The Journey Is As Important As The Destination
The journey to obtain the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa is just as important as getting the visa. Although the process may be simple, it can be challenging to explain to prospective applicants in a professional manner without sounding like a hard sell. The journey should be a positive experience, and along the way pleasantly meeting or even surpassing client expectations; thus, making the journey to the destination thoroughly enjoyable. Business relationships and personal bonds are formed along the way, cementing the idea that clients should become friends for the decades to come. It is never a great idea to let a bad start spoil the journey.
When a prospective applicant’s first question is “How much does your company charge for MM2H?”, a little friction has been created. Obtaining the MM2H visa and staying in Malaysia is a life changing event, and it cannot be remotely justified by the price difference between MM2H service providers assuming one is comparing multiple service providers. The right questions should be, “Does MM2H fit me?” or “How can your organization help me in my transition to Malaysia?” Even if one is an ex-Malaysian or has lived or worked in Malaysia for years, there are many aspects that one may not know or may have misunderstood, especially the technical aspects of immigration and other legal matters. It is arrogant to say, “I know everything because I was born here” or “I have lived here for many years, so I know everything”. Even Alter Domus (MM2H) Sdn. Bhd is not 100% certain of everything and must check with the relevant authorities. Humility, not arrogance is the lubricant of great relationships.
Circling back to the cost of MM2H application; let us throw in a very big fat assumption that the price difference between two service providers is Ringgit Malaysia five thousand. The RM5,000 difference and the millions that one is going to spend (or has spent) on property purchase, MM2H fixed deposit and the incurred daily expenses (of staying in Malaysia for years to come), the comparison is moot or rather insignificant. Even if one service provider offers it completely free of charge (RM40,000), the other costs (property, fixed deposit, daily expenses) are probably thirty to forty (30-40) times higher than the MM2H fee. Should something that is of the least significance be the only factor that determines how this life-changing journey start?
Your priority should not be about the cost of the application. It should be about your comfort level with the MM2H service provider. Is there any logical reason to go with the lowest cost service provider when one is uncomfortable with that provider? Instinctively, one should trust an organization that will be there to aid when the need arises, even decades later, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option. If the organization that one is comfortable with happens to be the lowest cost service provider, then you are indeed fortunate because the adage of “you get what you have paid” is always true. There may be reasons why a sponsor is charging less than its competitors. One should find out the reasons i.e. Is there conflict of interest? Will I get the support I need decades from now? Are they up to date on what they know about MM2H? How is the reputation & level of experience of the sponsor?
Alter Domus (MM2H) Sdn Bhd. strongly encourages prospective clients to meet up or at least talk to several service providers. The decision must be based on facts and performance, rather than solely on the cost of application or emotions. One of the easiest ways is to look at proven track records, such as reviews on Google Maps or even enquire the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture on the performance of that sponsor. Just by talking to the service providers, one can easily get a feel on how they treat integrity, accountability, honesty, and their knowledge on critical subject matters like MM2H, relocation, taxation and other related matters.
We leave you with a quote from Benjamin Franklin (unconfirmed) - "The bitter taste of poor quality remains long after the sweet taste of low price is forgotten."
Lastly, it is not legal to charge less. Please refer to the official link on the Malaysian Federal Attorney General’s website https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?a=dHlwZT1wdWEmbm89UC5VLislMjhBJTI5KzE4NSUyRjIwMjQmc3RhdHVzPVBSSU5DSVBBTHxmZTRhYTEzYTE0ZmQ4NGI1OTczNmM5YjVkYTYzYjk4MGI0MzZhMTZkMTQ0Y2ZiYjQ5Y2U2MDJkY2QzZTI0ZTNm
