With the Malaysia Golden Visa, obtaining permanent residency has never been simpler. This program is designed to help you build a stable future in one of the most progressive countries in Southeast Asia. As you consider your alternatives, you will find that Malaysia provides the ideal balance of affordability and contemporary lifestyle. This program gives you access to interesting opportunities, whether you want to invest, move, or build a second home. With investor-friendly rules and an easy application process, you may confidently begin a new chapter in Malaysia.
What Is the Malaysia Golden Visa Program?
The Malaysia Golden Visa allows for a maximum of 20 years of residency. The program offers several residence-by-investment visa possibilities. These are the Premium Visa Program and Malaysia My Second Home.
MM2H is a long-standing visa program that permits foreigners to reside in Malaysia permanently in exchange for a financial commitment.
Introduced more recently, PVIP is intended for high-net-worth individuals who can fulfill stricter financial requirements.
Why Malaysia Is the Best Place to Live for an Extended Period of Time
Malaysia is a popular destination for long-term residency for several reasons.
1) A strategic location: Malaysia is a fantastic travel and business destination because it is located in the geographic middle of Southeast Asia. Regional markets, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and many more, are nearby.
2) A Better Quality of Life at a Cheaper Price: In comparison to many Western nations, Malaysia has a comparatively low cost of living. Without going over budget, you can avail the benefit of first-rate healthcare, international education, infrastructure, and comfortable living.
3) Various Cultures: With an amalgam of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, Malaysia is a very cosmopolitan country. It has a respectable level of political stability and is friendly to foreigners.
4) Tax Benefits: Residency on the Premium Visa or MM2H does not automatically make you a tax resident, which may have advantages. Additionally, depending on your situation, foreign-sourced income may or may not be subject to taxation.
5) Adaptability: For instance, there is no minimum stay requirement with PVIP. This implies that you can maintain your visa even if you are not a full-time resident of Malaysia.
6) Including Families: Both visa options usually let you bring your spouse, kids, and even elderly parents.
7) Healthcare and Safety: Malaysia provides both public and private healthcare systems that are accessible and reasonably priced.
Eligibility Criteria for the Malaysia Golden Visa
The requirements vary depending on whether you apply through PVIP or MM2H. This is what you should know.
Regarding MM2H – Malaysia My Second Home
1) You must be at least 25 years old.
2) A fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank is required, depending on the tier -Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
3) It is frequently necessary to demonstrate a consistent offshore income. It is the evidence of income from outside Malaysia.
4) There must be no criminal history. You have to pass a background check, just like with most long-term visas.
5) Usually, a medical examination is necessary. You must be covered by health insurance.
6) A minimum stay is required for various MM2H tiers. For example, 90 days a year for specific age groups.
Regarding PVIP – Premium Visa Programme
1) There is no minimum age requirement.
2) You have to demonstrate that you have at least 40,000 Malaysian Ringgit from offshore sources each month, or 480,000 Malaysian Ringgit annually.
3) You must have a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank of at least one million Malaysian Ringgit.
4) Under some circumstances, you may include your spouse, kids, parents, and even domestic helpers.
5) You will have to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, which will allow you to enter and exit Malaysia.
Documents Required for the Malaysia Golden Visa Application
When you submit an application, you will need to collect several documents. The Malaysia Visa Document requirements for MM2H or PVIP are as follows.
1) You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months.
2) Filed the visa application in accordance with the instructions provided by the immigration authority.
3) You can demonstrate your financial resources by presenting your
a) Bank statements displaying revenue from overseas sources
b) Evidence of liquid net worth or assets.
c) confirmation of a fixed deposit agreement from a bank in Malaysia.
4) Your Medical Check-up Reports. It must be carried out by a reputable organization with laboratory approval.
5) A health insurance. The coverage will depend on your age or the type of visa.
6) A clear criminal record confirmed by police certificates from your country of origin.
7) You must present documentation of your dependents.
a) Marriage certificate if you are bringing a spouse
- b) Birth certificates for children
- c) Proof of relationship for parents
8) Although rules may differ, some visa consultants advise providing a Malaysian address.
9) Additional Supporting Records
a) If you are submitting through the investor method, submit a business plan or profile.
b) receipts for the application fee.
c) any more paperwork that the Malaysian Immigration Department requests.
Investment Choices for the Golden Visa to Malaysia
The Malaysia golden visa is mainly based on deposits rather than actual company investments. However, your case might be strengthened by your personal business.
These are the main investment options.
1) Fixed Deposit in Malaysia
A minimum deposit of 1,000,000 Malaysia Ringgit must be made in a Malaysian bank to qualify for PVIP.
For MM2H, different tiers – Silver, Gold, and Platinum have different fixed deposit requirements.
Some MM2H participants may be able to withdraw up to 50 per cent of their deposit after a year for authorized purposes, such as buying real estate, going to school, receiving medical care, or traveling.
2) Investing in real estate
You might need to buy real estate to qualify for the MM2H Gold Tier.
The minimum property value varies depending on the tier. For instance, according to some sources, eligible real estate in the Gold tier must be worth Malaysian Ringgit 750,000.
Property purchases may be more expensive for MM2H Platinum.
3) Income from Offshore
To be eligible for PVIP, you must demonstrate a steady offshore income of Malaysian Ringgit 40,000 per month or Malaysian Ringgit 480,000 annually.
This condition guarantees that the visa holders are less reliant on the Malaysian economy and more likely to be self-sufficient.
How to Apply for a Malaysia Golden Visa by Step
You will need to follow these steps in order to obtain your Malaysia Golden Visa.
1) Initial Eligibility Evaluation
Determine if you qualify for MM2H or PVIP based on your age, salary, fixed deposit, and other requirements. You could get assistance from an immigration consultant.
2) Create a bank account in Malaysia
You must open an account at a Malaysian bank to deposit money.
3) Pay the Fixed Deposit
You make the necessary fixed deposit after the bank account becomes active.
4) Get your Documents Ready
Collect the necessary paperwork. It is similar to the Malaysia tourist visa from Dubai. Your passport, police clearance, medical records, evidence of income, proof of dependents, property paperwork, and more must be shown.
5) Send in the application
You can apply for PVIP or long-term investor passes using Xpats Gateway. It is the online expat visa site of Malaysia.
For MM2H, you usually apply through authorized agencies or the official portal of the relevant immigration or designated visa-issuing office.
6) Conditional Approval
You will receive a conditional acceptance letter if your application is accepted in principle.
7) Insurance and medical examination
You obtain the necessary health insurance and finish a medical checkup.
8) Final Approval
After fulfilling all conditions, you receive your visa or residence permit. It is for the agreed duration of five to twenty years.
9) Activation of the Visa
To activate your visa after being issued, you will need to travel to Malaysia or fulfill other requirements.
10) Renewal
You can apply for renewal before its expiry.
Benefits of the Malaysia Golden Visa
Holding a Malaysia Golden Visa opens a number of privileges that make it an attractive alternative for long-term residency.
1) Long-Term Residency is available for up to 20 years.
2) You do not have to constantly renew in order to enter and exit Malaysia.
3) PVIP does not require you to live in Malaysia for a predetermined period of time, unlike many other residency schemes.
4) The programs are designed to offer both housing and opportunities to investigate entrepreneurial opportunities. In Malaysia, it is lawful for you to work or do business.
5) Your visa application may include your spouse, kids, and, in certain situations, your parents or parents-in-law.
6) The tax structure in Malaysia is advantageous. Only income originating in Malaysia is subject to taxation for residents. Income from outside sources might not be subject to taxes. Having the visa alone might not make you a tax resident.
7) Although the requirements differ, you can buy residential or commercial property using both visa options, depending on local laws.
8) International schools offer robust family assistance. You will also have access to the healthcare system in Malaysia.
9) You will enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, lower cost of living, and good infrastructure.
Malaysia Golden Visa vs MM2H Program
Feature MM2H Malaysia Golden Visa
| Visa Duration | 5, 15, or 20 years depending on tier | 20 years, renewable in 5-year blocks |
| Fixed Deposit Requirement | Varies by MM2H tier (Silver / Gold / Platinum) | RM 1,000,000 in Malaysian bank |
| Offshore Income Requirement | Typically lower; based on specific MM2H tier | 40,000 Malaysia Ringitt per month or 480,000 Malaysia Ringitt per year required |
| Minimum Stay | Yes, for some MM2H tiers | No minimum stay requirement |
| Work Rights | MM2H generally does not allow work | Work is allowed for PVIP participants |
| Renewability | Yes, depends on tier | Yes, every 5 years |
| Path to Permanent Residency | No direct path, although some tiers may lead to application for PR under other schemes | Likewise, not necessarily a direct citizenship path |
| Dependents | Spouse, children, possibly parents | Yes, includes spouse, children, parents, domestic helper in some cases |
Malaysia Golden Visa Renewal and Validity
Before you invest, it is essential that you know about the Malaysia visa validity and renewal process:
PVIP Validity – Although the visa is granted for 20 years, it has to be renewed every five years.
MM2H Validity – Silver for 5 years, Gold for 15 years, and Platinum for 20 years.
Renewal – In accordance with the rules and regulations, you will need to resubmit various documents. You need to submit proof of funding and health checks when it is time to renew.
Withdrawal on MM2H – After a year, participants may spend up to 50 per cent of their deposit for approved costs. These costs can be on real estate, education, or medical care. The remaining amount will be locked in for the tenure.
Permanent Residency – Malaysian citizenship is not guaranteed by either MM2H or PVIP. These are residence programs, not investment-based citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malaysia Golden Visa
1) Can I apply for the Malaysia Golden Visa if I am living outside Malaysia?
2) How long does the application process take?
3) Do I have to reside in Malaysia?
4) Can I bring my family?
5) Can I use my Golden Visa to work in Malaysia?
6) Is obtaining Malaysian citizenship possible?
7) What happens to my fixed deposit after my visa expires?
8) Is it required to get health insurance?
9) Can I purchase real estate in Malaysia?
10) Can I renew my visa at the end of its term?
Final Thoughts
Flexibility is another benefit of a long-term stay. The goal of the Malaysia Visa Extension process is to facilitate your ongoing quest for permanent residence. Most importantly, these programs cover more than just living overseas. They provide access to stable, culturally rich lives, healthcare, education, and business prospects. The advantages of residency can benefit you and your family for decades, even if you may not automatically become a citizen. But this is a legal and financial commitment. By taking these measures, you are ready to start a new chapter of your life in Malaysia. If you have any doubts, you can consult an immigration expert.
Start Your Malaysia Golden Visa Application Today!!