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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Malaysia Property Pack
Malaysia does not grant automatic residency solely through property purchase.
However, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program and Premium Visa Program (PVIP) enable long-term residency for foreign buyers who meet specific financial and property requirements. These programs require substantial property investments ranging from RM600,000 to RM3 million, along with fixed deposits and offshore income proof.
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Malaysia offers residency through property purchase via the MM2H and PVIP programs, requiring minimum investments of RM600,000 to RM3 million.
These programs grant 5-20 year renewable visas with varying financial requirements and minimal stay obligations.
| Program/Tier | Min Property Value | Fixed Deposit | Duration | Age Requirement | Stay Requirement | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM2H Silver | RM600,000 | RM500,000 | 5 years (renewable) | 30+ years | 60 days/year | All states, SEZ |
| MM2H Gold | RM1.5 million | RM2 million | 15 years (renewable) | 30+ years | 60 days/year | All states |
| MM2H Platinum | RM3 million | RM5 million | 20 years/permanent | 30+ years | 60 days/year | All states |
| MM2H SEZ Forest City | RM600,000 | RM500,000 | 5 years (renewable) | 30+ years | None | Forest City only |
| PVIP | RM1 million+ | RM1 million | 20 years (renewable) | 21+ years | None | Nationwide |
What is the minimum property value required to apply for residency in Malaysia through property ownership?
The minimum property value varies significantly depending on which residency program you choose.
For the MM2H Silver tier and SEZ (Special Economic Zone) program, you need to purchase property worth at least RM600,000. The MM2H Gold tier requires a minimum property investment of RM1.5 million, while the Platinum tier demands RM3 million.
The Premium Visa Program (PVIP) generally requires a minimum property value of RM1 million, though this threshold can vary by state. As of September 2025, these amounts represent the baseline requirements before any additional financial obligations.
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Are there specific locations in Malaysia where purchasing property grants easier access to residency?
Yes, certain locations offer streamlined residency processes for property buyers.
Forest City in Johor is designated specifically for MM2H SEZ applicants, providing simplified approval procedures for those purchasing directly from approved developers in this area. This location requires the same RM600,000 minimum investment as the Silver tier but offers faster processing times.
Sarawak and Sabah states operate their own versions of MM2H with generally lower property and financial thresholds, making them more accessible entry points for some applicants. These East Malaysian states often have more flexible requirements compared to Peninsular Malaysia.
All other states accept MM2H applications under the standard national program, but Forest City remains the only location with special economic zone benefits for residency applicants.
What type of properties qualify for residency – residential, commercial, or both?
Only residential properties qualify for residency programs in Malaysia.
Both MM2H and PVIP programs explicitly restrict eligible properties to residential units only. Commercial properties, including office buildings, retail spaces, or industrial facilities, do not qualify under these residency schemes.
You can purchase either freehold or leasehold residential properties, subject to local state regulations and foreign ownership rules. Condominiums, apartments, landed houses, and residential developments all qualify as long as they meet the minimum value thresholds.
The property must be purchased for personal use and cannot be part of a commercial investment portfolio for residency purposes.
Is the property purchase requirement for residency applicable to foreign buyers?
Yes, these residency programs are designed specifically for foreign buyers.
Both MM2H and PVIP programs target non-Malaysian citizens who want to establish long-term residency in Malaysia. Malaysian citizens cannot apply for these programs since they already hold citizenship.
Foreign buyers from any nationality can participate, though some countries may have specific bilateral agreements that affect processing times or requirements. The programs welcome investors from around the world without geographical restrictions.
You must maintain your foreign citizenship throughout the program duration, as Malaysian citizenship would disqualify you from continuing under these investor residency schemes.
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What is the duration of residency granted through property ownership in Malaysia?
Residency duration depends on the specific program tier you choose.
MM2H Silver and SEZ programs grant 5-year renewable visas. MM2H Gold provides 15-year renewable residency status. MM2H Platinum offers the longest duration at 20 years, with potential pathways to permanent residency.
The Premium Visa Program (PVIP) grants 20-year renewable residency status, matching the Platinum tier benefits. All programs allow renewal upon meeting continued financial requirements and maintaining good standing.
As of September 2025, these programs represent long-term solutions rather than temporary residency options, providing stability for property investors planning extended stays in Malaysia.
Are there any additional investment or financial requirements besides purchasing property?
Yes, substantial additional financial requirements apply beyond property purchase.
All programs require significant fixed deposits: MM2H Silver needs RM500,000, Gold requires RM2 million, and Platinum demands RM5 million. PVIP requires a RM1 million fixed deposit.
You must also demonstrate consistent offshore income. PVIP specifically requires RM40,000 monthly (RM480,000 annually), while MM2H tiers have varying income requirements depending on the specific tier and state regulations.
Additional costs include application processing fees, participation fees, and ongoing compliance costs. These financial requirements ensure you can support yourself without working in Malaysia.
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Do I need to meet a specific income level or financial threshold to qualify for residency through property?
Yes, specific income requirements must be met for all residency programs.
PVIP requires documented monthly offshore income of RM40,000 (RM480,000 annually). MM2H programs have flexible income requirements that vary by tier and state, but generally require substantial and consistent foreign-sourced income.
This income must come from sources outside Malaysia, such as employment, business profits, investments, or pensions from your home country. Rental income from Malaysian properties does not count toward these requirements.
You must provide bank statements, employment letters, or business documentation proving sustained income levels for at least six months before application. The income requirement ensures financial self-sufficiency during your residency period.
Are there any age restrictions for applicants seeking residency through property ownership?
Age restrictions vary by program, with most requiring minimum ages rather than maximum limits.
MM2H Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers require applicants to be at least 30 years old. The Premium Visa Program (PVIP) has a lower minimum age requirement of 21 years, making it accessible to younger investors.
Sarawak and Sabah state programs may have slightly different age requirements, sometimes accepting applicants as young as 21 for their regional MM2H versions. No maximum age limits exist for any program.
Spouses and dependent children can be included in applications regardless of the primary applicant's age, though specific documentation requirements apply for family members.
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Do I need to make a one-time payment, or are there financing options available for the property?
Both one-time payments and financing options are available for property purchases.
You can purchase property through a single lump-sum payment or utilize accepted property financing arrangements, provided you meet the required equity thresholds. Most banks offer financing to qualified foreign buyers, typically requiring 20-30% down payment.
For MM2H SEZ in Forest City, you must purchase directly from approved developers, which may limit financing options compared to open market purchases. Third-party property transactions are not accepted for this specific program.
The key requirement is demonstrating that you have legally acquired the property meeting minimum value thresholds, regardless of your payment method. Financing arrangements must be with recognized Malaysian financial institutions.
How long do I have to hold the property before being eligible to apply for residency?
Property purchase must generally be completed before submitting your residency application.
For MM2H Platinum and Gold tiers, you can purchase property up to two years before applying for the visa, providing some flexibility in timing. MM2H SEZ requires property purchase within six months of visa application.
The property must be fully paid for and legally transferred to your name before residency approval. You cannot apply for residency with property purchase agreements or deposits – only completed transactions qualify.
This timing requirement ensures you have made a genuine commitment to Malaysia before receiving residency benefits. Processing typically takes several months after application submission.
Is there a minimum stay requirement while holding the property to maintain residency?
Most programs have minimal or no physical presence requirements.
MM2H Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers require approximately 60 days of annual presence in Malaysia for certain applicant ages, though enforcement varies. MM2H SEZ (Forest City) and PVIP have no minimum stay requirements.
These flexible requirements make Malaysian residency programs attractive for investors who want to maintain primary residence elsewhere while keeping long-term access to Malaysia. You can travel freely without losing residency status.
However, you must maintain all financial requirements, including fixed deposits and property ownership, throughout your residency period regardless of physical presence.
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What are the procedures and timelines for applying for residency after purchasing property?
The application process requires comprehensive documentation and takes several months to complete.
You must submit proof of completed property purchase, fixed deposit establishment, offshore income documentation, and clean criminal background checks. Medical examinations and interviews may be required depending on the program tier.
Processing timelines typically range from 3-6 months for standard MM2H applications, while PVIP processing may take 6-12 months due to additional vetting procedures. MM2H SEZ in Forest City often processes faster due to streamlined procedures.
Additional security checks, interviews, and document verification can extend timelines, particularly for higher-tier applications. Working with experienced immigration consultants can help navigate the complex requirements and reduce processing delays.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Malaysia's residency-by-property programs offer excellent opportunities for foreign investors seeking long-term access to Southeast Asia.
With flexible financial requirements and minimal stay obligations, these programs provide practical pathways to Malaysian residency through strategic property investment.
Sources
- SIGSG - Malaysia My Second Home MM2H 2025 Guide
- Henley Global - Malaysia Residence by Investment
- Livin Malaysia - Complete Guide to Living in Malaysia
- Alestria Property - MM2H 2025 Rules and Benefits
- Investments for Expats - MM2H Visa Guide
- Emerhub - Buying Property in Malaysia
- InvestAsian - Malaysia Property Investment Guide
- IMI Daily - Malaysia M2H Residence Program