What residency options are available in Malaysia for foreigners?

Malaysia offers several long-stay residency pathways, most notably MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) and PVIP (Premium Visa Programme). Each has different eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and implications for property ownership. The right option depends on your intended length of stay, financial profile, and whether property ownership forms part of your plan.

What is MM2H and who is it suited for?

MM2H is a long-stay residency programme designed for foreigners seeking to live in Malaysia on a long-term basis. It is commonly used by retirees, lifestyle buyers, and long-term residents. Under the current framework, approved applicants must meet specific financial criteria and purchase qualifying property at the required value for their tier.

What is PVIP and how does it differ from MM2H?

PVIP is a higher-tier residency programme aimed at high-net-worth individuals. Unlike MM2H, PVIP does not require mandatory property ownership, offering greater flexibility for those who wish to reside in Malaysia without committing to a purchase. Financial thresholds are higher, but the programme offers longer validity and fewer restrictions.

Do I need to buy property to obtain Malaysian residency?

Not always. Property purchase is required under MM2H, but not mandatory under PVIP. Property ownership rules are separate from residency rules and remain governed by state-level regulations and minimum price thresholds for foreign buyers.

Should residency planning come before buying property?

Yes. Residency status can affect property suitability, holding strategy, and long-term flexibility. Buyers planning extended stays are generally advised to consider residency options before committing to a purchase, particularly where MM2H eligibility or holding requirements may apply.

Is there an initial consultation available?

Yes. Alestria clients can request an initial consultation, coordinated with our licensed residency partners, to understand available options and next steps. This is provided with no obligation and is designed to help you assess suitability before proceeding further.

How does Alestria fit residency planning with property decisions?

We help ensure property decisions align with the residency pathway being considered — factoring in location, property type, liquidity, and compliance. Where residency is a priority, we coordinate with licensed advisers so both elements work together rather than in isolation.

Malaysia Residency & MM2H Pathways for International Buyers

Understand Malaysia’s residency options, MM2H requirements, and how property ownership fits into long-term lifestyle and investment planning, with guidance coordinated through licensed local MM2H partners.

Book a Free Residency Consultation

Planning Long-Term Residency in Malaysia

Malaysia offers multiple long-stay residency pathways for international buyers, each with different requirements, financial thresholds, and planning considerations. Understanding how programmes such as MM2H and PVIP work and how they intersect with property ownership, is a critical first step before making long-term decisions.

Penang Island view of the sea, beach and skyscrapers in the distance.

How Residency and Property Planning Work Together

Residency planning in Malaysia is not one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on whether long-term residence is your primary objective, or whether it supports a broader lifestyle or investment plan.

Some pathways, such as MM2H, include property ownership as part of the programme framework. Others, including PVIP, allow residency without a mandatory property purchase. In all cases, property ownership remains subject to state-level rules, minimum price thresholds, and approval processes.

To ensure decisions are made in the correct order, Alestria coordinates closely with licensed Malaysian residency advisers, providing clients with access to an initial consultation at no cost. This allows eligibility, timelines, and visa requirements to be clarified before any property commitments are made.

Our role is to ensure property choices, location, and investment structure align with the residency pathway being considered, avoiding mismatches, delays, or unnecessary risk.

Request Residency & Property Guidance

Malaysia Residency FAQs

Malaysia offers several long-stay residency pathways, most notably MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) and PVIP (Premium Visa Programme). Each has different eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and implications for property ownership. The right option depends on your intended length of stay, financial profile, and whether property ownership forms part of your plan.
MM2H is a long-stay residency programme designed for foreigners seeking to live in Malaysia on a long-term basis. It is commonly used by retirees, lifestyle buyers, and long-term residents. Under the current framework, approved applicants must meet specific financial criteria and purchase qualifying property at the required value for their tier.
PVIP is a higher-tier residency programme aimed at high-net-worth individuals. Unlike MM2H, PVIP does not require mandatory property ownership, offering greater flexibility for those who wish to reside in Malaysia without committing to a purchase. Financial thresholds are higher, but the programme offers longer validity and fewer restrictions.
Not always. Property purchase is required under MM2H, but not mandatory under PVIP. Property ownership rules are separate from residency rules and remain governed by state-level regulations and minimum price thresholds for foreign buyers.
Yes. Residency status can affect property suitability, holding strategy, and long-term flexibility. Buyers planning extended stays are generally advised to consider residency options before committing to a purchase, particularly where MM2H eligibility or holding requirements may apply.
Yes. Alestria clients can request an initial consultation, coordinated with our licensed residency partners, to understand available options and next steps. This is provided with no obligation and is designed to help you assess suitability before proceeding further.
We help ensure property decisions align with the residency pathway being considered — factoring in location, property type, liquidity, and compliance. Where residency is a priority, we coordinate with licensed advisers so both elements work together rather than in isolation.

Request Residency Consultation

Share a few details and we’ll arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation with our licensed Malaysian residency partners to discuss MM2H, PVIP, and how residency planning may align with your property objectives.

If you’d prefer to make a general enquiry by email instead, you can contact us directly at info@alestriaproperty.com.