There are a few common long-term visas that are available to foreigners to stay for long periods legally in Malaysia
Employment pass
There are two ways one can get the employment pass, either by setting up a company here in Malaysia or gainfully employed by a company operating in Malaysia. Normally, the duration of the employment pass is two years (or less) and it includes the dependents of the visa holder (spouse and children under the age of 18). The company has to justify and complete the paperwork for the application of the employment pass. Holder of this type of visa is not allowed to change job in Malaysia as the company is sponsoring his/her employment.
Student pass
Student passes are given students studying in education institutions in Malaysia. Passes are given to students studying in elementary or primary schools until post graduate studies (masters or doctorate students). Student pass holders are not allowed to work. The school is fully responsible in obtaining the visa for the student.
Spouse visa / wife of a citizen
This visa with validity that ranges for six-months onwards is given by virtue that one of the spouse is a Malaysian. There are financial requirements that needs to be met in order to get the spouse visa. Inquiries needs to be made at the local Malaysian Immigration Office as it is issued locally by that office. This visa will be terminated once the couple divorces or ceased to be married.
Residence Pass – Talent
This pass for highly qualified expatriates who wishes to continue to reside and work in Malaysia. The holder of the visa may switch employers.
Malaysia My Second Home
This ten-year social visit pass is by far the most popular among foreigners who wants to stay long term in Malaysia. It is renewable every ten years.
Malaysia My Second Home Programme, Malaysia Second Home Program or MM2H is a ten-year renewable social visit pass that allows foreigners to stay in Malaysia for as long as they like. It was set up by the Malaysian government as a way to attract foreigners to stay long term or retire in Malaysia. It is open to citizens of all countries recognised by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age. Participants are allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 as dependants.
Requirements
The requirements for MM2H visa is one the highest among the countries that offer retirement or long-term visa. When the application is submitted, the applicant must demonstrate that he/she has strong financial standings. That includes financial strength (must be in liquid assets and not properties) and income. The requires are listed below:
Less than 50 years old | More than 50 years old | |
---|---|---|
Financial strength | More than RM500,000-equivalent | More than RM350,000-equivalent |
Monthly income | More than RM10,000-equivalent | More than RM10,000-equivalent |
Documentation required – last 3 months or sets of financial statements.
Financial strength must be in a form of liquid asset and it does not include properties. As it is not possible to list down all the financial instruments that are accepted by the Ministry of Tourism, email or call us and we can have a private discussion on the details of the financial requirements. With the details given to us, we will be able to help you better.
After the approval is obtained, participants must fulfil the following requirements:
Less than 50 years old | More than 50 years old | |
---|---|---|
Fixed deposit in a bank operating in Malaysia | RM300,000 | RM150,000 |
The other major non-financial Malaysia My Second Home Requirements:
Partial withdrawal for the fixed deposit, one year after the visa is endorsed on the passport is allowed for the following reasons:
The purchase and services listed above must be done in Malaysia and not out of the country. The maximum amount that can be withdrawn are listed below:
Less than 50 years old | More than 50 years old | |
---|---|---|
Initial deposit | RM300,000 | RM150,000 |
Maximum withdrawal | RM150,000 | RM50,000 |
Remaining amount | RM150,000 | RM100,000 |
The remaining amount is the sum of money that must be maintained at the bank at all times for the visa to be valid. If the money is required (i.e. withdrawn for personal use), then the visa must be cancelled. The banks will only release the money when the have the original letter from Immigration that states that the visa has been cancelled.
Benefits of MM2H
Disclaimers :
The rules and requirements for property purchase and visas are dynamic and may change over time. The requirements and information listed above are correct as of the date of publishing. Please refer to the relevant authorities for any latest changes or updates.