local Sarawak bank, and participants are allowed to withdraw up to 50% of this amount after one year. This higher percentage provides more flexibility and financial freedom for participants, particularly for those investing in a house or other essential assets in Sarawak. However, the FD increase also means a higher initial financial commitment for applicants interested in the program.
4. Income Requirements: Pension Funds and Offshore Income
Financial stability is a critical component of both the 2024 and 2025 programs, but the income requirements have increased with the Enhanced 2025 program. For applicants relying on pension funds or offshore income, the minimum monthly requirement in 2024 was RM7,000 for individuals and RM10,000 for couples. The 2025 program raises this to RM10,000 for individuals and RM15,000 for dependents.
For those without pension funds but who earn non-pension or offshore income, the requirement has doubled. In 2024, individuals needed a minimum income of RM50,000 (with RM100,000 for couples), while in 2025, this has increased to RM100,000 for individuals and RM200,000 for dependents. These changes ensure that applicants have the financial capacity to support themselves and their families comfortably while residing in Sarawak.
5. Age Eligibility and Pass Duration
Age eligibility remains unchanged between the 2024 and 2025 programs, with applicants needing to be at least 30 years old. However, the pass duration has seen slight modifications. Both programs offer a 5+5-year visitor pass with a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV). However, the Enhanced 2025 program introduces a requirement for reapplication after the 10-year period. Unlike the 2024 program, which requires only resubmission of documentation for renewal, 2025 participants will need to submit a completely new application if they wish to extend beyond ten years.
6. Liquid Asset and Property Requirements
The 2024 program introduced some flexibility for those aged 30-49. Applicants in this age range were required to own property in Sarawak valued at RM600,000 or meet other conditions, such as having children in local education or undergoing long-term medical treatment. Property ownership was optional for applicants aged 50 and above, with a minimum price of RM600,000 in Kuching and RM500,000 in other divisions.
In the Enhanced 2025 program, property purchase remains optional for those aged 30 and above, and the minimum prices are retained. However, participants in 2025 gain the added advantage of being able to sell their property after five years. This addition provides more financial flexibility and allows participants to adapt their property investments based on changing circumstances or residency preferences.
7. Employment and Investment Opportunities
The 2024 Sarawak MM2H program allowed individuals over 50 to work part-time in specific sectors or act as a “sleeping partner” in joint ventures. This permitted applicants to remain engaged in the local economy, with options to work as lecturers, invest in businesses with majority Bumiputera partnerships, or take on part-time roles in approved sectors.
In 2025, the Enhanced program makes some adjustments to these rules. While participants are still not allowed to work full-time, they can engage in part-time work within professional sectors, including education, banking, manufacturing, and medical fields. Working hours are capped at 20 hours per week. For joint ventures, participants can maintain a 49% stake in the business, with a minimum capital requirement of RM250,000. These changes make the program more accessible to experienced professionals who may want to contribute to the local economy while balancing personal and leisure time in Sarawak.
8. New Option for Bringing Foreign Maid
The 2025 Enhanced program adds a significant new benefit: participants can now bring a Foreign Maid. This option is subject to Sarawak’s immigration regulations for foreign domestic workers, providing added support for families or individuals who may require assistance with household tasks.
9. Dependents, Healthcare, and Education Benefits
Both the 2024 and 2025 versions of Sarawak MM2H require applicants to have medical insurance for the duration of their stay, ensuring they can access necessary healthcare without straining local resources. The program also provides tax exemptions on funds brought into Malaysia, which is attractive for those planning to invest or use substantial offshore income while residing in Sarawak.
Other common requirements include a health examination upon application, but neither program offers permanent residency status.
Credit: Documented guidelines from mtcp.sarawak.gov.my.
Conclusion
The Enhanced Sarawak MM2H 2025 introduces several updates that may make the program more attractive to financially stable applicants seeking flexibility and a high standard of living in Sarawak. With changes to income requirements, fixed deposit amounts, and property ownership options, the 2025 program caters to a higher-income demographic while offering new benefits like the option to bring a domestic helper and increased flexibility in property investments.
For prospective applicants, the choice between the 2024 and Enhanced 2025 programs will largely depend on financial readiness and lifestyle preferences. If you value lower financial commitments, the 2024 program may still be attractive. However, if you’re ready to meet the higher requirements of the 2025 program, the added benefits and flexibility might make it the ideal option for long-term residency in Sarawak.
