[KUALA LUMPUR] The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) scheme, which generated nearly RM900 million (S$284.2 million) in the year to June 2025, is increasingly being used as a visa for globally mobile families chasing international school access and a second base – not just retirees looking to settle.
Behind the headline inflows, demand is increasingly concentrated. Chinese nationals make up about 53 per cent of main applicants, and once Taiwan and Hong Kong are included, the Chinese account for roughly three-quarters of demand – a much sharper tilt than before the programme was frozen in 2020.
"Education has become one of the main reasons families apply, alongside traditional retirement plans. Education, retirement and cross-border workers staying in Johor are all drivers."
The Shift in Applicant Profile
Unlike permanent residency, MM2H does not offer a path to citizenship. For many families, that is not a drawback. Parents want a long-stay visa that allows their children to attend international schools in Malaysia while they continue working – and paying taxes – in their home country.
Rainee Lai, director of Youke Home Management Service, noted that a "study mother" group tends to base themselves near international schools, with the father often remaining based in their home country.
Key Statistics (as at Nov 15, 2025)
- Total Participants: 13,567 (4,732 main applicants; 8,835 dependants).
- Tier Preference: Silver remains the favorite (83%), while Gold and Platinum combined make up less than 8%.
- Revenue Generation: RM840 million (June 2024–June 2025), primarily from fixed deposits (RM597.5m) and property requirements (RM237.2m).
Preferred Residential Enclaves
Kuala Lumpur-based agent Matt Tian notes that residents tend to cluster in specific areas:
- Kuala Lumpur: KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Ampang (near embassies/ISKL), and Desa ParkCity.
- Expat Hubs: Mont Kiara remains popular with Koreans, Japanese, and Westerners.
- Regional Hubs: Penang, Johor, and Melaka continue to attract significant demand.
What Changed in MM2H 3.0?
The current framework groups applicants into Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers. Key updates include:
- Fixed-deposit and residential property purchase requirements.
- Offshore income requirements have been dropped.
- Stricter vetting, including police screening and letters of good conduct.
Special Zones: Forest City
Johor’s Forest City has its own MM2H-linked category (SEZ/SFZ) with lower fixed deposits and a longer 10-year visa term compared to the national Silver tier. Eligibility is tied to buying directly from participating developers, and the property cannot be sold for at least 10 years.
Source: The Business Times (Chuah Bee Kim). Published Jan 11, 2026
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