Malaysia has introduced a separate MM2H visa under the “Special Economic Zone / Special Financial Zone” (“SEZ / SFZ”) category. At present, under this “SEZ / SFZ” category, there is only one SFZ approved project, which is the Forest City project in the state of Johor, located near the second bridge that links Johor and Singapore.
The new SFZ‑specific MM2H visa is intended to boost interest in Forest City and offers more favorable conditions than other MM2H schemes. The community is well‑maintained, and owners of units appear content with their purchases. Notably, the required fixed‑deposit amount is significantly lower than that for other West‑Malaysia visas—US $65,000 compared with a minimum of US $150,000 for the standard national visa—and drops to US $32,000 for applicants over 50.
This visa is attractive to some foreign investors because, despite Forest City’s premium prices relative to other Johor properties, its cost remains far below that of neighboring Singapore and is competitive with many Western markets.
Below is a summary of the terms and conditions applicable to this category:
1. FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
a. Eligible participants must have fixed deposit (FD) in any Malaysian financial institution licensed under the Financial Services Act 2013 [Act 758] or Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 [Act 759] as follows:
• USD65,000 for ages 21 to 49; and
• USD32,000 for ages 50 and above.
b. Maximum withdrawal of 50% is allowed on the principal FD value after the approval as MM2H participant has been obtained for the purposes of purchasing a residence, education, medical and tourism activities in Malaysia.
2. PARTICIPATING FEEE (ONE-OFF)
a. A participating fee of RM1,000 for every principal application (one-off); and
b. No participating fees for dependents.
3. PURCHASE OF RESIDENCE
a. Compulsory to purchase and own a property/house* in Forest City, Johor after obtaining the approval as MM2H participant.
* floor price subject to Johor state property acquisition policy;
b. Selling of the residence is not allowed for 10 years. However, the house can be upgraded (buying of a new residence) to a residence of higher value from the current property; and
c. Failure to comply to any of the terms will result in the MM2H pass to be revoked.
4. MINIMUM LENGTH OF STAY
a. Be present / staying in Malaysia for 90 days (cumulative) in one year; and
b. For participants between the age of 25 to 49 years old, the length of stay in Malaysia can be fulfilled by the principal and/or their dependents.
5. DEPENDENTS
Participant is allowed to bring dependents as follows:
a. spouse (wife/ husband);
b. biological children/stepchildren/adopted children below the age of 21 while those between the age of 21 to 34, must be unemployed and single while in Malaysia;
c. medically certified children with disabilities (no age limit); and
d. parents and/ or parents in law.
6. MM2H PASS
a. MM2H pass for a period of 10 years with Multiple Entry Visa (MEV);
b. For principal dan dependents;
c. Renewable;
d. The validity of the pass will depend on the validity of the participant's passport; and
e. If the validity of the participant’s passport expires before the end of the MM2H pass, the participant is required to renew the pass.
7. EDUCATION
Dependent/s (children) is / are allowed to pursue his / their education up to tertiary level in any Government - recognised higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Dependent/s (children) is / are allowed to use the existing MM2H or be given a Student Pass automatically.
8. MEDICAL
Long term medical treatment is allowed in Malaysia.
9. BUSINESS / INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Not allowed.
10. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Not allowed.
11. MEDICAL CHECK-UP
Compulsory to undergo medical checkup in panel clinic/ hospital appointed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for the principal and their dependents after receiving the approval to participate in the MM2H Programme.
12. CATEGORY SPECIALITY
Tax exemption on incoming funds such as FD.
13. CHANGE OF PRINCIPAL
In the event of death of the principal, the MM2H Pass of the deceased is transferable to the next-of-kin among the registered dependents.
14. TERMS OF RENEWAL OF MM2H PASS
• The pass can be renewed for every 5 years after the maximum years of the programme has been completed;
• Applicants will need to produce the latest documents as follows:
a. A copy of a valid passport;
b. A copy of the latest medical report; and
c. Health insurance;
• The fee for renewal pass is RM300 for principal and dependents.