Malaysia – Residency

What types of residency are available to foreign nationals in Malaysia?

Malaysia does not employ a unified, points-driven immigration framework comparable to those used in countries like Canada or Australia. Rather, it has developed a range of separate passes and programmes, each tailored to a distinct applicant profile — spanning retirees and high-net-worth investors through to employed professionals and spouses of Malaysian citizens. Identifying which category best fits your circumstances is the critical starting point for any residency journey in Malaysia.

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme is a long-term residency visa designed for foreign nationals who wish to live, invest, or retire in Malaysia. The MM2H 2025 programme has been revamped with clearer requirements, three main categories — Silver, Gold, and Platinum — and a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) MM2H pathway.

The length of stay granted under MM2H depends on the tier chosen: Silver holders receive 5 years, Gold holders are granted 15 years, and Platinum holders enjoy 20 years, with all tiers being renewable. Applicants for Platinum and Gold must be at least 25 years of age, while those applying under Silver and the SEZ/SFZ categories must be at least 21. Every tier carries specific fixed deposit and property acquisition thresholds (see table below).

Qualifying dependants under the MM2H programme include a spouse, unmarried children aged up to 34 who are not employed in Malaysia, disabled children regardless of age, and parents or parents-in-law. The main applicant and their spouse are obligated to spend at least 90 days per year in Malaysia, though this requirement does not apply to children, parents, or parents-in-law included on the application.

MM2H is oriented towards retirees, those wishing to make Malaysia their long-term home, and people who do not intend to work in the country. Certain exceptions exist — children may pursue education in Malaysia, and Platinum tier holders are permitted to engage in employment or business activities. A rule introduced in 2024 requires all MM2H participants to purchase a residential property in Malaysia, which must be retained for a minimum of 10 years unless the holder upgrades to a property of higher value.

All MM2H applications must be lodged through licensed agents holding accreditation under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. Always confirm the current roster of licensed agents and the most up-to-date financial thresholds directly on the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) official website, as the programme’s conditions have been revised on several occasions in recent years.

Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

The PVIP is a 20-year, multiple-entry visa issued in five-year tranches. In contrast to MM2H, the PVIP grants holders both the right to reside in Malaysia and the ability to engage in business, employment, and investment activities. A key attraction of the PVIP is the combination of a lengthy 20-year renewable stay with no compulsory minimum time spent in-country. The programme imposes no age restriction, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants including younger entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and foreign investors.

To qualify for Malaysian residency under the PVIP, foreign nationals must demonstrate offshore income of at least MYR 40,000 per month or MYR 480,000 per year. Applicants are also required to place MYR 1 million into a local fixed deposit account, an amount that must remain in place for the duration of their stay under the programme. A substantial participation fee of RM 200,000 (approx. USD 42,000) applies to the main applicant.

Permanent Residency (Entry Permit)

An Entry Permit is the document issued by Malaysia’s Immigration Department that authorises a foreign national to enter and reside in the country on a permanent basis, without any time restriction. It represents the most privileged status the Malaysian Government can confer on a non-citizen, and it may be withdrawn if the conditions attached to it are breached.

Permanent residency is available to high-net-worth individuals, specialists in designated fields, certain qualified professionals, and foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens. A points-based assessment framework also exists for individuals with particular skills or talents, requiring a minimum score of 65 out of a possible 120 points. Applicants under this route must also secure one Malaysian sponsor and produce a certificate of good conduct from their country of origin.

Residence Pass

A Residence Pass is issued to foreign nationals who meet criteria specified under Regulation 16A of the Immigration Regulations 1963. Holders of this pass may work, study, and establish a business in Malaysia without having to convert to a different pass category, subject to the requirements of other relevant regulatory authorities. The Residence Pass carries a fee of RM 500 for five years (as of 2025).

Work-Based and Family Passes

Foreign nationals employed by companies based in Malaysia typically arrive on an Employment Pass, which forms the foundation for extended legal stays in the country. Long-term residents who have held a long-term pass — such as an Employment Pass, Dependent Pass, or Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) — for at least five continuous years without breaching immigration laws, and who can demonstrate financial soundness and good character, may eventually become eligible to lodge a PR application. Foreign nationals in a marriage with a Malaysian citizen may apply for PR after five years of uninterrupted residence in Malaysia on an LTSVP.

Sarawak and Sabah Regional Programmes

Malaysia operates as a federal state, and individual states set their own immigration requirements. Notably, Sarawak and Sabah — both located on the island of Borneo — administer their own versions of the MM2H programme, with distinct age criteria and financial minimums. Those considering settling in either state should liaise directly with the relevant state immigration offices for the latest applicable conditions.

How does temporary residency work in Malaysia, and how can it lead to permanent residency?

Malaysia’s approach to managing temporary residents differs from many other countries in that no single consolidated “temporary residency” category exists. The majority of foreign nationals begin their time in Malaysia holding a specific pass — whether an Employment Pass, Social Visit Pass, Dependent Pass, or a long-term programme visa like MM2H — with each carrying its own validity period and set of conditions.

In contrast to PR systems in countries such as Germany, where five years of lawful residence generally entitles the holder to apply for a settlement permit, Malaysia’s approach to permanent residency is considerably more restrictive, with each case evaluated individually by the Immigration Department. There is no automatic entitlement to PR regardless of the length of stay in Malaysia, though certain pathways can meaningfully strengthen an application.

Individuals pursuing PR as long-term residents must have resided in Malaysia lawfully for at least five years under a long-term pass such as an Employment Pass, Dependent Pass, or LTSVP, without any breach of immigration regulations. Foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens may apply following five years of continuous residence on an LTSVP; however, announcements made in January 2025 indicate this waiting period may be reduced to three years.

In a policy update revealed in January 2025, foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens will be required to wait only three years before becoming eligible to lodge a PR application, reduced from the previous five-year threshold. The Home Ministry also set out a target of six months for the processing of new PR applications.

Holding an MM2H or PVIP visa does not, in itself, generate an automatic pathway to PR. After an extended period of continuous residence under the MM2H scheme — typically ten or more years — individuals may apply for PR, though this is contingent on satisfying additional criteria, such as demonstrating meaningful contributions to Malaysia or maintaining financial stability. MM2H is conceived as a long-stay option rather than a route designed to culminate in permanent residency.

While MM2H does not directly lead to PR, long-term holders of the scheme who can point to strong ties with Malaysia — including property ownership, financial investments, and established family connections — may be positioned to submit a PR application after a decade or more of residence in the country.

Professionals holding an Employment Pass or Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) can reinforce a future PR application by accumulating years of lawful residency, a consistent record of tax contributions, and evidence of meaningful integration into Malaysian society. The points-based PR framework rewards applicants for factors including age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, and duration of residence in the country. A minimum score of 65 out of 120 is required to qualify under the points-based route.

How do you apply for residency in Malaysia?

The application process differs according to the type of residency being sought. The steps below outline the general approach for the two most widely pursued long-term routes: the MM2H programme and a formal PR (Entry Permit) application. Always consult the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia — JIM) website for the most current procedures and applicable fee schedules, as these are subject to change.

Applying for MM2H

1. Select your tier. Assess whether Silver, Gold, Platinum, or SEZ best matches your financial circumstances and the length of stay you intend. Review the relevant financial thresholds on the MOTAC website before taking any further steps.
2. Engage a licensed MM2H agent. All applications must be lodged via MM2H agents who are licensed under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. It is not possible to submit an MM2H application directly to the government without using an accredited agent.
3. Assemble your supporting documents. Typically required documents include a passport with at least 18 months of remaining validity, evidence of financial standing (such as bank statements confirming fixed deposit balances), a medical report together with a valid insurance policy, a letter of intent, and any other specified supporting materials.
4. Lodge the application via your agent. Your agent will submit the application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia and act as your representative in dealings with both MOTAC and JIM throughout the process.
5. Receive conditional approval. Successful applicants will receive a conditional approval letter from the Immigration Department. All post-approval steps must be completed within 90 days of the date shown on this letter.
6. Fulfil in-country requirements. Once initial approval has been granted, the applicant is required to travel to Malaysia to complete the remaining conditions — principally, opening a bank account and satisfying the relevant medical requirements.
7. Obtain your visa endorsement. After all conditions have been fulfilled, the MM2H Social Visit Pass will be stamped in your passport, and your residency under the programme can commence.

Applying for Permanent Residency (Entry Permit)

1. Identify your eligibility category. Establish whether your application falls under the spouse of a Malaysian citizen route, the high-net-worth investor category, the skilled professional pathway, or the points-based assessment route.
2. Arrange a Malaysian citizen sponsor. You will need to approach the Immigration Department of Malaysia and notify them of your intention. You must also secure a sponsor who is a Malaysian citizen aged 21 or older.
3. Compile all required documents. This includes certified copies of your passport, documentation confirming your residence in Malaysia, financial records, and a Certificate of Good Conduct. Refer to the documents section below for a comprehensive list.
4. Schedule an appointment. Applications generally require prior appointments booked through the Immigration Department’s online portal — STO (Sistem Temujanji Online). Walk-in submissions are frequently not accepted.
5. Submit the application in person at JIM. Your Permanent Residence application (Entry Permit) must be submitted in person at the Immigration Department of Malaysia in Putrajaya. Postal or online submissions are not permitted.
6. Attend an interview and undergo a police check. Following submission, you will be called to attend an interview with the Immigration Department and will be subject to a background verification by the relevant police authorities.
7. Wait for a decision. Applications from investors or subject-matter experts may take between 6 months and 1 year; those from spouses and long-term residents can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Consult the JIM website for the most recent processing time guidance.
8. Obtain your MyPR card. On approval, you must attend Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) to complete registration and receive your MyPR card — the red identity document issued to PR holders.

The fees associated with a PR application are relatively modest at the point of submission — upfront costs typically amount to around RM 40–RM 100 for document processing, though this figure can vary depending on individual circumstances. As of 2025, always verify the current fee schedule on the JIM official website before proceeding with your application.

What documents do you need to apply for residency in Malaysia?

The documents required vary substantially depending on which residency pathway you are pursuing. The lists below represent documents commonly requested across the main routes, but you should always confirm the definitive checklist with Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) or MOTAC before submitting your application, as requirements are subject to revision.

Common documents for MM2H applications

• Valid passport (with a minimum of 18 months’ remaining validity at the point of application)
• Completed application form (Form IM.12, available on the JIM website)
• Passport-size photographs (typically against a blue background)
• Proof of fixed deposit placement with a Malaysian bank
• Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) or equivalent evidence of property acquisition
• Medical examination results from an authorised clinic or hospital in Malaysia, along with valid Malaysian medical or health insurance
• Certificate of good conduct (confirming no criminal record, issued by your country of nationality)
• Birth certificates (for any dependants being included)
• Marriage certificate (if a spouse is included in the application)

Common documents for PR (Entry Permit) applications

• Completed Form IMM 16a (obtainable from JIM)
• Photocopies of your current and all previous passports
• Passport-size photographs (two copies)
• Photocopies of your sponsor’s Malaysian identity card (two copies)
• Certificate of Good Conduct, obtained from your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or from the Malaysian High Commission, confirming the absence of any criminal record
• Evidence of long-term lawful residence in Malaysia (for example, previous pass endorsements or utility bills)
• Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates (where relevant)
• Academic and professional credentials — copies of degrees, certifications, or professional licences, particularly for those applying through the expert or skilled professional route
• Documentation demonstrating financial stability (bank statements, tax returns, letters from employers)
• For investors: evidence of investment or bank deposits meeting the required threshold

All photocopied documents issued by a foreign authority must be certified by the corresponding foreign missions in Malaysia. This is a firm requirement and one that can delay applications if not attended to in advance. Allow adequate time for documents to be notarised, apostilled, or certified as necessary before lodging your application.

Do you need to register with any government department or authority after arriving in Malaysia?

Malaysia does not have a municipal registration system equivalent to those in countries such as Germany (Anmeldung) or the Netherlands (BRP), which require all residents to register with a local authority within a specified number of days of arrival. Nevertheless, foreign nationals in Malaysia do carry certain important registration and reporting obligations of which they should be aware.

Every foreign national entering Malaysia must have their arrival recorded by the Immigration Department at the point of entry into the country. For those holding a long-term pass — such as an Employment Pass, Dependent Pass, or MM2H Social Visit Pass — the conditions attached to that pass, including any minimum stay requirements, are linked to the endorsement in your passport and are tracked by JIM.

Under the terms of the MM2H programme, both the main applicant and their spouse are required to be present in Malaysia for a minimum of 90 days each year. Failing to satisfy this condition can put the renewal of the pass at risk and, in more serious cases, may lead to its cancellation.

Once PR (Entry Permit) status has been granted, successful applicants must attend Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN — the National Registration Department) to register their status and collect their MyPR card, the red identity card issued to PR holders. This step is mandatory and should be completed promptly following approval.

Foreign nationals in paid employment in Malaysia are required to be enrolled with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and, where applicable, SOCSO (Social Security Organisation), arrangements that are handled through their employer. Tax registration with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri — LHDN) is necessary where income exceeds applicable taxable thresholds. Consult the LHDN website for the latest thresholds and related obligations.

What are the rights and restrictions that come with residency in Malaysia?

The entitlements you hold as a foreign national living in Malaysia are determined directly by the specific pass or permit you carry. There are significant differences between holding a long-term visitor programme visa (such as MM2H), an employment-based pass, and full Permanent Residency (PR).

Rights and restrictions by residency type

Permanent Residency rights in detail

Holding Permanent Residency (PR) in Malaysia enables foreign nationals to live in the country indefinitely, free from the need to regularly renew visas or passes. PR holders enjoy the vast majority of privileges extended to Malaysian citizens, with notable exceptions including voting rights and access to certain government-subsidised schemes.

PR status removes the requirement for additional work permits, giving holders considerably greater freedom to pursue and change employment. This flexibility can open up broader career prospects and support professional advancement. PR holders are also entitled to access Malaysia’s public healthcare system at subsidised rates.

The most significant limitation for PR holders is that, unlike citizens, they are strictly barred from participating in any form of political activity — including voting in elections. PR holders are additionally ineligible for Bumiputera privileges such as discounted housing programmes. The MyPR identity card must be renewed every five years.

PR holders and their children are entitled to pay domestic student tuition fees rather than the higher rates charged to foreign students. PR holders are likewise permitted to seek employment and obtain licences in regulated professional fields including medicine, engineering, and law.

Tax obligations

Income derived from Malaysian sources is subject to progressive tax rates ranging from 0% to 30%, collected through a self-assessment system. The government has extended a tax exemption on qualifying foreign-sourced income through to December 31, 2026. Tax matters in Malaysia are complex and evolve over time; always seek guidance from a licensed Malaysian tax adviser or consult the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) for the most current rules applicable to your situation.

Citizenship eligibility

Foreign nationals who have lived in Malaysia for at least ten years may submit an application for citizenship. It is important to note that Malaysia does not recognise dual citizenship — anyone wishing to become a Malaysian citizen must formally renounce their existing nationality. This represents a fundamental consideration that distinguishes Malaysia from countries such as Portugal or Canada, both of which permit dual nationality.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information on residency in Malaysia?

Malaysian immigration policy has undergone significant revisions on multiple occasions in recent years, with the MM2H programme in particular having been restructured several times. It is vital to go directly to official sources rather than placing sole reliance on third-party guides or advisory material that may no longer reflect current requirements.

Official government sources

• Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) — Immigration Department of Malaysia: The primary authority overseeing all passes, permits, and Entry Permit (PR) matters. Visit imi.gov.my for official application forms, fee schedules, and eligibility criteria.
• Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC): The body responsible for administering the MM2H programme. Visit motac.gov.my for the latest MM2H conditions, tier-specific requirements, and directories of licensed agents.
• Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) — National Registration Department: The authority responsible for issuing the MyPR identity card to approved PR holders. Visit jpn.gov.my for registration procedures.
• Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN): The relevant authority for tax registration and compliance obligations. Visit hasil.gov.my.

Applying from abroad

If you are researching a Malaysian residency application or arranging a visa from outside Malaysia, your nearest Malaysian High Commission or Embassy should be your first port of call. A full directory of Malaysian diplomatic missions around the world is available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (Wisma Putra) at kln.gov.my.

The rules governing residency in Malaysia — and particularly those relating to the MM2H programme — have shifted frequently since 2018. Always ensure that any information you are acting upon reflects the most current official position. Where significant financial commitments are at stake, engage a licensed Malaysian immigration lawyer or a MOTAC-accredited MM2H agent before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Malaysian PR application process take?

In January 2025, the Malaysian Home Ministry announced an intended processing timeframe of six months for new PR applications. In reality, outcomes vary widely depending on the route taken. Applications from investors and recognised experts may be resolved in between 6 months and 1 year, whereas those submitted by spouses and long-term residents can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years. The JIM website should always be checked for the most current processing estimates.

Can family members be included in a residency application?

Under the MM2H programme, qualifying dependants comprise a spouse, unmarried children up to 34 years of age who are not in employment in Malaysia, disabled children of any age, and parents or parents-in-law. PVIP holders may extend coverage to a spouse, children, parents, and foreign domestic helpers. For PR applications, foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens follow their own dedicated pathway, and minor children of PR holders may also be eligible for residency status.

What happens if a residency application is refused?

Malaysia’s Immigration Department handles PR decisions on a discretionary basis, assessing each case individually. There is no guaranteed right to PR, irrespective of how long a person has resided in Malaysia. Should an application be turned down, the applicant may reapply once the factors that contributed to refusal have been addressed. No formal appeal mechanism exists for PR decisions as such; the recommended approach is to submit a stronger application — for example, with a longer residency record, more robust financial documentation, or enhanced sponsor support. A licensed immigration lawyer should be consulted for case-specific advice.

Can residency be lost through extended absence from Malaysia?

Yes. Main MM2H applicants and their spouses are required to be physically present in Malaysia for a minimum of 90 cumulative days each year. Failing to meet this threshold can result in the pass not being renewed or, in more serious cases, being cancelled altogether. For PR holders, a prolonged absence from the country without maintaining demonstrable ties to Malaysia may, in principle, be cited as grounds for revoking the Entry Permit, since the permit is held subject to the conditions attached to it. Always review the specific conditions applicable to your pass.

Does residency in Malaysia affect my tax obligations?

Income generated from Malaysian sources is subject to progressive taxation at rates between 0% and 30%. An exemption on qualifying foreign-sourced income has been extended by the government through to December 31, 2026. Tax residency is generally determined by spending 182 or more days in Malaysia within a given calendar year. MM2H holders whose income is entirely earned outside Malaysia are generally not taxed on such earnings in Malaysia, though the rules in this area are nuanced and can change. For personalised guidance, consult the LHDN or a licensed Malaysian tax adviser.

Does holding MM2H or PVIP residency lead to permanent residency?

Neither the MM2H nor the PVIP visa provides a direct route to permanent residency. Long-term MM2H holders may submit a PR application after an extended period of continuous residence — ordinarily ten years or more — provided they can evidence strong ties to Malaysia, such as property ownership, financial investments, and established family connections. PVIP holders are in a comparable position. Holding either programme visa does not in any way guarantee the granting of PR.

Is the MM2H programme open to people of all nationalities?

The MM2H programme is accessible to nationals from 191 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Malaysia. The programme does not favour any particular nationality; eligibility is assessed on the basis of financial capacity and health criteria rather than on the country of the applicant’s passport. The PVIP operates on the same principle.

Can PR holders in Malaysia apply for citizenship?

Foreign nationals who have been resident in Malaysia for a minimum of ten years may put forward an application for citizenship. In practice, PR holders who have maintained that status for between ten and twelve years may find themselves in a position to apply. However, Malaysia prohibits dual citizenship — anyone seeking to become a Malaysian citizen must formally renounce their current nationality. Citizenship applications are processed at the discretion of the Home Ministry and are by no means automatically granted.

Do MM2H holders need health insurance?

Health insurance is compulsory for all MM2H applicants and dependants aged 18 and above, and only Malaysian medical or health insurance policies are accepted under the programme. Unlike countries with universal public healthcare systems — where all residents have access to subsidised care — foreign nationals in Malaysia on long-stay schemes such as MM2H must depend primarily on private healthcare funded through the mandatory insurance they are required to hold. PR holders, in contrast, are entitled to access the public healthcare system at subsidised rates.