Visiting Malaysia

Malaysia

Geography

Located between two and seven degrees north of the Equator, Malaysia is formed by 13 states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak; and three Federal Territories – Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan are located in East Malaysia, while others are in Peninsular Malaysia.

Area and climate

With an area of approximately 329,847 square kilometres, and warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C, Malaysia houses an infinite range of exciting tourism products throughout the year for visitors to explore and enjoy.

History and economy

The history of Malaysia started in the early 15th century with the establishment of the Melaka Sultanate. The country achieved independence on 31 August 1957 as the Federation of Malaya. Malaysia was formed in 1963 with the entry of Sabah and Sarawak.

Manufacturing constitutes the largest component of Malaysia’s economy, while tourism and primary commodities, namely petroleum, palm oil and timber, are also major contributors to the country’s economy.

People and culture

Malaysia is a fascinating country with a vibrant multicultural population. Besides the Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India, Indonesia and other parts of the world have all contributed to the multi-racial composition of its population.

Based on statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the country’s population in 2020 is estimated at 32.7 million people. Out of the 29.7 million citizens, the Bumiputera (Malays and Orang Asli or indigenous peoples) comprises 69.6 percent of the population, the Chinese (22.6 percent), and Indians (6.9 percent), while others (1.0 percent).

The country’s evolution into a cultural melting pot is evident in its unique blend of religions, traditions, festivals, languages, food, and many more. Its cultural diversity can also be largely attributed to the country’s long and ongoing interactions with the world and colonial rule by the British, the Portuguese and the Dutch.

Indeed, ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’ is not merely a tagline. The country truly embodies the spirit of racial diversity and unity, which is the very element that makes it unique.

Official religion

The official religion in Malaysia is Islam, but other religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity are practiced freely.

National language

The national language is Bahasa Melayu (Malay), but English is widely spoken. Most Malaysians are multilingual, speaking various languages and dialects, such as Mandarin, Cantonese and Tamil.

For more info, visit https://www.malaysia.travel/

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a government initiative aimed at attracting foreign nationals to reside in Malaysia on a long-term basis. Managed by the Immigration Department in collaboration with relevant ministries, MM2H offers eligible individuals a renewable 10-year Social Visit Pass, granting them the opportunity to enjoy the country’s rich culture, modern infrastructure, and welcoming lifestyle.

Purpose of the Program

Malaysia’s goal with MM2H is to position itself as a preferred destination for retirees, investors, professionals, and individuals seeking a comfortable and affordable second home. Beyond offering personal benefits to participants, the program contributes to national development by encouraging foreign spending in key sectors such as real estate, tourism, education, and healthcare.

Eligibility and Financial Requirements

The program is open to all nationalities, subject to financial criteria that differ based on the applicant’s age group.

For individuals below 50 years of age, applicants must demonstrate liquid assets of at least MYR 500,000 and a monthly offshore income of MYR 10,000 or more. Upon approval, participants are required to place a fixed deposit of MYR 300,000 in a Malaysian bank, of which up to MYR 150,000 may be withdrawn after one year for approved expenditures such as property purchases, education, or healthcare.

Applicants aged 50 and above may qualify with lower financial thresholds—liquid assets of at least MYR 350,000 and either a monthly offshore income or pension of MYR 10,000. They are required to maintain a fixed deposit of MYR 150,000, with the option to withdraw up to MYR 50,000 after one year, provided the remaining balance stays above MYR 100,000.

In certain cases, participants who purchase a Malaysian residential property valued at MYR 1 million or more may be granted more lenient fixed deposit requirements.

Health and Insurance Conditions

All applicants and their dependents must undergo a medical examination at a registered private hospital or clinic in Malaysia and are required to have valid medical insurance coverage. Exceptions may be made for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or advanced age.

Visa Benefits and Conditions

Successful applicants are issued a multiple-entry Social Visit Pass valid for ten years, with the option to renew upon expiry. Participants must reside in Malaysia for a minimum of 90 days each year to maintain their visa status. The program also allows for dependents, including spouses, children under 21 years of age who are unmarried, and parents over the age of 60.

The MM2H visa does not confer citizenship or permanent resident status, but it does allow for a stable and extended stay with minimal bureaucratic barriers. Participants may also apply to bring in household effects tax-free and are permitted to hire a domestic helper under specific conditions.

Employment and Investment Options

Generally, participants are not permitted to work or engage in business while under the MM2H visa. However, exceptions may be granted to individuals aged 50 and above who possess expertise in critical sectors, allowing them to work part-time or participate in business ventures upon receiving prior approval from the authorities.

Some versions or tiers of the program, particularly those introduced by regional governments or special economic zones, may provide greater flexibility regarding property ownership or investment-linked residency.

Application Process

Applicants may apply directly to the Immigration Department or through licensed MM2H agents. Required documents include the completed application form, passport copy, proof of financial capacity, medical report, insurance policy, photographs, and a certificate of good conduct from the applicant’s home country.

Once conditional approval is granted, the applicant has six months to fulfill the medical, insurance, and fixed deposit requirements before final approval is issued.

Program Updates and Public Reception

Over the years, the MM2H program has undergone several revisions to reflect Malaysia’s evolving economic and social priorities. Recent updates have included stricter financial requirements and clearer conditions regarding minimum stay and documentation. While some of these changes have sparked public debate about the program’s competitiveness compared to similar schemes in the region, the core objective remains unchanged: to attract responsible, high-value residents who contribute positively to Malaysian society.

The Malaysia My Second Home program continues to offer a compelling option for individuals and families seeking a secure, culturally rich, and affordable environment for long-term residence. With a balanced combination of lifestyle benefits and financial stability, MM2H stands as a testament to Malaysia’s openness to global citizens looking for a second home in Southeast Asia.

For more info, visit https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/malaysia-my-second-home-mmh2-en/

Digital Nomad in Malaysia

Malaysia is growing in popularity as a destination of choice for digital nomads. It offers several attractive qualities for digital nomads, including a lower cost of living, good infrastructure, efficient public transportation, good accommodation, cultural diversity, and a growing expat community. Recently, its popularity have continued to increase since the introduction of ‘DE Rantau’ digital nomad programme.

What is DE Rantau?

The DE Rantau programme aims at establishing Malaysia as the preferred digital nomad hub in ASEAN while boosting digital adoption and promoting digital professional mobility and tourism across the country.

The DE Rantau programme will benefit both local talents and foreign nomads via the creation of a vibrant ecosystem that supports digital nomads. Digital nomads can travel and work remotely across various locations in Malaysia, while having access to stable broadband connectivity and various other facilities and services that are supportive of the nomadic lifestyle.