Malaysia has introduced a Premium Visa that grants a 20‑year residence permit. It is positioned as a more flexible, longer‑term alternative to the existing Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) scheme and the Sarawak‑specific MM2H program.
How the Premium Visa differs from MM2H
| Feature | MM2H (standard) | Premium Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 10 years (renewable) | 20 years (non‑renewable) |
| Age limit | 35 years for new applicants | No age limit |
| Financial deposit | RM 1 million (≈ US $225 k) fixed term deposit in a Malaysian bank | Same RM 1 million deposit, but no proof of liquid net‑worth required |
| Annual income proof | Minimum US $9 000 per month (≈ RM 40 000) | Minimum US $110 000 per year (≈ RM 480 000) |
| Stay requirement | Minimum 90 days per year to retain residency | No minimum stay; can be a “back‑pocket” residence |
| Work rights | Generally not allowed to work locally; can oversee overseas business | Allows study, work, and investment activities within Malaysia |
| Path to citizenship | None (Malaysia does not permit dual citizenship) | None |
| Dependents | Spouse and children (up to 21) can be included | Same, plus parents‑in‑law; domestic workers ≥ 25 years can be added |
| Health insurance | Required | Required (easily obtained from local insurers) |
| Cost | Application fee a few thousand US $ for a couple | RM 200 000 (≈ US $45 k) for main applicant + RM 100 000 (≈ US $22 k) per additional dependent |
Eligibility criteria
- Deposit – Place RM 1 million in a Malaysian bank account. The funds remain locked for the visa’s duration and earn the prevailing interest rate.
- Income – Demonstrate an annual income of at least US $110 000 (≈ RM 480 000).
- Health insurance – Obtain a local health‑insurance policy for the applicant and all dependents.
- No citizenship restriction – Available to all nationalities except Israeli citizens.
Who might benefit
- High‑net‑worth entrepreneurs (seven‑ to eight‑figure annual revenue) who want a long‑term, tax‑friendly base in Asia without committing to a minimum physical presence.
- Digital nomads or remote workers who need the flexibility to live in Malaysia for extended periods while maintaining business operations elsewhere.
- Families seeking a stable residence for children’s education, as the visa permits study and allows inclusion of spouses, children (≤ 21 years), parents‑in‑law, and eligible domestic workers.
Practical considerations
- Taxation – Malaysia operates a territorial tax system; foreign‑sourced income is generally not taxed, making the country attractive for tax planning.
- Real‑estate investment – Foreigners can purchase property, though certain sectors require additional approvals (foreign consent). The visa does not simplify these approvals.
- Cost vs. alternatives – The Premium Visa’s upfront cost (≈ US $45 k + dependents) exceeds the MM2H’s modest fees (a few thousand US $). However, the 20‑year term may be more cost‑effective than renewing a 10‑year MM2H or paying for comparable long‑term visas such as Thailand’s Elite (which also offers 20‑year options but at higher fees).
- No path to citizenship – Applicants seeking eventual citizenship should consider other jurisdictions (e.g., Cambodia) as Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship.
Decision checklist
- Do you have RM 1 million to deposit and can you prove US $110 k annual income?
- Is a 20‑year, low‑maintenance residence useful for your personal or business plans?
- Do you need the ability to work or study locally, or is a “back‑pocket” visa sufficient?
- Can you absorb the upfront cost, especially if adding multiple dependents?
If the answers align, the Premium Visa offers a long‑term, flexible residency option in a tax‑friendly, English‑proficient environment with high quality of life and relatively open property ownership rules.
