Updates on MM2H (28-5-2025)

We have helped clients on MM2H since 2004 and thus, we have the knowledge and experience. For the new MM2H, we were not surprised. We expected the tweaks in documentation. It will revert to the pre-COVID version of MM2H. This is to combat fraud. Please read through but pay attention to section IMPLICATIONS which is located at the end of this webpage.

MOTAC has released  a memo on 28th May 2025. The original Malay version is located at MOTAC's website : https://www.motac.gov.my/images/PENGUMUMAN_TERKINI_PROGRAM_MM2H.pdf

PROPERTY PURCHASE

Property that was purchased within two (2) years prior to the visa issuance date can be used for withdrawal of 50% of the fixed deposit. Example, if your MM2H visa issuance date on your passport is 1st May 2025, the sale and purchase agreement for a residential property signed after 1st May 2023 can be used to withdraw 50%.

The old requirement of "must submit the sales and purchase agreement within twelve (12) months from the date of MM2H visa issuance on your passport" remains.

The old requirement of "property purchased with no limitation on time frame can be used to meet the MM2H property purchase requirement" remains.

SEZ

The only property that is qualified under MM2H-SEZ is Forest City and it must be purchased before the visa is issued on the passport. The signing of the sales and purchase agreement must be done six (6) months prior to the visa issuance date. So, the best way is to identify the unit you like and submit the MM2H application. Once the approval is obtained, you need to buy a unit of Forest City immediately and get the visa stamped within three (3) months from the date of the approval letter.

FIXED DEPOSIT

Malaysian Ringgit is strongly preferred to be the choice for fixed deposit instead of USD. The value of the Ringgit shall be the equivalent to the USD amount. On a personal basis, we think that the option of USD will be removed soon as USD is now very volatile and keeping the fixed deposit in USD does not benefit Malaysia.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. The Royal Malaysian Police may conduct random checks and interview on applicants. Some of the application may go through additional screening. This may delay your approval. We roughly know the rejection criteria. Please check with us.

2. MM2H OSC (One Stop Centre) will require participants to declare their compulsory property purchase for record purposes.

3. As expected, the documentation requirement will revert to pre-COVID requirements due to fraudulent applications. There is no minimum amount but showing financial strength and income is compulsory now.

   
   

IMPLICATIONS

For those who have bought properties earlier, please apply for MM2H as soon as possible before the two-year period is up. The time to get the approval will only get longer in future as the number of applicants increase. Currently, it is around two (2) months.

The requirement for MM2H-SEZ is finalized and we know, since its inception in June 2024, the MM2H-SEZ is special. This is because the property must be purchased from a developer. Although we may be wrong, we believe that the requirement of only Forest City is something that will not change for the foreseeable future.

If you are not interested in Forest City, then you need to accept that Silver is the only option available to you

For those who are eligible for the 50% fixed deposit withdrawal, the calculation below shows little difference.

Summary of Difference Between MM2H-SEZ and Silver

Silver

Deposit USD150,000 equivalent in a fixed deposit account in Malaysia. Participants can withdraw 50% to buy a property. The remaining sum in the bank is USD75,000

MM2H-SEZ

Below the age of 50, deposit USD65,000 and withdraw USD32,500. Above 50 years old, deposit USD32,000 and with draw USD16,000

The difference between Silver and MM2H-SEZ is only USD42,500 and USD59,000 respectively. If this sum of money poses a concern, it may be worth reconsidering whether the MM2H program aligns well with your financial comfort level.

Foreign Exchange

It is mathematically impossible for any developed country (including Singapore) to solve their debts and inflation problem. Malaysian Ringgit maintained its value while those from the developed countries depreciated significantly. It can only worsen. There are serious implications on the existing social contract, healthcare, etc in their home country (not Malaysia) . If you are interested to know more, you can discuss with TG by email or WhatsApp +6012-4937270

Please check with us for more information. There is a lot of outdated or wrong information on the internet. We work closely with our clients rather than just doing what they want us to do (i.e. I want to apply for Silver and we help on Silver). We like to hear what is in your mind and perhaps we can recommend something else if Silver is not appropriate for you.

Please click here for the contact details of our headquarters and two Centres of Excellence (KL and JB) : https://www.alterdomus.com.my/contact-us