Asia Home Services (MM2H)
MM2H Updated Application Document Requirements
Article Published Date: 14 August 2026
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has issued updated guidance tightening documentation standards and compliance obligations for applicants. The revisions cover photograph authenticity, passport documentation, entry records, spousal documentation, self-declaration obligations, Fixed Deposit bank changes, and property purchase compliance timelines.
01
Photograph Integrity
Applicants must submit genuine, unaltered passport-size photographs. The use of AI tools to modify or enhance photographs is explicitly prohibited — a clear signal that authorities are now screening for AI-edited images, likely in response to rising use of photo-editing apps and AI enhancement tools among applicants.
02
Old Passport Submission
Applicants holding an active visa or pass on a previous (old) passport must submit that old passport along with the relevant visa page, in addition to their current passport. This ensures continuity of visa history is properly verified during processing.
03
Entry/Exit Records
Applicants must provide evidence of their most recent entry or exit stamp, either from the passport itself or from the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), confirming their latest movement in or out of the country.
04
Endorsement Cases
For applications involving endorsement (such as adding dependents or amending status), a flight ticket must also be submitted as supporting evidence. This requirement is aimed at preventing "flying passport" abuse — cases where the actual passport holder does not travel to Malaysia in person, and instead has the passport carried and submitted by another family member on their behalf. Requiring a flight ticket helps verify that the passport holder genuinely intends to travel or has travelled themselves.
05
Non-Accompanying Spouse
Where a spouse is not joining the applicant in Malaysia, the applicant must still submit the spouse's passport biodata page, ensuring the marital relationship and identity are documented even without the spouse's physical participation in the programme.
06
Self-Declaration Requirement
Both the appointed agent and the applicant are now required to make a formal declaration affirming that all submitted documents are original. This shifts a portion of documentation liability onto agents, reinforcing the need for careful document verification before submission.
07
Fixed Deposit (FD) Bank Changes
Applicants are generally not permitted to switch their Fixed Deposit to another bank simply to obtain a higher interest rate. A change of FD bank is only permitted in the specific circumstance where the original bank closes the applicant's account for its own reasons — not for rate-shopping purposes.
08
Property Purchase Compliance Timeline
For applicants under obligations to purchase property (relevant to certain MM2H tiers/conditions), a structured warning system now applies:
Implications for Applicants and Agents
These updates reflect a broader tightening of MM2H compliance and verification standards — closing loopholes around document authenticity (AI-edited photos), preventing identity/travel fraud via "flying passport" schemes, ensuring full visa history transparency (old passport submission), and enforcing property investment commitments with a clear, escalating penalty timeline.
Questions about how these updates affect your application?
Contact us for a free consultationAsia Home Services (MM2H)
MM2H vs Sabah-MM2H vs Sarawak SMM2H: Complete 2026 Comparison
Article Published Date: 4 August 2026
Malaysia doesn't run one long-stay residency programme — it runs three, each administered independently by a different authority. Here's a full side-by-side comparison of Peninsular MM2H, Sabah's SBH-MM2H, and Sarawak's SMM2H, covering everything from Fixed Deposit amounts to whether you can send your children to school in Peninsular Malaysia.
If you've been researching Malaysia's long-stay visa options, you've likely noticed that "MM2H" isn't actually one single programme. Peninsular MM2H, Sabah's SBH-MM2H, and Sarawak's SMM2H are three separate schemes, each shaped by the state or federal authority that runs it — and the differences between them are significant enough to change which one makes sense for your situation.
Eligibility and Visa Duration
Peninsular MM2H sets the lowest entry age at 25 (21 for the SEZ tier), while both Sabah and Sarawak require applicants to be at least 30. Visa duration is where Peninsular MM2H's tier structure really shows its range: 10 years for SEZ, 5 for Silver, 15 for Gold, and up to 20 years for Platinum. Sabah and Sarawak keep things simpler with a flat 5+5 year structure regardless of tier.
Renewal is arguably the sharpest divide of all three. Peninsular MM2H allows unlimited renewals, Sabah's renewal policy remains unclear, and Sarawak's SMM2H does not renew past 10 years at all — applicants must submit an entirely new application if they want to continue.
Financial Requirements
Fixed Deposit amounts vary by tier and, in Peninsular MM2H's SEZ category, by age as well: USD 64,000 for SEZ applicants under 50, dropping to USD 32,000 for those 50 and above, up to USD 1 million for Platinum. Sabah and Sarawak instead use a flat structure of MYR 150,000 (single) or MYR 300,000 (family).
A less-discussed but important difference: Peninsular MM2H requires no proof of income to apply, while both Sabah and Sarawak do — Sabah requires MYR 10,000 (single) or MYR 15,000 (family) sustained over 3 months, and Sarawak requires MYR 7,000 (single) or MYR 10,000 (family) over 6 months. Fixed Deposit withdrawal timing differs too: Peninsular allows withdrawing 50% immediately after approval, Sabah requires waiting 2 years to withdraw 40%, and Sarawak allows 40% after just 1 year.
Property Requirements
Property purchase is mandatory under both Peninsular MM2H and Sabah-MM2H, with pricing that depends on the state (Peninsular) or a minimum RM600,000 high-rise property (Sabah). Sarawak stands apart here: applicants aged 50 and above are exempt from the property requirement entirely, and for those who do need to purchase, pricing starts around RM500,000–600,000 depending on area. Holding periods also diverge sharply — 10 years under Peninsular MM2H, 5 years under Sabah, and no minimum holding period at all under Sarawak.
Dependents, Work, and Residency
All three programmes allow three generations of dependents, including in-laws for Peninsular and Sabah (Sarawak excludes in-laws). Where they differ is the age cutoff for children: Peninsular MM2H allows dependents up to 34 years old, while both Sabah and Sarawak cap it at 21. Sarawak dependents also only receive a yearly renewable pass rather than a multi-year one.
Business investment and employment rules follow the same general pattern as the rest of the comparison: Peninsular MM2H permits this only under the Platinum tier (other tiers must apply case-by-case), Sabah generally allows business investment but not employment, and Sarawak requires a separate application for either. Minimum stay requirements are 90 days a year for Peninsular MM2H principals (with an exemption for those 50 and above), versus 30 days a year for both Sabah and Sarawak. Notably, only Peninsular MM2H holders can send their children to study in Peninsular Malaysia or reside there — Sabah and Sarawak holders are restricted to their respective states.
Which Programme Should You Choose?
There's no single "best" option — it depends entirely on where you actually want to live, your age, and your financial profile. Peninsular MM2H offers the longest visa terms, unlimited renewal, and the most flexibility for children's education and residency, but comes with the strictest 90-day stay rule and mandatory decade-long property holding. Sabah and Sarawak both offer lower Fixed Deposit thresholds and shorter minimum stays, but with more restrictive residency, and — in Sarawak's case — no long-term renewal path at all.
Given how differently these three programmes are structured, it's worth working through the comparison against your own circumstances — your age, your intended state of residence, and how important long-term renewal certainty is to you — before committing to an application.
Full Comparison Table
| Criteria | Peninsular MM2H | Sabah SBH-MM2H | Sarawak SMM2H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 25 (21 for SEZ) | 30 | 30 |
| Visa Duration — SEZ | 10 years | 5+5 years | 5+5 years |
| Visa Duration — Silver | 5 years | 5+5 years | 5+5 years |
| Visa Duration — Gold | 15 years | 5+5 years | 5+5 years |
| Visa Duration — Platinum | 20 years | 5+5 years | 5+5 years |
| Visa Renewal | Unlimited | Unknown | No renewal after 10 years — new application needed |
| Fixed Deposit — SEZ (below 50) | USD 64,000 (~MYR 300,000) | MYR 150,000 (single) / MYR 300,000 (family) | MYR 150,000 (single) / MYR 300,000 (family) |
| Fixed Deposit — SEZ (50 and above) | USD 32,000 (~MYR 150,000) | ||
| Fixed Deposit — Silver | USD 150,000 (~MYR 700,000) | ||
| Fixed Deposit — Gold | USD 500,000 (~MYR 2.35 million) | ||
| Fixed Deposit — Platinum | USD 1.0 million (~MYR 4.7 million) | ||
| Proof of Income to Apply | Not required | MYR 10,000 (single) / MYR 15,000 (family), over 3 months | MYR 7,000 (single) / MYR 10,000 (family), over 6 months |
| Property Purchase | Mandatory | Mandatory | Exempt for age 50+ |
| Property Price | Depends on state | Min. RM600,000, high-rise only | RM500,000–600,000+, depending on area |
| Property Holding Period | 10 years | 5 years | No minimum |
| FD Withdrawal | 50% after approval | 40% after 2 years | 40% after 1 year |
| Dependents | 3 generations (incl. in-laws) | 3 generations (incl. in-laws) | 3 generations (no in-laws); yearly pass |
| Dependent Age (Children) | Up to 34 | Up to 21 | Up to 21 |
| Business Investment | Platinum only; other tiers must apply | Yes | No — must apply |
| Employment | Platinum only; other tiers must apply | No | No — must apply |
| Min. Stay (Principal) | 90 days; exempt if 50+ | 30 days | 30 days |
| Min. Stay (Dependent) | No requirement | No requirement | No requirement |
| Children Study in Peninsular | Yes | No | No |
| Reside in West Malaysia | Yes | No | No |
Figures reflect published programme terms as of 2026. Sabah's renewal policy is not officially confirmed at time of writing — please verify directly with the relevant state authority before applying.
Not sure which MM2H programme fits your situation?
Contact us for a free consultationAsia Home Services (MM2H)
MM2H Statistics 2026 — Country & Category Breakdown
Article Published Date: 19th July 2026
Official Malaysia My Second Home application data, tracked by nationality and by category from the programme's 2024 relaunch through 31 March 2026 — showing exactly who is applying, and which MM2H tier they're choosing.
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has recorded steady, progressive growth in accumulated applications since its 2024 relaunch. Below, we break down the official application data two ways: by nationality, tracking Principal and Dependent applicants across three reporting checkpoints (31 December 2024, 30 June 2025, and 31 March 2026), and by category (Silver, Gold, Platinum, SEZ/SFZ) for the full period from October 2024 through 31 March 2026.
MM2H Applicants by Country (2024–2026)
| Country | 2024 (31/12) | 2025 (30/6) | 2026 (31/3) | Share of 2026 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 1,011 | 4,812 | 6,704 | 53.7% |
| Taiwan | 156 | 1,171 | 2,102 | 16.8% |
| Hong Kong | 111 | 403 | 537 | 4.3% |
| Singapore | 96 | 270 | 383 | 3.1% |
| The US | 62 | 217 | 365 | 2.9% |
| Bangladesh | 47 | 280 | 333 | 2.7% |
| The UK | 68 | 205 | 272 | 2.2% |
| Korea | 30 | 155 | 235 | 1.9% |
| Japan | — | 111 | 183 | 1.5% |
| Australia | — | 94 | 122 | 1.0% |
| Other | 247 | 1,146 | 1,259 | 10.1% |
| Total | 1,902 | 8,864 | 12,495 | 100% |
Between the end of 2024 and the first quarter of 2026, total MM2H applications on record climbed from 1,902 to 12,495 — a natural pattern of progressive accumulation as more applicants apply each reporting period, rather than a single sudden spike. This steady, sustained build-up across five reporting checkpoints suggests consistent, ongoing interest in the revamped 2024 MM2H guidelines, despite the new mandatory property purchase requirement, rather than a short-lived trend.
Why China Leads MM2H Applications by a Wide Margin
Chinese nationals account for 53.7% of all accumulated MM2H applications as of March 2026 — more than every other nationality on this list combined. China's recorded applicant count rose from 1,011 at the end of 2024 to 6,704 by early 2026, as applications accumulated steadily across each reporting period.
Affordable, Quality International Education
Malaysia's international schools offer good-quality education at a cost considerably lower than many Western countries — a major draw for relocating families.
Strong Value-for-Money Healthcare
Malaysia's healthcare system is known for good money-for-value medical treatment, an important factor for long-term residents and retirees alike.
Just a Few Hours' Flight from China
Malaysia's proximity to mainland China makes regular travel home practical rather than a major undertaking — ideal for Chinese mainlander families.
Cultural & Linguistic Familiarity
The widespread use of Mandarin within Malaysia's Chinese community helps Chinese applicants adapt to local life with relative ease.
Malaysia's relatively low cost of living, established Chinese business and cultural communities, and straightforward property ownership rules also stand out as key draws. And while Mandarin familiarity smooths the transition for Chinese applicants, English remains widely spoken throughout Malaysia — which is equally why families from European countries and the United States tend to adapt with relative ease.
Taiwan and Bangladesh Show the Fastest Accumulated Growth
Taiwan holds a firm second place, with recorded applications rising from 156 at the end of 2024 to over 2,100 by early 2026 — now representing nearly 17% of all accumulated applications. Perhaps more notable is Bangladesh's rapid entry into the top ranks: absent from the top 10 in late 2024, it reached 280 applicants by mid-2025 and 333 by early 2026, overtaking longer-established source markets like Myanmar and Indonesia entirely.
MM2H by Category: Silver Dominates the Latest Batch
Beyond nationality, MM2H application data by category — covering Principal and Dependent applicants from October 2024 through 31 March 2026 — shows an even more lopsided pattern than the country breakdown:
| Category | Principal | Dependents | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 3,668 | 5,852 | 10,520 | 84.2% |
| SEZ/SFZ | 420 | 635 | 1,055 | 8.4% |
| Gold | 216 | 482 | 698 | 5.6% |
| Platinum | 65 | 157 | 222 | 1.8% |
| Total | 4,369 | 7,126 | 12,495 | 100% |
Silver category applications alone account for 10,520 of the 12,495 total applicants — 84.2% of everyone who has applied for MM2H in this period. SEZ/SFZ follows at 8.4%, then Gold at 5.6%, while Platinum — the top-tier, USD 1 million category — attracts just 1.8% of applicants, reflecting its much smaller pool of high-net-worth candidates.
What This Means If You're Considering MM2H
Taken together, the country and category data paint a consistent picture: MM2H's accumulated applicant base is growing steadily since the 2024 relaunch, dominated by a handful of nationalities — led by China and Taiwan — and overwhelmingly concentrated in the Silver category. For prospective applicants, this suggests the programme is stable, actively processed by Immigration Malaysia, and increasingly trusted by a diverse pool of retirees, families, and long-term residents at every budget level, from Silver's accessible entry point through to Platinum's high-net-worth tier.
A larger accumulated applicant base can also mean longer processing queues at OSC (MOTAC), making it more important than ever to have your documentation, Fixed Deposit, and property plans in order before submission — regardless of which category or nationality group you fall into.
Data reflects total MM2H applications (Principal and Dependents combined) as of the stated reporting dates. Country-level data is tracked across three checkpoints (31 Dec 2024, 30 Jun 2025, 31 Mar 2026); category-level data spans the continuous period from October 2024 through 31 March 2026.
Want personalised guidance on your MM2H category and timeline?
Contact us for a free consultationAsia Home Services (MM2H)
MM2H Latest Update & Announcement 2026
The latest official statistics and policy updates on the Malaysia My Second Home programme — sourced from parliamentary replies and reputable Malaysian media, so you always know where the programme currently stands.
16 October 2025
Nearly 6,000 Foreigners Now Hold MM2H Visas Under Revamped Programme
According to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing, a total of 5,972 foreign nationals had obtained MM2H visas under the revamped programme as of 31 August 2025 — comprising 2,134 principal pass holders and 3,838 dependents. The figures were shared in a written parliamentary reply responding to a request for the latest MM2H participation statistics.
| Nationality | Number of Participants |
|---|---|
| China | 3,414 |
| Taiwan | 611 |
| Hong Kong | 292 |
| Singapore | 184 |
| United States | 174 |
These figures reflect the revamped MM2H guidelines, approved by Cabinet and announced on 1 June 2024, which eased requirements around fixed deposits, offshore income, and liquid assets — while introducing a new mandatory property purchase requirement. This created three main visa categories: Silver (minimum property value RM600,000, 5-year validity), Gold (RM1 million, 15 years), and Platinum (RM2 million, 20 years), all renewable.
Special categories for participants in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and Special Financial Zones (SFZ) were also introduced, with further relaxed conditions — including a reduced Fixed Deposit requirement of RM500,000 and the removal of the RM40,000 monthly offshore income requirement.
Source: reporting by The Edge Malaysia, based on a written parliamentary reply from the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Questions about how these updates affect your application?
Contact us for a free consultation