Malaysia residence permit by investment

Legal grounds

Since July 2024 the second home programme has run under new rules managed by Malaysia's tourism ministry. The old requirements - assets of RM 1.5 million and income of RM 40,000 a month - have been abolished. The visa is now based on a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank and a home purchase in the country, with amounts depending on the tier.

Exchange rate per the European Central Bank on 5 October 2026. In some states, such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor, the minimum home price for foreigners may be higher.

The deposit and the home purchase

The deposit is placed with a licensed Malaysian bank before the visa is endorsed in the passport and kept for the whole period of participation. From the second year up to 50% can be withdrawn for approved purposes: buying a home in Malaysia, education or medical treatment; the other half stays until the end of the visa term and is returned when you leave the programme. A home purchase is mandatory in all tiers except special economic zones, and the sale and purchase agreement must be signed within a year of the visa being issued.

Who can be included in the visa

• a spouse;
• unmarried children up to 34 who do not work in Malaysia;
• children with disabilities, with no age limit;
• the applicant's parents and the spouse's parents.

The principal applicant must be at least 25, or 21 in special economic zones. You must spend at least 90 days a year in the country.

Government fees

Besides the deposit and the home, the principal applicant pays a one-time participation fee:

• Silver - RM 1,000, about $245;
• Gold - RM 3,000, about $735;
• Platinum - RM 200,000, about $49,000.

An 8% tax is added to the fees, plus charges for the visa, the medical check and mandatory insurance.

How to apply

Government bodies do not accept applications directly: you can apply only through an authorised programme agent. After approval the applicant travels to Malaysia, opens the deposit, takes out insurance, passes a medical check and receives the visa in the passport. A home is then bought within a year.

Taxes for visa holders

Malaysia taxes income arising in or derived from the country. Foreign income of individuals remitted to Malaysia is exempt until 31 December 2036 if it has already been taxed in the source country. More on rates on the Malaysia taxes page.

Documents and where to get them

1. A passport valid for at least 18 months and photos on a blue background.
2. Bank statements for the last 3 months and, after approval, proof of the fixed deposit with a Malaysian bank.
3. A medical report from a doctor registered in Malaysia or a recognised doctor abroad.
4. Health insurance.
5. A police certificate for every participant over 18 - from the country of citizenship or residence.
6. A cover letter explaining why you are moving.
7. Marriage and birth certificates for family members, translated.

How to get approved the first time

• the passport is valid for less than 18 months;
• statements do not show the funds for the tier's deposit;
• a police certificate is missing for one of the adult family members;
• the home purchase agreement is not signed within a year of the visa being issued;
• the participant spends fewer than 90 days a year in Malaysia.

Comparison with neighbouring countries

Thailand is cheaper to enter, but it is a paid programme with no refund, while in Malaysia the deposit stays yours and is returned when you leave the programme.

Entry before the visa and timelines on the ground

Russian citizens do not need a visa for trips to Malaysia of up to 30 days, so after preliminary approval you can travel visa-free. During that trip you usually open the deposit, take out insurance and pass the medical check, after which the visa is endorsed in your passport. The home purchase agreement must be signed within a year of the visa being issued, so it is best to start choosing a home early.

How Murblz helps with the second home visa

We choose the tier for your budget and family, check the property and state restrictions, prepare documents and run the application through an authorised agent until the visa is endorsed. If you need remote work from Malaysia rather than long-term status, we compare the programme with the digital nomad visa. The first consultation is free.

Every way to get residency in Malaysia

This is one route. All the other grounds for residency in Malaysia, with conditions, amounts in dollars and timelines, are compared on How to get residency in Malaysia in 2026: every route.

Benefits of a Malaysian residence permit

How to get the residence permit: step by step

FAQ