What is MM2H Program ?

Who is eligible?

Why Malaysia? 

How to apply? 

We will try to answer these questions. 

Malaysia My Second Home

Brief Introduction

• Good Goverment Support     :. The program is initiated and launch by the Malysian Goverment who are working to ensure its continuous success.

• Standard of Living     :     Malaysia has one of the highest standard of living in the region

• Cost of Living    :     Cost of Living is one of the lowest in Asia. The Malaysian Goverment's efficient monitoring and control ensures that inflation rates are kept to the minimum.

• Infrastructure    :    The country has very modern infrastructure in place, Public transportation e.g. Buses, cabs, rail etc. are comfortable and low in price

• Government Stability:    The political situation in Malaysia is very stable with the ruling Government being the longest serving freely elected Government in the world. They represents the unique multi cultural, multi ethnic, multi race and multi religion people of Malaysia.

• Safety        :     Malaysia is one of the safest countries in the world

• Religion        :     Islam is the official religion of Malaysia but the country's constitution guarantees the rights of the people to practice other religions.

• Language    :    Bahasa Malaysia ( Malay Language) is the national language of Malaysia. English being the second language is widely spoken. Other languages are also freely used.  

• Culture        :    The Malay Culture is the main culture practiced in Malaysia, As Malaysia is multi culture, other cultures are encouraged and freely practice. The uniqueness of Malaysia is that although each culture is different it is enjoyed by all with each cultural celebrations being celebrated together.

• Food        :     Malaysia is considered Asia's food paradise as all types of food from all regions around the world can be found here with very reasonable prices.

• Education    :    Malaysia has a very high quality and well developed education system. Reputable international schools and institutions can be found here. It has international class education at reasonable cost.

• Medical        :    Malaysia has a very efficient health system. Apart from the Government run hospitals there are many private clinics and hospitals of international standards located in major towns and cities. Malaysia is also becoming the center of medical care in the region.

• Accommodation    :    Quality residences e.g. Bungalows , Apartments, Condominiums and terrace houses are available.

For more details you can contact :

MALAYSIA MY SECOND HOME CENTRE (MM2H)
Ministry of Tourism Malaysia,
Level 23B, Menara Dato' Onn,
Putra World Trade Centre,
50695 Kuala Lumpu r, MALAYSIA.

Phone: From 8.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m (+8GMT)
            +6 (03) 2693 7111
            +6 (03) 2696 3360/1/2/3/4
            +6 (03) 2696 3351/3   

Facsimile: +6 (03) 2698 8533

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Criteria and Requirements for application

i) Aged Below 50 years old

    * Open a fixed deposit account of RM300,000.00.

    * After a period of one year, the participant can withdraw up to RM240,000.00 for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes.

    * Must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000.00 from second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this programme

ii) Aged 50 years and above

    * Can either choose to:
      - Open a fixed deposit account of RM150,000.00 ; OR
      - Show proof of monthly off-shore income of RM10,000.00 such as pension scheme.

    * Only applicants who are drawing from Government Approved Funds can be considered to have fulfilled the   " Monthly off - Shore Income " criteria.

* After a period of one year, participant who fulfills the fixed deposit criteria can withdraw up to RM90,000.00 for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes.

    * Participant must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000.00 from the second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this programme.

    Note:

    1 ) Successful applicants need to open their fixed deposits in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) only.

    2) Participants need to obtain prior approval from Ministry of Tourism before proceed to withdraw the fixed deposit

    3) Participants under this programme may withdraw their entire fixed deposit anytime should they decide to terminate their stay in Malaysia under this programme. However, they must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Tourism.

* After a period of one year, participant who fulfills the fixed deposit criteria can withdraw up to RM90,000.00 for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes.

    * Participant must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000.00 from the second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this programme.

    Note:

    1 ) Successful applicants need to open their fixed deposits in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) only.

    2) Participants need to obtain prior approval from Ministry of Tourism before proceed to withdraw the fixed deposit

    3) Participants under this programme may withdraw their entire fixed deposit anytime should they decide to terminate their stay in Malaysia under this programme. However, they must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Tourism.

 Medical Report
     All applicants and their dependents (spouse and children) are required to submit a medical report from any private hospital / registered  clinic in Malaysia.
      
Medical Insurance
     Approved participants and dependents (spouse and children) must possess a valid medical insurance policy which is applicable in Malaysia.
      
Restrictions
     Participants under Malaysia My Second Home Programme are not allowed to work / be employed while staying in Malaysia.

In addition, they should not participate in activities that can be considered as sensitive to the local people and a threat to the security of the country.

APPLICATION

Please be informed that effective 15 January 2007 , applications must be submitted by MM2H licensed company or by individual applicant to the Malaysia My Second Home Centre.

Submission by unlicensed companies or other individuals will not be entertained.
      
    

New Applications

All applicants who wish to apply to stay in Malaysia under Malaysia My Second Home Programme must submit the following documents:

1) Letter of Application (Cover Letter)

    - Personal background and indicate your intention to join Malaysia My Second Home

    - With whom you wish to come ( single or with family)

    - Briefly explain how you will support your stay in Malaysia (financial capabilities)

    - Which financial criteria you wish to use ; either Fixed Deposit or monthly off-shore income (for 50 years and above)

2) Two (2) copies of Form IM.12 (Social Visit Pass Form)

3) Two (2) passport-sized photographs

4) Personal bond (if applicants appointed sponsors)

5) A certified copy of Passport / travel document (all pages)

6) A certified copy of a Marriage Certificate (if accompanied by spouse)

7) A certified copy (s) of birth certificate (if accompanied by Children)

8) Resume with 10 years of working experience

9) Certified copy of latest 3 months bank statement /other related financial document to indicate the financial capability to support stay in Malaysia

10) At least 3 months certified copies of pay slip / pension slip / income statement etc.

Note :

1) Items 2-4 are also required if accompanied by spouse and children as dependants

2) Dependants refer to children aged below 18 years old and not married.

3) Participants from *selected countries who are entering Malaysia with Tourist Social Visit Pass prior to approval of Malaysia My Second Home programme are required to pay for Journey Performed Visa (JP) (RM500) . The payment should be make to Immigration Department at Putrajaya before they get endorsement of Malaysia My Second Home Sticker in their passport.

4) Certification can be done by Notary Public / Commisioner of Oath / Government Official
5) The processing and approval process will take 10 weeks from the date of submission of the application (provided the documentation is complete )

 

* Only applicants who are drawing from Government Approved Funds will be considered to have fulfilled the " Monthly off - Shore Income " criteria.
    
    New Application/Extension/Termination
    Opening Fixed Deposit Account in Malaysia
    Social Visit Pass Application Form IM.12
(Immigration Department)
    
    Visa Application Form IM.47
(Immigration Department)
    Medical Report Of Applicant Form RB II
    Personal Bond
      
     Renewal of Social Visit Pass Under this programme
      
     For participants who joined the programe before 1 April 2006 , renewal can either be submitted directly by the individual participant or through licensed company to Immigration Department , Putrajaya or The State Immigration Office which issued the initial Social Visit Pass.
      
     The following documents are required for the renewal :
     1) IM 55 Form
     2) Copy of the old and new passport.
     3) Copy of the fixed deposit certificate
     4) Copy of the valid medical insurance.
      
     EXTENSION
     Extensions- Change of Passport
    

This applies to those who did not receive the full duration of the 10-year Visa because of the short validity period of their passport at the time of approval and would like to receive the remaining period upon the issuance of a new passport.

The applicant must appear in person at the Immigration Department of Malaysia and is required to bring the following documents :

1) Old and New Passport

2) Photocopy of the New Passport

3) IM.12 Form ; and

4) A fee of RM90 per year is to be made payable to the Immigration Department of Malaysia
           
         Social Visit Pass Application Form IM.12
(Immigration Department)
      
     Extensions - After 10-Year Period
    

The applicants must be present in person at the Immigration Department of Malaysia and is required to bring the following documents:

1) Letter of Intent to continue stay in Malaysia under this programme

2) Passport

3) Photocopy of Passport

4) IM.55 Form

5) Payment of RM90 per year for the social visit pass fee, payable to the Immigration Department of Malaysia
      
         Extension of Social Visit Pass Application Form IM.55
(Immigration Department)
      

     TERMINATION

    

The applicant should forward the following documents to the Malaysia My Second Home Centre :

1) Letter of Intent to terminate stay in Malaysia under this programme

2) Passport

3) Photocopy of Passport

Please click on the Section ' Application Procedures' for the information on the New Application Process and Procedures for Extension Termination.
      

     Contact Details

 
    

Applicants may make their applications at the following place:


Malaysia My Second Home Centre
Ministry of Tourism Malaysia
Level 23, Menara Dato' Onn,
Putra World Trade Center,
45 Jalan Tun Ismail,
50695 Kuala Lumpur ,
Malaysia.
Phone : +603-2696 3361 / 3353 / 3360 / 3364 / 3351
Fax : +603-2698 8533
E-mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website : http://mm2h.motour.gov.my

Note :

1) New Application can be send directly to Malaysia My Second Home Centre

2 )Applicants above 50 years old who wish to stay in Sabah / Sarawak, please forward the application directly to the Director, State Immigration Department of Sabah / Sarawak.

Department of Immigration, Sabah
Tingkat 6,Bangunan Wisma Dang Bandang
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
88550 , Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia
Tel : +6088– 80700
Fax : +6088– 240005

Department of Immigration, Sarawak
Tingkat 1 & 2 , Bangunan Sultan Iskandar
Jalan Simpang Tiga
93550 , Kuching
Sarawak , Malaysia
Tel : +6082– 245661 / 240301 / 230317 / 230280 / 230314
Fax : +6088– 240390/ 428606
      

INCENTIVES
     Participants of Malaysia My Second Home Programme are provided with various incentives to make their stay even more comfortable and enjoyable in Malaysia. The incentives provided are as follows :
     House Purchase
    

Each participant is allowed to purchase up to two units of residential houses at a minimum prices above RM250,000 each, depending on the location of the property.

Generally the minimum price for the purchase of houses in Malaysia are as follows:

1) Above RM350,000 each for certain areas in the state of Sarawak

2) Above RM250,000 for other states
         Acquisition of Properties
         Tax Procedure for Sale of Property
         Bringing in Personal Belongings
      
     Car Purchase
     Each participant is allowed to bring in his/her own personal car OR to purchase a locally-assembled car without the need to pay import duty, excise duty and sales tax.
     Note:
    

1) 'Personal Car' is referred to a car which was purchased by participant before joining the MM2H programme.

2) Application of tax exemption must be submitted to Ministry of Finance within 6 months from the date of endorsement of Malaysia My Second Home sticker in the passport.

3) Participants are only allowed to sell their imported/locally purchased car after 3 years' stay on the programme.

4) The processing and approval of Approved Permit will take 7 working days from the date of submission ( if documents is completed ).
         Exemption of Tax/Duty on One Motorcar
         Bringing in Personal Car With Duty / Tax Exemption
         Bringing in Second Vehicle
         Selling Car that has been given Tax Exemptions
         MMSH / 05 Form
         Conversion of Foreign Driving License to Malaysian Driving License
     Domestic Helper
     Each applicant is allowed to apply for one maid subject to the prevailing guidelines of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
         Bringing Foreign Maid
      
     Education
    

Applicants are allowed to bring their children who under 18 years old and not married as their dependants under this programme.

Children who intend to continue their schooling in Malaysia are required to apply for a Student Pass and should be insured throughout their stay under this programme.
         Registering Children in Private Colleges and Universities
      
     TAX
    

Participants are bound by the policies, systems and regulations of taxes of this country and they do not have exemption qualifications as granted to Diplomatic Missions in Malaysia.

However, tax exemption is given to pension remitted into Malaysia. Participants are required to obtain the endorsement from the Authorities in their country of origin as to the total amount of yearly pension received. A copy of this letter has to be submitted in their application.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
     Fixed Deposits
      
     Q:    Can I withdraw my fixed deposit any time during my stay in Malaysia?
     A:    Participants are not allowed to withdraw the fixed deposit for the whole duration of the one year period, unless for emergency cases and with prior approval from the Ministry of Tourism.
           
     Q:    Can I place the fixed deposit in a Malaysia bank located in my country?
     A:    No. Participants have to open a fixed deposit account in any Malaysian local bank or financial institution in Malaysia.
           
     Q:    Can the purchase of a house in Malaysia which is valued at more than RM250,000.00 be considered as having fulfilled the financial criteria for this programme?
     A:    No. Participants are required to fulfill the fixed deposit requirement or monthly off-shore income for age 50 years and above as the purchase of a house is not compulsory for participants under this programme.
           
     Q:    Am I allowed to withdraw my fixed deposit for a few months and then top it back later?
     A:    No. Participants are not allowed to do this, unless for an emergency purpose but with prior approval from the Ministry of Tourism.
           
     Q:    When can I withdraw my fixed deposit?
     A:    After a period of one year, the participant may withdraw his/her fixed deposit for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes OR when he/she decides to terminate his/her stay in Malaysia by first informing the Ministry of Tourism of his/her intention at Malaysia My Second Home Centre. Participants can apply to withdraw part of their fixed deposit for emergency cases such as medical purposes, etc. with prior approval of the Ministry of Tourism.
           
     Investment
      
     Q:    Can I open a restaurant, book shop or clinic in Malaysia under this programme?
     A:    No. Participants under this programme are NOT allowed to have their own businesses.

However, they are allowed to invest in local companies as an inactive partner. They are allowed to attend Company’s Board Meetings as one of the company directors but they are not allowed to have an office in the company. Participants can participate in the local share market.

For more information on investing in Malaysia, please contact:

Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)
Level 4, Plaza Sentral
Jalan Stesen Sentral 5
Kuala Lumpur Sentral
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: 603 – 2267 3633
Fax: 603 – 2274 7970
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.mida.gov.my

      
     Employment
      
     Q:    I am a qualified doctor in US. How can I get to work in a Malaysian hospital or a private hospital?
     A:    Under Malaysia My Second Home Programme, participants are NOT allowed to work. However, you may apply to the Human Resources Ministry seeking special approval for you to work in Malaysia because of your expertise. If you are successful, you will be issued a work permit or Employment Pass. You may join Malaysia: My Second Home Programme upon expiry of your work permit should you decide to continue your stay in Malaysia.
      
     Education
      
     Q:    Do kindergarten level children need Student Visas to attend kindergarden here?
     A:    Children below the school going age (of is 7 years) are not required to apply for Student Visas. They need only apply for a Social Visit Visas.
           
     Q:    If my children are already married and want to study in Malaysia with their husbands, do they need to pay the fixed deposit?
     A:    Not necessary. They can apply for a Student Visa once they have obtained places of study in Malaysia.
      
     House Purchase
      
     Q:     Are the participants entitled to any special entitlements?
     A:     All participants are allowed to purchase two units of residential properties at more than RM250, 000.00 each except for certain areas in Sarawak (above RM350,000.00).
           
     Q:      Can I purchase a house for residential purpose and a shop lot to be rented out?
     A:     No, you are only allowed to purchase residential properties.
           
     Q:     Do I have to pay the yearly assessment and quit rent for my houses like the locals?
     A:     Yes.
           
     Q:     In the event of unforeseen death can the participantis Malaysian assets be handed over smoothly to any of his beneficiaries. Does the Government have any restriction on this matter?
     A:     Yes, provided he/she has a Will which indicates clearly to whom the properties are to be given to. If not the next of kin of the participant will have to apply to the Government to have his properties released to them as the rightful heirs.
           
     Q:     Must foreigners buy new Malaysia property only, such as from developers, or can they purchase any property, such as from individual owners (second hand or third hand property)?
     A:     Participants can purchase any type of housing properties provided that it has been issued with CF (Certificate of Fitness).
           
     Q:     Do I need to obtain prior approval from Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) for the purchase and sale of my house?
     A:     Participants under this programme are not required to obtain prior approval for the purchase and sale of houses from FIC. However, they must write to the Ministry of Tourism giving details of the house (location as well as price) so that a letter can be issued to them certifying that they are eligible to purchase the said property on this programme. In addition, they are required to enclose a copy of the approval letter obtained from the respective State Authority authorising the purchase or sale of the property concerned for FIC's information.
           
     Q:     Am I subjectto the property gains tax if I make a profit from selling my house?
     A:     Yes.
      
     Car Purchase
      
     Q:     Is a participant who buys a second-hand local car eligible for tax exemptions?
     A:     Second hand cars are transacted on a willing buyer, willing seller basis and the government does not levy any sales tax and excise duty on such transactions , as such tax exemptions do not arise. However, second hand cars which are imported are subject to sales tax and import duty at the point of entry.
           
     Q:     If I had a car accident and as a result I need to change the car, do I have to pay back the tax exemptions?
     A:     Given the following situations:

i. If the car is repaired and sold , it will be subject to the applicable tax/duty according to the prevailing rates.

ii. If car is written off, taxes will be waived.

iii. If the participant wishes to buy another car, his / her application will be processed on the merit of each case. Under normal circumstances a participant of this program is allowed tax exemption for a car on a one time basis.
           
     Q:     When can I sell the car, which has been given all the tax exemptions?
     A:     A cars that has been exempted from taxes and duties under this programme can be sold or its ownership transferred provided the prevailing taxes and duties on the car have been paid prior to the transaction. However, for imported cars , the condition stipulated in the AP should be complied with before any sale or transfer can be permitted.
      
     Income Tax
      
     Q:     What kind of taxes are the participants of this programme normally subjected to?
     A:     Income tax is imposed on income earned from investments in local companies and local share market. Apart from this, gains from the sale of landed property are also subjected to real property gains tax. Please refer to www.hasilnet.org.my for more details on the tax structure.
           
     Q:     Is the interest for the fixed deposit taxable? Some say it is taxable, others say it is not taxable , if the deposit amount exceeds RM100, 000.00 OR if the deposit period is one year. What is the exact regulation?
     A:     Interest earned by an individual from fixed deposit account is exempted in the following situations:-

i. Period exceeding twelve months or more – any amount of interest.
ii. Period not exceeding twelve months – interest on fixed deposit
account of up to a maximum of RM100,000.00.
           
     Q:     Is income remitted from abroad taxable?
     A:     Before year of assessment , 2004 income remitted from abroad to Malaysia (apart from pension) is subject to tax. However, from year of assessment 2004 all income remitted from abroad is not subject to tax.
           
     Q:     Does the participant have to submit any personal tax declaration to the Income Tax Department of Malaysia, like Malaysians have to?
     A:     Yes.
           
     Q:    If the participants have to submit income tax return to the Income Tax department, are they entitled to any exemptions under the programme?
     A:     They will only be taxed on the income earned in Malaysia after taking into account the personal tax allowances. The income will be taxed according to a progressive tax rate structure.
           
     Q:    I am a German with which my country has a `double taxation agreement’ with Malaysia. I have an early pension and if I stay in Malaysia for at least 184 days, my pension scheme will not be taxed by the German Government and will also not be taxed by the Malaysian government. Is this true?
     A:     Under this Programme, pension remitted to Malaysia is exempted from tax.