Moving To Malaysia

Moving To Malaysia - Made Easy

The Malaysian Government welcomes people from many countries to live in Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H) which grants a social visit pass.

The pass is valid for up to ten years and comes with a Multiple Entry Visa so you can come and go as you please. Currently UK nationals do not need a Visa to enter Malaysia.However, the pass does not entitle the holder to permanent resident status in Malaysia.

Generally, there is no age limit on who can apply and successful applicants may bring their dependents (wife and children below 18 years of age) with them and they can also employ a maid.

Important Note

People who want to buy property in Malaysia do not necessarily need to apply for the "Malaysia My Second Home Programme" and many people do buy property in the country without taking advantage of some of the benefits of this programme.Buying Property in MalaysiaPeople living in Malaysia under the MM2H programme who want to buy property in Malaysia can purchase up to two residential properties with a minimum price of RM250,000 to RM350,000 depending on the location. For example, people wanting to live in Penang, Johor or Malacca are required to spend RM250,000 per property whilst in parts of East Malaysia, the minimum is RM350,000. Overseas income is free of tax and a car may be imported also free of tax.

How to ApplyTo apply you will need:

-A letter of Application
-Two completed copies of Form IM12 (application form for a social visit pass)
-Two passport sized photographs
-A certified copy of all the pages of your passport or other travel document
-A certified copy of your marriage certificate - if accompanied by your spouse
-A certified copy of the birth certificate(s) of your children if they are coming
-Evidence of your ability to support yourself financially whilst in Malaysia
-A medical report from any public or private hospital in Malaysia
-Evidence of valid medical insurance

If you are under 50 years of age when you apply you will need to open a fixed deposit account of RM300,000 upon application for the programme. After one year you can withdraw up to RM240,000 for "approved expenses" - such as things related to purchasing a house, medical expenses or educational costs for your children in Malaysia.

From the second year of residence under the programme, the guidelines require you to keep a minimum balance on fixed deposit of RM60,000 during the time of your stay in Malaysia.If you are over 50 years of age when you apply, you can choose either to open a fixed deposit account of RM150,000 or alternatively you must provide proof with your application of a monthly off-shore income of RM10,000 from an approved or recognized institution in your home country.

For many people this could be a pension plan income. After a period of one year in the scheme you can withdraw up to RM90,000 for "approved expenses" - such as things related to purchasing a house, medical expenses or educational costs for your children in Malaysia. From the second year of residence under the programme, the guidelines require you to keep a minimum balance on fixed deposit of RM60,000 during the time of your stay in Malaysia.

Beware of unauthorised MM2H agents. Under new government guidelines NO company is permitted to represent the Malaysia My Second Home programme unless this is their sole business and any authorised agents MUST now have MM2H as part of their business name.

People moving to Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme will, of course, have to be bound by the taxation policies and regulations of Malaysia, but there are a number of tax advantages that make moving to Malaysia an attractive option.Of course, whilst the MM2H programme is designed for people staying up to ten years, the length of the pass issued will depend on the expiration of the person's passport, so it is advisable to have a full ten year passport for those wanting to stay the maximum permitted time.

Generally speaking, no sponsor is required and people can submit their application without a sponsor, but the Immigration Department does reserve the right to request a sponsor if deemed necessary.

Most people will have medical insurance coverage and it is advisable for applicants to have a medical insurance policy from an insurance company recognised in Malaysia. However, under the programme, it is optional for people above 50 years of age.

For people who want to bring their children it is necessary to enrol them in a school or other institute of higher education that is recognized by the Malaysian Government. This is so the correct stamp can be put into the child's passport and the correct student pass can be issued.

In addition to dependents, the Malaysian government also allows people on the Malaysia My Second Home programme to bring along their maid or apply for one from outside the country.

This process is subject to the same terms and conditions as for resident Malaysians, many of whom employ domestic staff from overseas, and there are many agencies in Malaysia that specialise in the recruitment and supply of overseas maids or "amahs".

People moving to Malaysia cannot take part in activities such as political, missionary or other activities which are provocative or constitute a threat to national security. Also they cannot work in Malaysia.

Business investment is welcomed in Malaysia.

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