Malaysia offers two prominent residency-by-investment programs: the Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) and the revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) scheme, catering to different investment capacities and residency preferences.
Overview of Malaysia’s Residency Programs
Malaysia provides two primary pathways for foreign nationals, including Indians, to secure long-term residency:
- Premium Visa Programme (PVIP):
A high-end residency scheme designed for individuals with substantial offshore income and investment capacity. - Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H):
A refreshed program offering tiered residency options based on financial criteria, suitable for retirees and investors.
Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
The PVIP is tailored for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term residency without stringent stay requirements. Key features include:
- Offshore Income: Applicants must demonstrate a monthly offshore income of RM 40,000 (approximately ₹7 lakh).
- Fixed Deposit: A fixed deposit of RM 1 million (around ₹1.75 crore) in a licensed Malaysian bank is required. Notably, up to 50% of this deposit can be withdrawn after one year for expenses related to property, education, or healthcare.
- Participation Fees: A participation fee of RM 200,000 for the main applicant and RM 100,000 per dependent.
- Processing Time: Typically, the processing time is about 3 to 4 months once all documents are in order.
- Residency Duration: The PVIP offers a 20-year multiple-entry visa, issued in five-year tranches, with full work and business rights.
- Stay Requirements: There is no minimum stay requirement, providing flexibility for international travelers.
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
The MM2H program caters to individuals seeking a structured, property-linked path to residency. The program has been relaunched with new tiers:
- Silver Tier:
- Deposit: Approximately USD 150,000.
- Property Requirement: Minimum RM 600,000.
- Visa Duration: 5-year renewable visa.
- Gold Tier:
- Deposit: Around USD 500,000.
- Property Requirement: Minimum RM 1 million.
- Visa Duration: 15-year renewable visa.
- Platinum Tier:
- Deposit: Approximately USD 1 million (RM 4.5 million).
- Property Requirement: Minimum RM 2 million.
- Visa Duration: 20-year renewable visa with broader work and investment rights.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be aged 25 or above.
- Stay Requirements: Applicants under 50 must stay at least 90 days a year in Malaysia; those above 50 are often exempt.
- Dependents: The program allows dependents, including spouses, unmarried children up to 34, and parents above 60.
Choosing the Right Program
- PVIP: Ideal for individuals seeking long-term residency with the flexibility to live, work, and invest in Malaysia without stringent stay requirements.
- MM2H: Suitable for retirees or investors looking for a structured, property-linked residency option with varying levels of investment and residency duration.
Application Process
Both programs require applicants to submit necessary documentation, including proof of income, medical clearance, police clearance, and valid health insurance. It’s advisable to consult with Malaysian immigration authorities or authorized agents to navigate the application process effectively.
