Malaysia Golden Visa (PVIP) 2026: Requirements, Benefits & Property Investment Guide
Malaysia’s Premium Visa Programme (PVIP), widely known as the country’s “Golden Visa”, has become one of Asia’s most appealing long-stay residency routes for internationally mobile investors. Offering up to twenty years of renewable residency and the freedom to work, invest and live in Malaysia without strict relocation requirements, PVIP is designed for high-income individuals who want stability and flexibility in a growing, well-connected country.
PVIP is completely separate from Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H). It has its own financial criteria, benefits and residency structure, and appeals to those who prefer a premium, long-term visa option with clearer work and investment rights. This guide explains exactly how PVIP works in 2026, who qualifies, and how it fits with Malaysia’s property market in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang and beyond.
What the Malaysia Golden Visa (PVIP) is
PVIP is a long-stay residency programme issued by Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs. It grants a renewable twenty-year residency pass, issued in two ten-year blocks, and allows applicants to live in Malaysia, enter and exit freely, and undertake a broad range of economic and lifestyle activities.
There are no language tests, no upper age limit and no requirement to relocate full-time. PVIP is designed to offer long-term certainty for those who wish to base themselves in Malaysia, maintain offshore income, or spend part of the year in the country.
PVIP eligibility requirements in 2026
Applicants must meet clear financial and documentation criteria. The core requirements are:
Proof of offshore income of at least RM 200,000 per year, shown through employment, business activity or investment income.
A RM 1,000,000 fixed deposit placed in a Malaysian bank. After the first year, up to half of this can be withdrawn for approved expenses such as property purchases, private education and healthcare.
A clear security and background check, including evidence of a clean criminal record.
Eligibility for family inclusion, allowing spouses, children under twenty-one and parents to be added under the main application.
No age limit and no nationality restrictions.
These requirements are stable and straightforward, making PVIP one of the simplest long-stay investor visas in the region.
How PVIP differs from MM2H
Although PVIP and MM2H are often compared, they serve different purposes and suit different types of applicants.
PVIP is aimed at internationally mobile professionals, business owners and investors who want long-term access to Malaysia with the ability to work or run a business. It offers a much longer residency period, broader work rights and greater freedom in how applicants manage their income and lifestyle.
MM2H is designed primarily for long-stay lifestyle residents and retirees. It has shorter residency periods, different financial requirements and limited work permissions. Most MM2H applicants use the programme as a part-time residence option rather than a base for employment or business activity.
In practical terms, PVIP offers more flexibility for those who wish to maintain international income or participate in commercial activity in Malaysia. MM2H, meanwhile, suits those who want a long-stay lifestyle programme without employment needs.
Readers who want to explore MM2H in more detail can refer to our full guide:
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – 2025 Rules, Benefits & Property Insights.
Does PVIP require property investment?
Eligibility is based solely on income, financial stability and the required fixed deposit. Buying property is entirely optional and does not affect the application process. Likewise, foreigners do not need PVIP to purchase property in Malaysia, as the same ownership rules apply to all international buyers, including access to freehold and leasehold properties above state minimum thresholds, which usually range from RM 600,000 to RM 1 million depending on the location.
Financing is available from selected Malaysian banks, though loan-to-value ratios are generally lower for non-residents. Buyers should also factor in stamp duty, legal fees, valuation charges and annual maintenance costs. Malaysia does not apply capital gains tax when a property is sold after five years of ownership, which benefits long-term investors.
Readers who want a clear overview of Malaysia’s foreign-ownership rules can refer to our dedicated guide:
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Malaysia in 2025? Updated Rules, Prices & Guide
Where PVIP holders typically invest in property
Many residents choose to buy after securing PVIP because the visa provides long-term certainty, making it easier to plan for relocation, lifestyle use or investment.
Kuala Lumpur remains the most popular destination. Central districts such as KLCC, Bukit Bintang, TRX, Mont’Kiara and Bangsar South offer modern freehold condominiums, international schools, healthcare facilities and vibrant commercial centres. KL’s rental market is also supported by a large expatriate community and consistent domestic demand.
Johor attracts buyers who value proximity to Singapore. Waterfront developments, improving transport links and ongoing economic initiatives contribute to long-term appeal for both lifestyle and investment purposes.
Penang continues to draw those who prefer a slower pace of life, coastal scenery and strong local amenities. Its established housing market remains popular with long-stay residents, retirees and remote workers.
Key benefits of PVIP
PVIP offers one of the longest and most flexible residency options in Asia. Holders receive a renewable twenty-year pass that allows them to live, work and invest in Malaysia while maintaining offshore income or operating international businesses. The programme has no language requirements, no upper age limit and no minimum-stay obligations, giving applicants complete freedom to structure their time between Malaysia and other countries.
Family members can be included under the same application, making PVIP suitable for those planning long-term relocation as well as those who want a dependable base in Southeast Asia without formally emigrating. The visa is also compatible with Malaysia’s established property ownership framework, which allows foreigners to purchase freehold and leasehold property above state minimum thresholds.
It is important to note that PVIP does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. It should be viewed as a long-stay residency programme designed for flexibility rather than as an immigration route. For globally mobile individuals seeking stability, practical work rights and access to a mature, affordable property market, PVIP remains one of the region’s most attractive residency options.
FAQ: Malaysia Golden Visa (PVIP)
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PVIP is Malaysia’s Premium Visa Programme, a long-stay residency scheme that grants a renewable twenty-year pass with broad work, business and investment rights. It is aimed at internationally mobile individuals who want long-term flexibility in Malaysia.
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No. PVIP eligibility is based on income and a fixed deposit. Property investment is optional and follows the same ownership rules that apply to all foreign buyers in Malaysia.
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Applicants must demonstrate offshore income of at least RM 200,000 per year. This can be from employment, business activity or investment income.
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A RM 1,000,000 fixed deposit must be placed in a Malaysian bank. After one year, up to half may be withdrawn for approved uses, including property purchases, healthcare and private education.
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Yes. PVIP allows employment, business activity and investment, offering broader flexibility than most long-stay regional visas.
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Yes. Spouses, unmarried children under twenty-one and parents can be added as dependants under the same application.
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No. PVIP does not create a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. It is a long-stay residency pass rather than an immigration route.
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Yes. PVIP holders may buy freehold or leasehold property above state minimum thresholds, following the same rules that apply to all foreign buyers.
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PVIP offers longer residency, broader work rights and a simpler financial structure. MM2H has different financial thresholds, shorter residency periods and more limited work permissions.
