We have just received our SMM2H visa. We expected approval in 17 months, but it was received in less than 5 months. Ministry of Tourism Creative Industry Performing Arts (MTCP) now has a dedicated team processing applications. We are both over 50 - no children at school and no need to purchase a property. SMM2H requires monthly income OR liquid assets-NOT both. Plus, 150k or 300k MYR deposit in a local bank. Sarawak has a different, more laidback vibe to KL or Penang. All applicants and dependents need a medical in Sarawak - nothing too tricky, blood tests and a chest x-ray. Medical services are incredibly modern. If you want rainforests, jungles and nature - then Sarawak is the place. You must use a Sarawak agent or a Sarawak citizen to sponsor you. Our agent was efficient, and everything was handled without hassle or drama.
@@tinglestingles wow that's great to hear. Do you mind sharing the details of your agent so I can pass it on? Do you mostly reside in Sarawak or do you also spend time in peninsular Malaysia?
@@Huanga1 Our agent is Amaraz in Kuching - Teresa, Director. We will be residing in both Kuching and Portugal but travelling and staying in Peninsular Malaysia.
@@tinglestingles I've read elsewhere that requirements are 10K MYR income per month PLUS 300K MYR local bank deposit. You stated above that liquid assets can be an alternative to the 10K monthly income? I did not see mention of liquid assets possibility on Amaraz website either. I would be grateful if you could elaborate on that because I was not aware, and would be more suitable in my case. Thanks for any info/clarification
@@silversurfer6758 the requirement changed this year. Look on the government website in Sarawak or contact Aramaz directly. The government information clearly states and Aramaz also mentioned during our meeting. I am 101% that this deposit is in place of the monthly income - the fixed deposit of 300k MYR is still needed in a local bank for a couple.
Remember: PORK is not allowed at many places. At typical Chinese Buddhists and Indian towns, gardens, or new villages, do not eat beef. HALAL sign means NO PORK. 😊
Subang Jaya Hospital in Selangor has a lot of Chinese employees. Check it's affiliation with our GARFIELD HOSPITAL, Monterey Park, California. Subang Jaya has one area known as Little Taiwan. A lot of Taiwanese and Taiwanese firms. These Taiwanese usually would sponsor Taiwanese and Chinese.
Hi Andy. Awesome video and with alot of good information. Thanks. I'm surprised that when people talking about MM2H, they didn't share about the application processing fee but you did. Thank you for that information because it's not cheap fee. Looks like MM2H may be out of reach for me because of the risks and huge amount of money upfront. I will share your video with my relatives because they're also interested to live in Malaysia from Australia. Again, thank you for your video. If you don't mind, please continue to make the video of your experience and legal process of your transition to Malaysia.
@@ricedrown I’m glad I was able to help. I think of the visas available the digital nomad visa is very reasonable. As long as you have some type of income that qualifies.
@@Huanga1 yep I think so too. Digital nomad visa will work best for me; also an ideal first step to try out the country if the environment can fit our lifestyles without putting too much risks. Thanks. I'm looking forward to your future videos
If you planning to live around Petaling Jaya or nearby let me know i can be your local tour guide. Happy to show you guys around and get use to your new home
I would like to propose additional options for you to consider or investigate further. (1) Guardian Visa. If your child is schooling in Malaysia, you may apply for Guardian Visa. You can accompany your child till he is 17 yo (if Im not mistaken). Many chinese, korean, japanese apply visa via this route. (2) Open a MSC company in Malaysia and get employed with the company. The company has to be a technology company. (3) Open a company in Labuan and do business abroad/outside of Malaysia. Then apply employment visa via this company which allow you to stay in Malaysia. Being an American, you will be taxed globally. Hence you are subjected to doubletax (in the US and in Malaysia as there is no double tax agreement between Msia n the USA). Labuan tax is only 6% hence it will not be soo burdensome if you are double taxed.
@@amanshahosman9082 wow that's great information. The guardian may not allow us to work in Malaysia right? I hadn't considered opening a company and then becoming an employee but that makes sense. Good thing is neither of us are American citizens so we could avoid double taxation with some preparation.
Thanks for your insights. I am curious with the third option (Labuan business) - do you need to hire local people for the company? If the company can be doing business abroad, I assume this can be any business right? Are there any official government website that provides more information. I appreciate your info!
Must be a typo for the Sarawak MM2H. The required proof of foreign income (pension/salary) is Rm7000 (single) /Rm10,000 (couple).. That converts to roughly $1600/$2100. Another alternative is proof of a foreign fixed deposit of Rm50,000 ($12,000). Then there's the FD in a local Sarawak bank of ,~ Rm150K (single)/Rm300K (couple) with allowance for up to 40%withdrael for reimbursement of expenses for property or car purchase, kids tuition or other educational expenses, andor medical expenses. For retirees over 50 it probably is the best of the Malaysian MM2H programs. No property purchase requirement, and unlike all but the Platinum MM2H one can work PT as a teacher or in some other fields. One can even invest in a business up to 49% as asilent partner.
@@coco.aidenoh good question. I would like to transition to a longer term visa if we decide to live in Malaysia long term. So likely a MM2H or S-MM2H if we want to purchase a property. Or employment pass if I can start a company and employ myself. A lot of things will change in the next 2 years so who knows what options will be available then. 🤷🏻♂️
Why not just leave every 3 months for a day or two and then go back and not worry about the visa? Is there an advantage to the visa? Otherwise, the digital nomad visa seems like a great option without much of a commitment while you figure out if you like it as much as you hope.
@@InvestingWithAdamK I don’t think you can use the tourist visa like that indefinitely. Although that’s what I did in the Philippines a long time ago. My wife needs to work, and being Australian she can’t work for a U.S. or Malaysian company while living in Malaysia without a valid visa.
@@Huanga1 Understand. My wife and I discuss moving there as well. When we visited last summer and toured some schools and looked at some properties the realtor said something about leaving every 90 days. The digital nomad visa seemed pretty attractive to me, but I hadn’t researched it that much because not sure how serious we are. Hopefully whatever you decide works out well and you enjoy things there.
@@InvestingWithAdamK thank you. Initially we’ll probably be on the digital nomad visa, and see if Malaysia is where we want to be long term. If you don’t need to live or work in Malaysia then you can do the 90 day tourist visa. It really depends on how strict the immigration officer is. I have no idea 🤷🏻♂️
@@Huanga1There's limit on the total number of days in a year for tourist visa. I remember it was 180 days total annually for Japan. Moreover immigration can get suspicious for visa abuse and deny the entry. So there's risk
MM2H is not currently available for new applicants. The government has not released it yet. It was presented at a conference in December, but some details were changed in June. Agencies have now had to have their businesses audited (and re-licensed) before they can start accepting applications. Some agencies are advertising they have received a new license and are accepting applications BUT the government will not start until ALL agents have been audited. No one knows why they are dragging their feet to open the visa for applications. Current proposed residence requirement for MM2H is 90 days every year - within Malaysia. Also, the property purchase price floor for each category is different - silver is 600kMYR BUT... as a foreigner, to purchase a property in KL the minimum is 1million MYR. Other states have their own floor price - I think Selangor is 2million MYR.
Sarawak MM2H he as never closed. Agents are still taking and processing applications and people are still receiving them (average time seems to be 5-7 months, recently).
Again, except for applicants under 50 without children who are attending a local school, there is not required property purchase and no nonsense about holding property for five or ten years. If you DO OPT to buy property there is a RM600K floor for landed property e.g. house, duplex, bungalow). And amazingly foreigners can purchase a strata property (condo) without any floor..
@@gerrelldrawhorn8975 I'm talking about the Federal MM2H program. I am fully aware of the SMM2H I am a pass holder and recently went through the process.
@@riverleigh8 I won't be able to make a new video about it, but the S-MM2H looks to be the best option for those 50+. No property purchase required, only an income (RM10,000 for couple, RM7,000 for single) or asset requirement (RM100,000 for couple, RM50,000 for single), and a deposit of RM 300,000 for couple and RM150,000 for single.
@@Huanga1 Thank you for the information. Out of curiosity and a possible video have you chosen an area to live and if so what reasoning led you to the decision?
We have just received our SMM2H visa. We expected approval in 17 months, but it was received in less than 5 months. Ministry of Tourism Creative Industry Performing Arts (MTCP) now has a dedicated team processing applications. We are both over 50 - no children at school and no need to purchase a property. SMM2H requires monthly income OR liquid assets-NOT both. Plus, 150k or 300k MYR deposit in a local bank. Sarawak has a different, more laidback vibe to KL or Penang. All applicants and dependents need a medical in Sarawak - nothing too tricky, blood tests and a chest x-ray. Medical services are incredibly modern. If you want rainforests, jungles and nature - then Sarawak is the place. You must use a Sarawak agent or a Sarawak citizen to sponsor you. Our agent was efficient, and everything was handled without hassle or drama.
@@tinglestingles wow that's great to hear. Do you mind sharing the details of your agent so I can pass it on?
Do you mostly reside in Sarawak or do you also spend time in peninsular Malaysia?
@@Huanga1 Our agent is Amaraz in Kuching - Teresa, Director. We will be residing in both Kuching and Portugal but travelling and staying in Peninsular Malaysia.
@@tinglestingles great thanks!
@@tinglestingles I've read elsewhere that requirements are 10K MYR income per month PLUS 300K MYR local bank deposit. You stated above that liquid assets can be an alternative to the 10K monthly income? I did not see mention of liquid assets possibility on Amaraz website either. I would be grateful if you could elaborate on that because I was not aware, and would be more suitable in my case. Thanks for any info/clarification
@@silversurfer6758 the requirement changed this year. Look on the government website in Sarawak or contact Aramaz directly. The government information clearly states and Aramaz also mentioned during our meeting. I am 101% that this deposit is in place of the monthly income - the fixed deposit of 300k MYR is still needed in a local bank for a couple.
you're most welcome to live here, wishing you and your family all the best
@@speedygonzales3290 thank you! ♥️
TQ for accepting MM2H program..you are most welcomed.
@@norzilahaziz6695 thanks! ♥️
Remember: PORK is not allowed at many places. At typical Chinese Buddhists and Indian towns, gardens, or new villages, do not eat beef. HALAL sign means NO PORK. 😊
Subang Jaya Hospital in Selangor has a lot of Chinese employees. Check it's affiliation with our GARFIELD HOSPITAL, Monterey Park, California. Subang Jaya has one area known as Little Taiwan. A lot of Taiwanese and Taiwanese firms. These Taiwanese usually would sponsor Taiwanese and Chinese.
@@goodmomdiscipline5178 I'll remember that. 👍
@@goodmomdiscipline5178 thanks!
Good try for all, hope will get a smooth application😊
@@kamrulz659 yup good luck everyone!
Hi Andy. Awesome video and with alot of good information. Thanks. I'm surprised that when people talking about MM2H, they didn't share about the application processing fee but you did. Thank you for that information because it's not cheap fee. Looks like MM2H may be out of reach for me because of the risks and huge amount of money upfront. I will share your video with my relatives because they're also interested to live in Malaysia from Australia. Again, thank you for your video. If you don't mind, please continue to make the video of your experience and legal process of your transition to Malaysia.
@@ricedrown I’m glad I was able to help. I think of the visas available the digital nomad visa is very reasonable. As long as you have some type of income that qualifies.
@@Huanga1 yep I think so too. Digital nomad visa will work best for me; also an ideal first step to try out the country if the environment can fit our lifestyles without putting too much risks. Thanks. I'm looking forward to your future videos
@@ricedrown thank you!
Cool presentation nice and easy to understand ❤
@@Gdftgu thanks! ♥️
Very helpful summary. Have also heard there is a MM2H for Sabah but it is getting less attention on TH-cam for some reason.
@@TCK_WanderNWonder very small place, need to purchase property from a developer. Can only reside in Sabah not the rest of Malaysia.
@@TCK_WanderNWonder I haven’t seen much details but I will look into it. 👍
Good luck in your application !
@@Hilmi_Fox6263 thank you! ♥️
Welcome to Malaysia Andy n wife
@@fuadarif4056 thank you! ❤️
If you planning to live around Petaling Jaya or nearby let me know i can be your local tour guide. Happy to show you guys around and get use to your new home
@@Keltan79 that would be great! ♥️
I would like to propose additional options for you to consider or investigate further.
(1) Guardian Visa. If your child is schooling in Malaysia, you may apply for Guardian Visa. You can accompany your child till he is 17 yo (if Im not mistaken). Many chinese, korean, japanese apply visa via this route.
(2) Open a MSC company in Malaysia and get employed with the company. The company has to be a technology company.
(3) Open a company in Labuan and do business abroad/outside of Malaysia. Then apply employment visa via this company which allow you to stay in Malaysia. Being an American, you will be taxed globally. Hence you are subjected to doubletax (in the US and in Malaysia as there is no double tax agreement between Msia n the USA). Labuan tax is only 6% hence it will not be soo burdensome if you are double taxed.
@@amanshahosman9082 wow that's great information. The guardian may not allow us to work in Malaysia right?
I hadn't considered opening a company and then becoming an employee but that makes sense.
Good thing is neither of us are American citizens so we could avoid double taxation with some preparation.
@@Huanga1 I'm not sure about the details .. but please do some investigation. All the best
@@amanshahosman9082 thanks 👍
@@amanshahosman9082 thanks for the tip. 👍
Thanks for your insights. I am curious with the third option (Labuan business) - do you need to hire local people for the company? If the company can be doing business abroad, I assume this can be any business right? Are there any official government website that provides more information. I appreciate your info!
Thank you for sharing. Such valuable information.
@@jc1918 you’re welcome! Please feel free to share with anyone who’s thinking of moving. 😊
Sabah also has mm2h visa. Malaysia has 3 mm2h visas. 2 in borneo, 1 in peninsula
I’m on MM2H visa
@@Photojouralist123 how long did it take you to get it? I imagine you got it before the rules changed?
You did not state if you must keep the property 10 yrs. with the S-MM2H?
@@tbbarabara that is a requirement of the S-MM2H as far as I know.
@@Huanga1I think same as peninsula
Must be a typo for the Sarawak MM2H. The required proof of foreign income (pension/salary) is Rm7000 (single) /Rm10,000 (couple).. That converts to roughly $1600/$2100. Another alternative is proof of a foreign fixed deposit of Rm50,000 ($12,000). Then there's the FD in a local Sarawak bank of ,~ Rm150K (single)/Rm300K (couple) with allowance for up to 40%withdrael for reimbursement of expenses for property or car purchase, kids tuition or other educational expenses, andor medical expenses.
For retirees over 50 it probably is the best of the Malaysian MM2H programs. No property purchase requirement, and unlike all but the Platinum MM2H one can work PT as a teacher or in some other fields. One can even invest in a business up to 49% as asilent partner.
@@gerrelldrawhorn8975 yes I agree for 50 and over it's the best option. 👍
Whats your plan after two years nomad visa(with renewed)? Or can you renew every 12month?
@@coco.aidenoh good question. I would like to transition to a longer term visa if we decide to live in Malaysia long term. So likely a MM2H or S-MM2H if we want to purchase a property. Or employment pass if I can start a company and employ myself.
A lot of things will change in the next 2 years so who knows what options will be available then. 🤷🏻♂️
Malaysia is the southern part Country by land to start your journey to the rest of Asia, Africa and Europe
@@zanzillahsaruji9966 👍
Why not just leave every 3 months for a day or two and then go back and not worry about the visa? Is there an advantage to the visa?
Otherwise, the digital nomad visa seems like a great option without much of a commitment while you figure out if you like it as much as you hope.
@@InvestingWithAdamK I don’t think you can use the tourist visa like that indefinitely. Although that’s what I did in the Philippines a long time ago.
My wife needs to work, and being Australian she can’t work for a U.S. or Malaysian company while living in Malaysia without a valid visa.
@@Huanga1 Understand. My wife and I discuss moving there as well. When we visited last summer and toured some schools and looked at some properties the realtor said something about leaving every 90 days.
The digital nomad visa seemed pretty attractive to me, but I hadn’t researched it that much because not sure how serious we are.
Hopefully whatever you decide works out well and you enjoy things there.
@@InvestingWithAdamK thank you. Initially we’ll probably be on the digital nomad visa, and see if Malaysia is where we want to be long term.
If you don’t need to live or work in Malaysia then you can do the 90 day tourist visa. It really depends on how strict the immigration officer is. I have no idea 🤷🏻♂️
@@Huanga1There's limit on the total number of days in a year for tourist visa. I remember it was 180 days total annually for Japan. Moreover immigration can get suspicious for visa abuse and deny the entry. So there's risk
@@whwong7141 yup that's true. 👍
MM2H is not currently available for new applicants. The government has not released it yet. It was presented at a conference in December, but some details were changed in June. Agencies have now had to have their businesses audited (and re-licensed) before they can start accepting applications. Some agencies are advertising they have received a new license and are accepting applications BUT the government will not start until ALL agents have been audited. No one knows why they are dragging their feet to open the visa for applications. Current proposed residence requirement for MM2H is 90 days every year - within Malaysia. Also, the property purchase price floor for each category is different - silver is 600kMYR BUT... as a foreigner, to purchase a property in KL the minimum is 1million MYR. Other states have their own floor price - I think Selangor is 2million MYR.
Sarawak MM2H he as never closed. Agents are still taking and processing applications and people are still receiving them (average time seems to be 5-7 months, recently).
Again, except for applicants under 50 without children who are attending a local school, there is not required property purchase and no nonsense about holding property for five or ten years.
If you DO OPT to buy property there is a RM600K floor for landed property e.g. house, duplex, bungalow). And amazingly foreigners can purchase a strata property (condo) without any floor..
@@gerrelldrawhorn8975 I'm talking about the Federal MM2H program. I am fully aware of the SMM2H I am a pass holder and recently went through the process.
@@gerrelldrawhorn8975 AGAIN , I am talking about Federal MM2H not Sarawak MM2H
@@tinglestingles thanks for the additional info. 🙏
It is complicated. But my bet is sarawak mm2h is cheaper.
@@keangwooichoo6138 it is much cheaper, and a great option if you don't mind spending 30 days in Sarawak. 👍
@Huanga1 30 days is a small sacrifice. Anyway sarawak has many national parks.
@@keangwooichoo6138 yes agreed. I could do 2 2 week vacations to escape KL. 😊
@Andy Huang, You can learn something from this great channel (A Nomad Life) by an ex-investment banker.
@@iaam8141 thanks I’ve been watching her content already 👍
SMM2H visa is a lot better for your children.
@@72ndexter I think it's a great option overall. As long as you're okay spending 30 days in Sarawak each year
@@Huanga1 SMM2H has more advantages and benefits.
@@72ndexter I think so too
can you cover the visa for 50 and over for SMM2H and MM2H thankyou
@@riverleigh8 I won't be able to make a new video about it, but the S-MM2H looks to be the best option for those 50+. No property purchase required, only an income (RM10,000 for couple, RM7,000 for single) or asset requirement (RM100,000 for couple, RM50,000 for single), and a deposit of RM 300,000 for couple and RM150,000 for single.
@@Huanga1 do we need both Asset requirements and deposit in MY bank?
@@MountainGoat67 the deposit is required. You also need to meet the income requirement OR liquid assets requirement.
@@Huanga1 Thank you for the information. Out of curiosity and a possible video have you chosen an area to live and if so what reasoning led you to the decision?
@@riverleigh8 actually that's the next video I'm planning to make!
MM2H 10yrs
@@xchaix the silver tier is 5 years now. MM2H was 10 years before.
@@Huanga1 it is ok, can ask for renewal or PR 😁👍
Problem is not which one visa. Is about you qualify for application or not!
@@kynelighn that's true. But I don't see why we would be denied if we applied.