Has the MM2H programme changed recently?

Yes — Malaysia significantly revised MM2H requirements in 2021 and again in 2023/2024, introducing three tiers (Platinum, Gold, Silver) with substantially higher financial requirements than the pre-2021 programme. The current Silver tier requires MYR 500K in offshore assets and a MYR 150K fixed deposit — much higher than before. Always verify current requirements with a registered MM2H agent.

Can I work in Malaysia on MM2H?

Standard MM2H is a social visit pass that does not include local employment rights. You cannot be employed by a Malaysian company or take up a local director role without additional approvals. However, you can own shares in a Malaysian company, and income from overseas (remote work) is generally permitted as it does not constitute local employment.

What is the DE Rantau pass?

DE Rantau is Malaysia's digital nomad visa launched in 2022. It's valid for 12 months (renewable once) and allows remote workers earning at least USD 2,000/month from non-Malaysian sources to live in Malaysia. It's simpler and cheaper than MM2H but has a shorter duration. Apply online via mdec.my.

How easy is it to get an Employment Pass in Malaysia?

Relatively straightforward — your employer applies on your behalf via the ESD portal. Category I (MYR 10K+ salary) typically processes in 2–4 weeks. The main requirements are a legitimate job offer, relevant qualifications, and a salary above the category threshold. The process is conducted in English.

Can I bring my family to Malaysia?

Yes. Employment Pass and MM2H holders can bring their spouse and children under 18 on a Dependent Pass. Dependent Pass holders can apply for a separate Dependent's Employment Pass to work legally. Children can attend international or local schools on a Dependent Pass.

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🇲🇾 Malaysia

Visa & Residency

Malaysia offers several long-term visa options for expats, including the popular MM2H programme, employment passes for workers, and dependent passes for families. English is used throughout the application process..

MYR 1,000,000

MM2H Fixed Deposit

Premium category (2024 rules)

10 years

MM2H Duration

Renewable multiple-entry pass

1–5 years

Employment Pass

Tied to specific employer

DE Rantau

Digital Nomad Visa

12-month renewable, min. $24k/yr income

30–90 days

Tourist Visa

Most Western passports — visa free

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Kuala Lumpur 🏝️Penang 🌉Johor Bahru

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Three tiers (2024 rules): Platinum (MYR 5M+ offshore assets, MYR 1M fixed deposit), Gold (MYR 1.5M+ assets, MYR 500K FD), Silver (MYR 500K+ assets, MYR 150K FD)
Category I: salary MYR 10,000+/mo; valid 1–5 years; occupations with no local equivalent
Minimum monthly income: USD 2,000/month (MYR ~9,000) from non-Malaysian sources
Visa-free: UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand — 30–90 days depending on nationality
ESD (Expatriate Services Division) portal handles Employment Pass applications — employers use this system

MM2H — Malaysia My Second Home

MM2H is Malaysia's flagship long-term residency programme, offering a 10-year renewable multiple-entry social visit pass.

Three tiers (2024 rules): Platinum (MYR 5M+ offshore assets, MYR 1M fixed deposit), Gold (MYR 1.5M+ assets, MYR 500K FD), Silver (MYR 500K+ assets, MYR 150K FD)
All tiers require: health insurance, clean criminal record, active bank account, medical examination
Offshore income proof: Platinum MYR 40K/mo, Gold MYR 15K/mo, Silver MYR 10K/mo
Work restrictions: social visit pass holders cannot be employed locally (unless special approval); business ownership allowed in certain categories
Property purchase: MM2H holders can purchase property above designated minimum threshold (varies by state and tier)
Application via registered agents only; government fee MYR 5,000 + agent fees

Employment Pass

The Employment Pass is for foreign nationals employed by Malaysian companies.

Category I: salary MYR 10,000+/mo; valid 1–5 years; occupations with no local equivalent
Category II: salary MYR 5,000–9,999/mo; valid up to 2 years; restricted occupations list
Category III: salary MYR 3,000–4,999/mo; valid up to 12 months; shorter-term roles
Employer applies on behalf of employee via ESD (Expatriate Services Division) online portal
Dependent Pass available for spouse and children under 18 — accompanying right to live but not work
Dependent Pass holders can apply separately for a Dependent's Employment Pass to work

DE Rantau — Digital Nomad Pass

Malaysia's digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work from Malaysia for 12 months.

Minimum monthly income: USD 2,000/month (MYR ~9,000) from non-Malaysian sources
Pass is for 12 months, renewable once for another 12 months
Must not be employed by or derive income from Malaysian entities
Health insurance with minimum MYR 75,000 coverage required
Dependants can accompany under Dependent's Pass
Application online via mdec.my; processing typically 2–4 weeks; fee USD 1,000

Tourist & Social Visit Pass

Most Western nationalities can enter Malaysia visa-free for tourism or short stays.

Visa-free: UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand — 30–90 days depending on nationality
No formal visa run needed for most; exit and re-enter freely under 90-day rules
Long-term tourists sometimes use repeated border runs (Singapore, Thailand) — immigration officers may eventually question this
Social Visit Pass extensions available in-country for limited circumstances

General Application Tips

Visa applications in Malaysia are generally well-organised and conducted in English.

ESD (Expatriate Services Division) portal handles Employment Pass applications — employers use this system
MM2H applications: use a registered MM2H agent — the government publishes an approved agent list
Passport: must be valid for 6+ months beyond intended stay
Criminal record check from country of origin required for MM2H and long-term passes
Medical examination at approved clinic required for MM2H
Keep multiple certified copies of all documents — originals may be requested

FAQs