Malaysia My Second Home Programme 2025: Revitalised and Gaining Momentum
Once regarded as one of Asia’s most attractive long-stay visa programmes, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is showing a strong revival in 2025 under new, more flexible rules. With tiered visa categories and growing interest in state-level variants like Sarawak-MM2H and Sabah-MM2H, the programme is regaining traction among global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), retirees, and digital nomads.
What’s Driving the Renewed Interest in MM2H?
According to Malaysia My Second Home Consultants Association (MM2HCA) president Anthony Liew Yong Huat, applications are picking up significantly, with expectations of reaching half of the 6,195 peak applications recorded in 2017.
A key catalyst is the revised framework introduced in 2023, which lowered financial thresholds but introduced a mandatory property purchase requirement. Applicants now need to acquire property worth between RM600,000 and RM2 million, depending on whether they opt for the Silver, Gold, or Platinum categories — or the newly introduced SEZ/SFZ pathway.
Breakdown of 2024 Applications
Data from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) shows that in 2024, a total of 1,902 individuals were approved, comprising 853 principal applicants and 1,049 dependents. The Silver category accounted for 78% of these approvals, signaling strong interest in the entry-level tier of the scheme.
| MM2H Category | Approved Principal Applications (2024) |
|---|---|
| Silver | 668 |
| Gold | 32 |
| Platinum | 12 |
| SEZ/SFZ | 141 |
| Total | 853 |
China continues to lead as the top source country for MM2H applicants, followed by Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UK.
Financial Contributions and Real Estate Impact
By the end of 2024, MM2H had generated over RM233.8 million in fixed deposits and RM222 million in real estate investments, according to Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The requirement for visa holders to invest in Malaysian property is directly supporting local property markets — particularly in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru — aligning with Malaysia’s broader economic strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
Calls for Further Policy Tweaks
While the revised programme is more competitive, industry voices such as Liew argue that some categories should be given more flexibility. Currently, only Platinum holders can work or invest without restrictions. Liew suggests extending this benefit to Silver, Gold, and SEZ/SFZ participants to encourage wider engagement from investors, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
There are also concerns about the mandatory property purchase rule, particularly for older applicants. “Many retirees, especially from Japan, prefer renting over buying,” says Liew. He proposes a special exemption for retirees aged 60 and above, allowing them to rent long-term instead — a model already reflected in projects like Sunway Sanctuary in Subang Jaya.
Sarawak-MM2H Sees Explosive Growth
Sarawak’s independently managed MM2H variant has proven especially popular. With more flexible conditions — including a 30-day annual stay requirement and lower fixed deposit requirements (RM150,000 for individuals) — it offers greater appeal for retirees and semi-permanent residents.
From 2007 to January 2025, Sarawak has seen 3,025 participants, with growth accelerating in recent years. In 2024 alone, 560 new participants joined the scheme, and in January 2025, a record 149 approvals were granted.
Notably, the US has overtaken the UK as the second-largest source market for Sarawak-MM2H, after China.
Sabah-MM2H Resolved and Gaining Ground
Sabah’s MM2H programme, though initially delayed due to a dispute with MOTAC, is now officially operational. The state government aims to secure at least 500 applicants in 2025, and a review of its criteria is underway to enhance appeal.
Sabah-MM2H mirrors Sarawak’s flexibility, offering lower income thresholds and a minimum property purchase of RM600,000, positioning itself competitively in the region.
| Residency Requirement | MM2H Visa Duration | Fixed Deposit | Financial Proof | Property Purchase Requirement | Business Activity | Working | Notes | |
| Silver | 90 days/year | 5 years | USD150,000 | Not specified | Min RM600,000 | Not allowed | Not allowed | Cannot sell within 10 years; upgrade allowed |
| Gold | 90 days/year | 15 years (5+5+5) | USD500,000 | Not specified | Min RM1 million | Not allowed | Not allowed | Same resale restriction as Silver |
| Platinum | 90 days/year | 20 years (5+5+5+5) | USD1 million | Not applicable (NA) | Min RM2 million | Allowed | Allowed | Full flexibility for investment and work |
| SEZ/SFZ | Linked to property purchase | 10 years | Ages 21-49: USD65,000; | As per state policy | Based on state guidelines | Not allowed | Not allowed | Purchase must be directly from developer |
| 50+: USD32,000 | ||||||||
| Sarawak-MM2H | 30 days/year | 10 years (5+5) | Individual: RM150,000; | Offshore income: RM150,000 (individual), RM300,000 (couple) | RM600,000 (Kuching); RM500,000 (other areas) | Allowed | Not allowed | Highest application growth seen in 2024 |
| Couple: RM300,000 | Or liquid assets: RM50,000 / RM100,000 | |||||||
| Sabah-MM2H | 30 days/year | 10 years (5+5) | Individual: RM150,000; | Offshore income: RM10,000 (individual), RM15,000 (family) | Min RM600,000 | Allowed | Not allowed | Recently launched after resolution of MOTAC-Kepkas dispute |
| Family: RM300,000 |
Federal vs. State MM2H: A Dual-Track Strategy
The emergence of strong state-level alternatives is reshaping Malaysia’s long-stay visa landscape.
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Federal MM2H targets high-value applicants through property-linked residency.
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Sarawak-MM2H caters to retirees and mid-tier investors with softer conditions.
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Sabah-MM2H is aligning its criteria with long-term development goals and sustainable tourism.
This decentralised approach reflects the growing need for tailored migration policies, where state governments have autonomy to attract targeted groups aligned with local strategies.
Conclusion: MM2H Poised for a New Chapter
As Malaysia competes with Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines in the race for international talent and capital, the MM2H programme remains a vital tool. Its ongoing transformation — from rigid federal criteria to more adaptive state-led versions — may be the key to reclaiming Malaysia’s spot as a top destination for long-stay visa holders and real estate investors.
With further adjustments and targeted marketing, MM2H has the potential to fuel both demographic and economic growth, while boosting the domestic property market across regions.
