US Citizens’ Guide to Malaysia’s MM2H Residency 2025
Malaysia’s My Second Home (MM2H) programme is one of Asia’s most established long-term residency schemes. It offers a renewable five-year visa that allows foreign nationals to live in Malaysia with minimal restrictions.
For US citizens, MM2H provides a route to enjoy year-round tropical weather, affordable living, and access to some of Southeast Asia’s most attractive property markets.
Why Malaysia appeals to Americans
Malaysia offers a rare mix of comfort and affordability. English is widely spoken, healthcare is excellent, and daily costs are far lower than in most US cities. Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang combine modern infrastructure with an easy-going lifestyle, while access to nearby Singapore and Thailand makes regional travel simple.
Unlike many Asian destinations, Malaysia allows foreigners to own freehold condominiums, giving long-term residents genuine property ownership rather than short leases. For many Americans seeking a base in Asia, MM2H provides both stability and lifestyle freedom.
The MM2H programme explained
MM2H is Malaysia’s long-stay residency programme designed for foreigners who wish to reside in the country without working. The programme now operates through four confirmed categories Silver, Gold, Platinum, and the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), each with its own financial requirements, visa duration, and compulsory property purchase threshold.
Successful applicants may live anywhere in Malaysia, open local bank accounts, buy property that meets the minimum price regulations, and enjoy most resident privileges except voting and employment.
Eligibility and financial requirements
MM2H applicants must meet the financial criteria for their chosen category. Requirements vary by tier and are based on fixed deposits rather than offshore income.
The confirmed fixed-deposit thresholds are:
Silver Tier: USD 150,000
Gold Tier: USD 500,000
Platinum Tier: USD 1,000,000
Applicants under 50 must also meet a minimum stay requirement of 90 days per year. Those aged 50+ have no minimum stay requirement.
Bank statements in US dollars are accepted if certified. After approval, applicants must place the required fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank. Up to 50% of the deposit may be withdrawn after the property purchase is completed.
Application process for US citizens
The process is straightforward, though careful documentation helps avoid delays. Most US applicants choose to apply through a licensed MM2H agent, but self-application remains possible.
The typical sequence is: submit personal and financial documents, obtain a letter of conditional approval, travel to Malaysia for medical screening, and finalise the visa at the Immigration Department. Processing normally takes several months, and all dependants must be listed from the outset.
Taxes and residency status
MM2H holders are not automatically tax residents. Malaysia follows a territorial tax system, meaning income earned outside Malaysia is usually exempt. However, US citizens must still file annual US tax returns and report global income to the IRS.
Malaysia and the United States have a double-taxation agreement that prevents most income from being taxed twice. For Americans receiving pensions or investment income, this arrangement provides welcome clarity and predictability.
Property ownership and investment options
Foreigners, including MM2H participants, may purchase property in Malaysia subject to state minimum price thresholds. Under MM2H, applicants must also buy a property that meets the programme’s compulsory minimum value:
Silver: RM600,000 minimum
Gold: RM1,000,000 minimum
Platinum: RM2,000,000 minimum
For SEZ applicants, the required purchase is RM500,000 in Forest City, Johor.
This flexibility makes Malaysia particularly appealing for overseas investors. Freehold titles, well-regulated development standards, and transparent land registry systems allow MM2H holders to buy with confidence.
Alestria works with leading developers across Johor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur, helping clients source properties that meet both residency and investment goals.
Lifestyle and cost of living
Compared with major US cities, living costs in Malaysia are typically 50–60 per cent lower. High-quality apartments, private healthcare, and international schooling are all available at reasonable rates. The country’s diverse culture, excellent food, and tropical climate make it a favourite among retirees and digital professionals alike.
Daily convenience is also strong, international flights connect through Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and most banking, insurance and medical services are English-language friendly.
How Alestria supports international buyers
Alestria provides impartial guidance to international clients seeking to combine property investment with lifestyle goals. We focus on helping buyers find and evaluate developments that align with their needs, while connecting them with trusted partners for any visa or residency support.
For personalised advice or early access to upcoming Malaysia property listings, contact us at info@alestriaproperty.com.
FAQs: US citizens and Malaysia’s MM2H programme
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Yes. Direct applications are accepted through official government channels, but many applicants use licensed MM2H agents to manage documentation and communication with the authorities. Applying without an agent is possible but can involve longer processing times and additional follow-up to ensure documents are correctly submitted.
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For Mainland MM2H, there is no income requirement. Eligibility is based on the fixed deposit required for each tier and a compulsory property purchase. For Sarawak S-MM2H, applicants must show either RM10,000 per month in income for singles or RM15,000 per month for couples and families, or alternatively RM100,000 or RM200,000 in liquid assets. After approval, all Sarawak applicants must place a RM500,000 fixed deposit.
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No. MM2H is designed for long-term residence rather than employment. Limited part-time or consultancy work may be approved in specific cases, but most participants use the visa for retirement, lifestyle relocation, or investment purposes.
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Yes. All Mainland MM2H categories now require a compulsory property purchase.
The minimum value depends on the tier:
Silver: RM600,000
Gold: RM1,000,000
Platinum: RM2,000,000
For the SEZ category, applicants must buy a minimum RM500,000 property in Forest City, Johor.
Up to 50% of the fixed deposit can be withdrawn after the property purchase is completed.
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Yes. MM2H holders can buy residential property in Malaysia, provided it meets both the state’s minimum price threshold and the MM2H category minimum.
Foreign ownership is allowed in most condominium developments, with freehold or long leasehold titles depending on the project.
MM2H applicants must ensure the property they choose meets the required value for their tier (RM600k–RM2m for Mainland, RM500k for SEZ).
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Malaysia operates a territorial tax system, meaning income earned outside Malaysia is usually exempt. US citizens must still file annual US tax returns under US tax law. The Malaysia–US double-taxation agreement helps prevent the same income being taxed twice.
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Visa duration depends on the MM2H category:
Silver: 5-year validity
Gold: 15-year validity
Platinum: 20-year validity
SEZ: 10-year validity
All categories are renewable if programme requirements continue to be met.
Applicants aged under 50 must stay a minimum of 90 days per year; those aged 50+ have no stay requirement.
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Yes. Spouses and dependent children under 21 can be included under the principal applicant’s MM2H visa.
