MM2H Visa Application. Property Management. Company Setup.
We offer comprehensive consulting services to support your lifestyle in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
We offer comprehensive consulting services to support your lifestyle in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
In Malaysia, foreigners must obtain a valid long-term visa for a long-term stay. These long-term visas are typically valid for more than one year.
When planning to live in Malaysia, it is essential to consider various visa options and their specific conditions to determine the best approach for migration.
*Free Webinar on Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) [Requirements and Procedures for Four Application Categories] (28 January, 2025)
Malaysia is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia, offering a pleasant climate year-round, allowing people to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle free from natural disasters.
Over 50% of Malaysia's land area is covered by rainforests, showcasing breathtaking natural scenery waiting to be explored. Additionally, the country is home to numerous beautiful islands surrounding both West and East Malaysia, perfect for enjoying a wide range of exciting water activities at beaches and island resorts.
Malaysians are known for their warm hospitality, which reflects the country’s vibrant mix of cultures and traditions. This multicultural environment is evident in the diverse historical landmarks, languages, and cuisine that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Despite the country's linguistic diversity, English is widely spoken and is commonly used in both social settings and education. You’ll often hear locals effortlessly switching between languages in daily conversations. Furthermore, Malaysia is one of the best medical tourism destinations in the world.
Finally, one of the biggest attractions for both tourists and long-term residents is Malaysia’s affordable cost of living, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both short-term getaways and long-term stays.
Mr. Ashikaga, the CEO of IKI LINKS, along with his family, made the life-changing decision to relocate from Japan to Malaysia in 2014, and they have been enjoying their new lifestyle ever since.
Initially, Mr. Ashikaga entered Malaysia on a social visit pass while preparing to join a company in Malaysia. Upon arrival, he immediately began gathering the necessary documents to apply for an employment pass. The entire process, from document preparation to receiving approval, took approximately four months. Once Mr. Ashikaga received his employment pass, his family applied for dependent passes under his visa.
During the waiting period for his employment pass approval, Mr. Ashikaga managed his stay by alternating between Singapore and Malaysia to extend his social visit pass.
As a result, Mr. Ashikaga received a two-year employment pass, which he successfully renewed for an additional three years.
(At that time, the regulations were more flexible. It was common to apply for a work visa after entering Malaysia, and some people were able to stay on a tourist visa by frequently traveling between Malaysia and Singapore. However, the rules have since tightened. Now, you are required to obtain a work visa before arriving in Malaysia, and frequent border crossings on a tourist visa may raise concerns with immigration authorities.)
However, as his renewal date approached, several concerns arose: What if the renewal criteria change? What if the renewal is denied for any reason? What if the process takes longer than expected?
Mr. Ashikaga decided to apply for a residence pass (RP-T) to eliminate downsizing thinking. Now, he and his family are enjoying their stay in Malaysia with a residence pass.
Mr. Ashikaga is passionate about sharing his experiences with other families looking to relocate. With extensive knowledge and personal insights, he’s well-equipped to support families who wish to make the move to Malaysia.
The following 7 migration options are ideal for those seeking a long-term stay in Malaysia.
When a foreign student enrolls in an international school in Malaysia, they can obtain a student pass. This pass allows the student to attend school and stay in Malaysia.
The student pass is valid for one year. If the child is enrolled in a multi-year program, the pass needs to be renewed annually.
One of the key advantages of Malaysia’s education migration model is the availability of a guardian pass. When a child is admitted to a school, one parent is eligible for a guardian pass, allowing them to stay in the country.
This is a unique option that is not commonly found in other countries and is often a major reason why families choose Malaysia for their children's education.
For example, if a family with an elementary school student and a junior high school student moves to Malaysia along with their mother, this combination of student passes and a guardian pass allows the entire family to reside in Malaysia. Younger siblings, even those of preschool age, can also join the family.
Key Points and Requirements for Student and Guardian Passes:
If both parents and children are considering relocating to Malaysia together, the MM2H or S-MM2H visa might be a more comprehensive solution.
For more details on student passes, please visit the Malaysian government's official website.
(Case study) Study abroad experience
A Japanese family relocated to Malaysia to provide their child with an international education. The mother obtained a Guardian Pass, while her child was issued Student Pass.
One challenge they encountered was the need to renew their visas annually. There was a risk that the new visas might not be approved before the existing ones expired. In such a situation, the school advised that the mother would need to leave Malaysia on the day the visa expired and re-enter the country to obtain a Social Visit Pass while awaiting the new visa.
In this regard, the MM2H and S-MM2H visas, described below, are ideal options for those looking to stay in Malaysia long-term.
For families looking to migrate to Malaysia, including not just one parent and children but also a spouse or even multiple generations, such as grandparents and grandchildren, the MM2H or S-MM2H visa is often the most suitable option.
Before 2020, the MM2H visa was a popular long-term visa available to anyone, regardless of age, as long as they could meet the income and asset requirements.
However, in October 2020, the Malaysian government temporarily suspended new applications for the MM2H visa to conduct a review. Following this review, the financial requirements were increased, and the approval period was shortened from ten to five years. The programme was under further review between 2023 and 2024.
For more information, please refer to "Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Visa Application Guide".
The S-MM2H visa is a long-stay visa operated independently by the Sarawak state government. This visa allows long-term stays not only in Sarawak but also in West Malaysia. Compared to the revised MM2H visa, the S-MM2H offers more flexible requirements, particularly for applicants over 50 years old.
However, the conditions for applying for and obtaining an S-MM2H visa are currently fluid and may change at any time without prior notice.
For more information, please refer to "Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) Visa Application Guide".
Both the MM2H and S-MM2H visas are good options for families wishing to reside in Malaysia together.
Planning for retirement is a vital step in securing a comfortable and fulfilling future. Whether you’re still working or already retired, it’s essential to think about and prepare for your lifestyle during your retirement years.
Opening a bank account in Malaysia offers convenient access to various banking services across the country. Instead of carrying cash from your home country every time, online banking allows you to transfer money securely and quickly, giving you peace of mind.
If you’re considering retiring in Malaysia, we highly recommend planning early and applying for your visa as soon as possible. Visa requirements in Malaysia may change at any time, so it’s best to start the process sooner rather than later to avoid unexpected challenges.
An Employment Pass is issued by an employer and allows a foreigner to work in Malaysia.
This visa is a great option for families looking to relocate to Malaysia, as it allows parents to earn an income while also spending quality time with their children.
An employment pass is classified into three types, as follows:
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Monthly Salary | RM10,000 and above | RM5,000～RM9,999 | RM3,000～RM4,999 |
| Period of Employment | Up to 5 years (renewable) | Up to 2 years (renewable) | Up to 1 year (up to 2 times renewals) |
| Dependant Application | Yes | Yes | No |
Malaysia is generally welcoming to foreign workers. However, the government has tightened the criteria for obtaining an Employment Pass, now requiring a minimum monthly salary of RM5,000.
There are two main pathways to securing an Employment Pass: either by establishing your own company or by receiving an employment offer from a company in Malaysia. Applicants must also meet specific qualifications, such as a minimum of three years of work experience for those with a degree or higher education. For applicants with a high school education or above, at least seven years of work experience is required.
For more information, please refer to the official ESD website.
In today’s era, remote work has become increasingly popular thanks to advancements in technology that make working from home more accessible.
The Digital Nomad Pass was newly introduced by the Malaysian government, designed for remote workers and freelancers. To qualify, applicants must have an annual income of at least USD24,000. The Digital Nomad Pass is renewable with no major restrictions, but the maximum renewal period is 2 years.
For more information, please refer to "Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Application".
For those who have been living and working in Malaysia for more than three consecutive years on an Employment Pass, the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) is an excellent option for long-term migration. This pass grants the holder a 10-year stay in Malaysia, along with the ability for both the individual and their spouse to work in the country.
With the RP-T, your family can enjoy a stable lifestyle in Malaysia, similar to what you would experience in your home country. To be eligible for the RP-T, you need a minimum of three years of work experience in Malaysia and a monthly salary of at least RM15,000.
For more information and to apply for the RP-T Pass, please refer to the official TalentCorp website.
Individuals married to a Malaysian citizen can apply for a Spouse Visa to reside in Malaysia. This visa also allows the holder to work in Malaysia, provided they obtain permission from the Malaysian government.
These are the seven types of migration models to Malaysia that we recommend for your lifestyle and retirement planning.
We understand that these options may not suit everyone, as each individual has unique conditions and requirements. Our team is here to tailor a plan that makes your migration to Malaysia a smooth and successful experience.
If you’re considering applying for a long-term visa in Malaysia, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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