Foreign Property Ownership in Malaysian 2025: MM2H & PVIP Breakdown
Malaysia offers two notable visa programs to foreign investors and residents interested in property ownership:
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program
- Renewable 5-year visa.
- Includes benefits such as property purchase discounts.
- Requires applicants to meet specific income and financial criteria.
- Premium Visa Program (PVIP)
- Offers a long-term visa valid for up to 20 years.
- Allows foreigners to purchase property under certain financial requirements.
Buying Property Through the MM2H Program
The MM2H program underwent a major revamp in June 2024, featuring higher financial requirements and mandatory property investments, shifting its focus toward attracting investors rather than retirees. This change is also reflected in the lowered minimum age requirement from 35 to 25 years old.
The revised program now follows a three-tier structure—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—each offering distinct eligibility criteria and benefits for foreign investors and residents.
MM2H 2024 Tier Overview:
| Category | Sliver | Gold | Platinum | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Validity (Renewable Every 5 Years) | 5 years | 15 years | 20 years | ||
| Fixed Deposit Requirement | USD150,000 | USD500,000 | USD1,000,000 | ||
| Fixed Deposit Withdrawal (After 1 year, for property purchase, education, healthcare, or tourism within Malaysia) | 50% | 50% | 50% | ||
| Compulsory Property Purchase (Must be held for 10 years unless upgrading to a more expensive property) | Min RM600,000 | Min RM1,000,000 | Min RM2,000,000 | ||
| Participation Fee (One-Off) (No fee for dependants) | RM1,000 | RM3,000 | RM200,000 | ||
| Renewal Fee | RM1,500 | RM3,000 | RM5,000 | ||
| Work/ Business Investment | Not allowed (Must apply for relevant passes). | Not allowed (Must apply for relevant passes) | Allowed to work and invest in businesses. | ||
| Permanent Residence (PR) Status | Not available | Not available | Not available | ||
| Education and Healthcare Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Tax Exemption on Funds Brought In | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Health Examination | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Foreign Domestic Helper | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | ||
| Transfer of MM2H Pass upon Principal’s Demise (To next of kin) | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Eligibility for Permanent Resident (PR) status | No | No | No | ||
| Minimum age | 25 years old | ||||
| Dependants |
| ||||
| Minimum Stay Requirement (Can be fulfilled by the principal or dependants) | At least 90 days cumulatively per year | ||||
In June 2024, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing confirmed that the new three-tier MM2H system will remain in place for the foreseeable future, regardless of any shifts in government or ministerial leadership.
Minimum Property Selling Price for MM2H Foreign Investment in 2025:
The standard property selling price in Malaysia varies by state. However, for MM2H investors, the minimum purchase price is determined by their tier, property type, and state authority regulations.
Generally, most Malaysian states impose a minimum purchase value of RM1 million, with some exceptions. While local buyers follow fixed minimum selling prices, MM2H investors must adhere to state-specific foreign ownership rules, which may vary based on factors such as property type (landed vs. high-rise) and designated special zones.
For detailed guidelines on land ownership by foreigners, please refer to our previous article: Can Foreigners Buy Property in Malaysia?
Key Considerations for MM2H Investors:
- Varied Minimum Prices:
The minimum selling price for MM2H buyers is not necessarily the same as for local buyers and is subject to MM2H tier requirements. - State Authority Regulations:
Each state has the right to impose additional conditions on foreign property ownership, which may result in different price requirements for MM2H participants. - Overhang Units:
Defined as residential units that have received certificates of completion and compliance but remain unsold for more than nine months after launch. - Selangor Restrictions:
Foreign buyers are not allowed to:- Purchase landed residential properties unless they have a landed strata title (e.g., gated communities).
- Buy auction properties.
- Purchase agricultural land.
Can Foreigners Purchase Property Without MM2H?
Yes! Foreigners can buy property in Malaysia without the MM2H program. In September 2022, Malaysia introduced the Premium Visa Programme (PVIP), a long-term residency visa designed for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. The program allows successful applicants to stay in Malaysia for up to 20 years with multiple benefits, making it an alternative to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program.
Key Features of PVIP:
- 20 year residency visa (issued in 5 year intervals, renewable up to 4 times).
- No age limit for applicants.
- Allows foreigners to purchase residential, commercial, and industrial properties under state regulations.
- Unlike MM2H, PVIP holders can work, run a business, and invest in Malaysia.
- No minimum stay requirement.
- Ability to bring spouse, children, parents, and domestic helpers as dependents.
PVIP Eligibility & Financial Requirements:
To qualify for PVIP, applicants must meet these two key requirements:
- Maintain an offshore income of at least RM40,000 per month (or RM480,000 annually).
- Hold a fixed deposit of RM1,000,000 in a licensed Malaysian bank.
PVIP Application & Fees
All applications for the Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) must be submitted through an authorized consultant or agency appointed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Applicants are required to pay a 10% initial participation fee before the consultant or agency submits the online application. The remaining balance, along with the pass fee, visa fee, and security bond, must be paid after the application is approved.
PVIP Fees Breakdown:
Applicants must submit the following documents to the PVIP consultant or agency, which will be uploaded during the online application process:
- Passport biodata page
- Certificate of Good Conduct
- Resume, including the latest three months’ pay slips
- Birth certificate or legal documents (if applying with children)
- Marriage or divorce certificate
- Verification letter from a medical specialist or general practitioner
- Security screening approval from the Royal Malaysian Police
All documents and certificates must be in English or officially translated into English and certified by the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in early 2024, the Malaysian government may reconsider the PVIP program if its low response continues and it does not meet its intended objectives.
MM2H vs. PVIP: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) and PVIP (Premium Visa Programme) depends on your lifestyle preferences, financial capacity, and long-term goals in Malaysia.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective retirement visa, MM2H is the better choice, offering a 5-year renewable stay with a lower application fee and fixed deposit requirement. However, it comes with a 90-day minimum stay requirement and does not allow full-time employment or business operations.
On the other hand, PVIP is ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals who seek more flexibility. With a 20-year visa, no minimum stay requirement, and permission to work or invest, PVIP provides greater freedom but comes with higher financial commitments (RM200,000 participation fee and RM1 million fixed deposit).
Ultimately, MM2H suits those looking for a relaxed, residency-focused option, while PVIP caters to individuals who want more financial and business opportunities in Malaysia. Consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
If you need guidance on navigating these programs, Ivy Lim is available to assist with applications and inquiries. Feel free to reach out for professional support in securing your residency and property investment in Malaysia.
