Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim: Strengthening Malaysia's Residency by Investment Programs

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia has continued to attract global investors and expatriates through its Residency by Investment (RBI) initiatives. The country's strategic location in Southeast Asia, coupled with its rich cultural diversity and robust economy, makes it an appealing destination for those seeking long-term residence.

Malaysia offers several pathways for foreign nationals to obtain residency through investment:

• Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program
  • Overview: The MM2H program is designed to allow foreigners who fulfill certain criteria to stay in Malaysia on a long-term basis. It is particularly popular among retirees and individuals seeking a second home in Asia.
  • Financial Requirements:
    • Liquid Assets: Applicants below 50 years old must have at least MYR 500,000 (approximately USD 116,000) in liquid assets, while those above 50 need MYR 350,000 (approximately USD 81,000).
    • Monthly Income: A minimum offshore income of MYR 10,000 (approximately USD 2,300) per month is required.
  • Fixed Deposit Requirement:
    • Upon approval, applicants below 50 must place a fixed deposit of MYR 300,000 (approximately USD 70,000) in a Malaysian bank, while those above 50 need to deposit MYR 150,000 (approximately USD 35,000).
  • Benefits:
    • Successful applicants receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa, renewable upon fulfilling certain conditions.
    • Participants are allowed to purchase property in Malaysia, subject to state-specific regulations.
    • The program permits the inclusion of spouses and dependents under 21 years old.
• Premium Visa Program (PVIP)
  • Overview: Launched to attract high-net-worth individuals, the PVIP offers a longer-term residency option compared to MM2H.
  • Financial Requirements:
    • Proof of Income: Applicants must demonstrate an offshore income of at least MYR 40,000 (approximately USD 9,200) per month or MYR 480,000 (approximately USD 110,000) annually.
    • Fixed Deposit: A placement of MYR 1 million (approximately USD 230,000) in a Malaysian bank is required, with 50% available for property purchase, health, and education expenses.
  • Benefits:
    • A 20-year residency visa, renewable for an additional 20 years.
    • No age restrictions for the main applicant.
    • Ability to include a spouse, parents, parents-in-law, and children who are unmarried and under 21 years old.
    • No minimum stay requirements, offering flexibility for global travelers.

While Malaysia does not offer direct citizenship through investment, long-term residents may apply for permanent residency (PR) under specific conditions:

• Permanent Residency: Applicants must have resided in Malaysia for a minimum of five consecutive years under a valid long-term visa and demonstrate substantial economic or social contributions to the country.
• Citizenship: After obtaining PR status, individuals may apply for citizenship through naturalization, which requires continuous residence in Malaysia for 10 out of 12 years, proficiency in the Malay language, and renunciation of previous citizenship, as Malaysia does not recognize dual citizenship.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the importance of foreign investment in driving Malaysia's economic development. His administration focuses on:

• Enhancing Investment Climate: Implementing policies to create a more investor-friendly environment, including tax incentives and streamlined regulatory processes.
• Promoting Sustainable Development: Encouraging investments in green technology and sustainable industries to ensure long-term economic resilience.
• Strengthening Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and support business operations across the country.

At Tisoro Global, we have successfully assisted numerous clients in leveraging Malaysia's RBI programs to achieve their residency and investment objectives. Investors are particularly attracted to Malaysia's strategic location, affordable cost of living, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a multicultural society.

Our team of experts provides comprehensive guidance throughout the application process, from selecting the most suitable program to ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

With Malaysia's welcoming stance towards global investors and its robust economic landscape, now is an opportune time to explore residency by investment opportunities. At Tisoro Global, we are committed to helping you navigate these pathways to secure a prosperous future in Malaysia for you and your family.