MM2H programme revamp raises entry bars, may deter middle‑class expats
The 2025‑26 overhaul introduces Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers with fixed‑deposit requirements of USD 150,000, 500,000 and 1 million, plus mandatory agent assistance, potentially limiting the programme’s appeal to middle‑income retirees.
The short version
- Silver tier now needs a USD 150,000 fixed deposit.
- Gold tier requires a USD 500,000 deposit and RM1 million property purchase.
- Only Platinum tier allows business activity, with a USD 1 million deposit.
- All applicants must use a Ministry‑licensed MM2H agent.
- Higher costs may push middle‑class applicants toward Thailand or short‑term visas.
Higher financial thresholds
The latest revision classifies applicants into three tiers. The entry‑level Silver tier obliges a fixed deposit of USD 150,000, while the Gold tier ups the requirement to USD 500,000 and a minimum property purchase of RM1 million for a 15‑year renewable visa. The top‑tier Platinum demands a USD 1 million deposit and at least RM2 million in property, granting a 20‑year renewable visa and permission to work or run a business. These figures represent a sharp increase from previous limits, which traditionally attracted a broader middle‑class cohort.
Critics argue that the new deposit amounts tie up liquid capital for a decade, especially since property bought under the scheme cannot be sold before ten years have elapsed. The financial hurdle therefore not only raises the cost of entry but also reduces flexibility for expatriates who may wish to test the market before committing to long‑term ownership.
Mandatory agent involvement
Under the revised guidelines, prospective MM2H participants cannot submit applications directly online. They must engage a Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry‑licensed agent, who assembles the full dossier – passport, financial proofs, medical reports and a letter of intent – and forwards it to the One Stop Centre. The Home Ministry’s Immigration Department then processes the case, a procedure that typically spans several months.
Using a licensed agent adds a layer of professional support but also introduces extra costs and potential delays. While reputable agents offer end‑to‑end guidance on compliant property purchases and fixed‑deposit placement, the requirement eliminates the possibility of a streamlined digital self‑service route that many competing visa programmes now provide.
Regional competition and impact
Thailand’s long‑term visa offerings remain attractive to middle‑income expatriates because they allow income‑based eligibility, lower capital commitments and the option to rent indefinitely. Malaysia retains advantages such as political stability, high English proficiency and a well‑developed healthcare system, yet the heightened financial thresholds and mandatory property ownership narrow the competitive edge it once enjoyed.
If the middle‑class segment, which historically supported tourism receipts and secondary property markets, migrates to alternative destinations, Malaysia could see a reduction in both applicant volume and the broader economic multipliers associated with the programme. The higher tiers will still draw affluent investors, but the overall diversity and sustainability of the MM2H community may be at risk.
“For example, the Gold category requires a US$500,000 (RM2.03mil) fixed deposit and a minimum property purchase of RM1mil for a 15-year renewable visa.”
What it means
What this changes for an applicant
- Applicants now need to allocate substantially more liquid capital, which may deter those without sizable savings.
- Only the Platinum tier permits any form of employment, limiting work opportunities for most retirees.
- The compulsory use of licensed agents adds both cost and processing time, reducing the programme’s convenience compared with regional rivals.
Source
This article was written by Malaysia Visa Guide, based on reporting by The Star. We summarise and explain the news in our own words; we do not reproduce it. Read the original report for the publisher's full account.
Last updated 26 July 2026.
Written and reviewed by Jason Yap, Managing Director of MYPVIP.
Last reviewed 26 July 2026.
News is a starting point, not advice.
For what this means in your own case, the verified figures live in the MM2H guide, or run the eligibility checker.