In Astonishing Claim, Malaysian Govt. Says Premium Visa Program Got 20,000 Applications on First Day
Industry insiders, however, are not buying the figure, calling it “misinformation” and a practical impossibility.
The world’s most applied-to golden visa program until 2019, the MM2H has seen interest drastically reduced following a period of intermittent suspensions that culminated in sharply increased minimum income and bank deposit requirements.
Though the program requires that applicants demonstrate a minimum income and deposit some US$230,000 in a Malaysian bank, there is no minimum investment. As such, the program is a hybrid between a golden visa program and an independent means visa.
Program Type | Golden Visa Program |
Time to citizenship | At least 12 years |
Time to permanent residency | N/A |
Minimum investment | US$ 235,000 (MYR 1 million) |
Physical presence requirement | 90 days per year |
Application processing time | 3-6 months |
Citizenship grants visa-free travel to | 179 destinations, including Schengen countries |
Contribution types available | Bank deposit |
General program requirements
As of October 2021, MM2H applicants must fulfill each of the below financial requirements:
Demonstrate $9,500 (RM40,000) proof of monthly income from overseas sources.
Demonstrate the possession of $355,000 (RM1.5 million) in liquid assets.
Make a $235,000 (RM1 million) fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank, up to RM500,000 of which may be withdrawn to pay for education, health care or buying a house.
An additional $11,800 (RM50,000) fixed deposit is required for each dependent of the main applicant.
$1,200 processing fee for the main applicant.
$600 processing for for dependents.
Program benefits
Requirements to qualify for citizenship
The MM2H program generally does not offer a path to permanent residency or citizenship. In some circumstances, Malaysia may accept requests for naturalization from individuals who have physically resided in the country for 10 of the preceding 12 years and who have “an adequate knowledge of the Malay language”.
Note that Malaysia does not permit dual citizenship.
Legislation upon which this program is based:
Section 64 and 65 of Immigration Act 1959/63 [Act 155],
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.
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Industry insiders, however, are not buying the figure, calling it “misinformation” and a practical impossibility.
While similar to MM2H in most respects, the new program is less restrictive and also considerably more expensive.
Among our ten most-read stories in 2021, half concerned Portugal and half were written by outside contributors. Merry Christmas.
Following fervent feedback from stakeholders, Malaysia decides to grandfather in existing MM2Hers under the old rules, with two exceptions.
MM2H: Former minister warns rejections could soar; Malaysia could lose out on US$12 billion to competing programs; Dependents went unvetted.
Following sharp criticism from MM2H stakeholders and the Sultan of Johor, the Home Minister promises to “take another look” at the new rules, at least as they apply to long-term residents.
Programs that offer citizenship within months in exchange for investments or donations, with minor/no physical presence requirements.
Programs that offer citizenship in exchange for investments following a 1-2 year period, with minor/no physical presence requirements.
Bulgaria Investor Program (discontinued)
Malta MEIN
Programs that offer residence permits within months in exchange for passive investments, with limited physical presence requirements.
Andorra Residence Without Lucrative Activity
Anguilla Permanent Residency Program
Australia BIIP Investor Streams
Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence
Barbados SERP Program
Bermuda Economic Investment Certificate (EIC) Program
Brazil Investor Visa (VIPER)
Cambodia My 2nd Home
Cayman Islands Investor Visa
Colombia Investor Visas M and R
Costa Rica Investor Visa
Curaçao Investor Permit Program
Cyprus Golden Visa
Georgia Investor Visas
Greece Golden Visa
Guernsey Investor & Entrepreneur Residency
Ireland Immigrant Investor Program
Italy Investor Visa
Latvia Investor Visa
Luxembourg Investor Visa
Malaysia M2H Visa
Malta Permanent Residence Program
Mauritius Permanent Residency Program
Monaco Carte de Séjour
Netherlands Investor Visa
New Zealand Investor Visa
Nicaragua Investor Permanent Residency Program
Panama Qualified Investor Visa
Philippines Special Investor Residence Permit
Portugal Golden Visa
South Korea Investor Visa
Spain Golden Visa
Taiwan Golden Visa (APRC Plum Blossom Card)
Thailand Elite Residence Program
UK Investor Visa (discontinued)
United States EB-5
Programs that offer residence permits within months to those who can demonstrate income or personal wealth above a certain level, usually requiring that the holder not take up employment locally.
Argentina Rentista and Pensionado Residency
Austria Independent Means Visa
Barbados Welcome Stamp
Gibraltar Category 2 HNWI Residence
Greece FIP Visa
Indonesia Retirement Visa (KITAS)
Ireland Independent Means (Stamp 0)
Italy Elective Residency Visa
Jersey High Value Residency
Mexico Legal Residency Visa
Nicaragua Pensionado and Rentista Visas
Panama Rentista Retirado Visa
Paraguay Permanent Residency Program
Portugal D7 Visa
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Uruguay Independent Means Visa
Programs that offer residence permits within months to those who physically relocate to start and/or run a business. Startup and entrepreneur visas fall under this category.
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