In short: You must be 25 or older (21 for SEZ/SFZ), hold the category's fixed deposit in a licensed Malaysian institution, and apply through an MM2H operator licensed by the Ministry. After conditional approval you have 90 days to submit the final documents, then you buy a qualifying residence and keep it for 10 years.
MM2H eligibility is straightforward on paper, but the process has several stages and one rule that catches people out: you apply through a licensed operator, not the government directly. Below is the official process and document list for 2026, plus the obligations that apply once you are approved.
Eligibility checklist
- An eligible individual from a sovereign country with diplomatic relations with Malaysia.
- Aged 25 or above (Silver, Gold, Platinum) or 21 or above (SEZ/SFZ).
- A fixed deposit at your category's level, held with a Malaysian licensed financial institution.
- Ability to pay the one-off participating fee and later buy a residence at or above your category's minimum value.
- Valid health insurance (applicable to applicants aged 60 and below) and a medical check-up at a panel clinic after approval.
The application process, step by step
- Choose a licensed MM2H operator. The Ministry publishes the list of licensed operators on mm2h.gov.my.
- Submit your documents to the operator. The operator files them with the One Stop Centre MM2H.
- Review. The One Stop Centre MM2H reviews the application. If rejected, your operator notifies you.
- Conditional approval. If accepted, an acceptance document and conditional approval letter are issued, and your operator informs you.
- Prepare final documents within 90 days: fixed deposit certificate, health insurance, medical check-up report, personal bond form (stamped by LHDN) and valid passport.
- Submit and pay. Your operator submits the documents, and you pay the processing fee, participating fee, pass fee and visa fee.
- Pass endorsed. The MM2H endorsement pass is issued and you have your MM2H pass.
Immigration matters, including the final approval and any appeals, fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Immigration Department.
What you must do after approval
- Buy and own a residence at or above your category's minimum value. It cannot be sold for 10 years, though you may upgrade to a higher-value one.
- Stay at least 90 days (cumulative) a year if you are below 50. For principals aged 25 to 49, the stay can be fulfilled by the principal and/or dependants.
- Keep your pass valid. Passes are renewable. If your passport expires before the pass does, you must renew the security sticker into the new passport.
Dependants
One application can cover your spouse; biological, step or adopted children below 21 (aged 21 to 34 if unemployed and single while in Malaysia); medically certified children with disabilities at any age; and parents or parents-in-law. Dependants' education up to tertiary level at government-recognised institutions is allowed, and long-term medical treatment is permitted within the pass validity.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating the property as a formality. It is a 10-year commitment; choose it as an asset, not just a price-floor box tick. See buying property for MM2H.
- Relying on old guides. MM2H was restructured, and older articles quote outdated deposits and pass lengths. Check the official category pages.
- Using an unlicensed intermediary. Applications must go through an operator licensed under the Tourism Industry Act 1992; verify on the Ministry's site.
- Moving funds without a plan. The deposit has its own withdrawal rules; read the cost guide first.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for MM2H?
After your application is accepted you have 90 days to prepare: a fixed deposit certificate from a licensed Malaysian financial institution, health insurance (applicable for applicants aged 60 and below), a medical check-up report from a Ministry panel clinic or hospital, a personal bond form stamped by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN), and a valid passport.
How do I apply for MM2H?
Through an MM2H operator licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The operator submits your application to the One Stop Centre MM2H. You cannot apply directly to the Ministry.
Is a medical check-up compulsory?
Yes. The principal and all dependants must have a medical check-up at a panel clinic or hospital appointed by the Ministry after receiving approval to participate.
Who can I include as dependants?
Your spouse; biological, step or adopted children below 21 (children aged 21 to 34 must be unemployed and single while in Malaysia); medically certified children with disabilities, with no age limit; and parents or parents-in-law. Platinum participants may also bring foreign maids.
Can I buy the property before my MM2H is approved?
The official guidelines describe the purchase as compulsory after obtaining approval as an MM2H participant. Confirm timing with your licensed operator before signing any sale and purchase agreement.
Can I sell my MM2H property later?
Not for 10 years. The guidelines allow you to upgrade by buying a residence of higher value, but selling without doing so can lead to the pass being revoked.
About this guide. Everything here is based on the official guidelines published by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (mm2h.gov.my), checked 27 October 2026. Rules, fees and processing can change, so always confirm with the Ministry or your operator. MM2H applications must be submitted through an MM2H operator licensed by the Ministry; PropertyIndexMY is an information guide and does not process MM2H applications.