How to choose an MM2H agent
Every MM2H application must go through a MOTAC-licensed agent — there is no DIY route. Your choice of agent is the single biggest decision you control. Here’s how to make it well.
The basics
What an MM2H agent actually does
An MM2H agent (officially a “licensed tour operator company”) is the only channel to submit your application. They don’t decide approval — MOTAC and the Immigration Department do that. But the quality of your submission determines whether your file sails through or stalls.
What a good agent handles
- Reviews your documents for completeness before submission
- Advises on tier selection based on your financial situation
- Prepares and lodges the file with the One Stop Centre (OSC MM2H)
- Coordinates the fixed deposit placement with your chosen bank
- Arranges the medical check-up at a MOTAC-appointed clinic
- Manages the endorsement appointment and visa collection
- Assists with dependant applications alongside the principal
What an agent does NOT do
- Decide your approval — only MOTAC and Immigration can approve
- Speed up MOTAC processing — the timeline is the timeline
- Guarantee approval — anyone who guarantees this is lying
- Handle property purchase — use a separate property agent/lawyer
- Replace independent advice — get tax and legal counsel separately
- Process your police clearance — that's between you and your country
Step one
Verify the MOTAC licence
Before you pay anyone, verify their licence on the official MOTAC list. As of October 2026, there are approximately 248 licensed agents on the list. Here’s how to check:
1. Go to the official MM2H agencies list
Visit the MOTAC website or the mm2h.gov.my portal and find the list of licensed agencies. Match the company’s exact registered name to what appears on your quote.
2. Check the licence is current
Licences can be suspended or revoked. In 2024, MOTAC suspended operations for some agents during a licensing review. A licence that was valid last year may not be valid today — check the current list, not an old screenshot.
3. Match the Malaysian entity
If you’re working with an overseas representative, verify the Malaysian company that will actually lodge your file — not the overseas office. The licensed entity must be the one on the MOTAC list.
Know the costs
Agent fees vs government fees
A common confusion is mixing up government fees (fixed, non-negotiable) with agent service fees (market-based, negotiable). Always ask for an itemised written quote that separates the two.
| Fee type | Who it goes to | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agent service fee | Your agent | RM 20,000–50,000+ | Market-based; varies by tier, complexity, and agent |
| Processing fee | Government (MOTAC) | RM 5,000 (principal) + RM 2,500/dependant | Fixed; same for all tiers |
| Participation fee | Government (MOTAC) | RM 1,000 (Silver) / RM 3,000 (Gold) / RM 200,000 (Platinum) | One-off; principal only; no dependant fee |
| Pass fee | Government (Immigration) | RM 500/year | Paid for the visa duration |
| Visa fee | Government (Immigration) | RM 0–50 | Varies by nationality |
| Security bond stamp | LHDN (Inland Revenue) | RM 10 | Stamping of personal bond |
| Medical check-up | MOTAC-appointed clinic | RM 200–500 | Per person; principal + dependants |
| Medical insurance | Insurer | Varies | Required for aged 60 and below; annual premium |
Protect yourself
Red flags to watch for
“We guarantee approval”
No agent can guarantee approval. MOTAC and Immigration decide — the agent submits your file. If they promise guaranteed approval, they're either lying or don't understand the process.
“We can fast-track your application”
MOTAC processing has no fast-track lane. An agent can ensure a complete submission (which avoids delays) but cannot speed up the review itself. Be sceptical of anyone selling speed.
Not on the MOTAC list
If the company name doesn't appear on the current official agencies list, they cannot lodge your application. Some claim to be 'in the process of getting licensed' or operate through a licensed partner — verify the actual licensed entity.
No written quote or contract
A legitimate agent provides a written engagement letter with itemised fees, scope of work, timeline expectations, and what happens to your fee if the application is rejected. If they won't put it in writing, walk away.
Pressure to pay the full fee upfront
Reputable agents typically structure payments in stages — an initial retainer on engagement, a portion on submission, and the balance on approval. 100% upfront with no milestones is a risk.
Bundling property sales with the application
Some agents double as property developers or have commercial relationships with specific projects. There's nothing wrong with that, but your property decision should be independent. Don't let an agent steer you toward a project that serves their commission rather than your lifestyle.
Vague about the company behind them
If the agent can't clearly tell you which MOTAC-licensed company will file your application, or the entity changes between conversations, that's a structural problem. You're hiring a specific licensed company, not a salesperson.
Before you sign
10 questions to ask any MM2H agent
What is your MOTAC licence number, and can I verify it on the official list?
How many MM2H applications have you processed in the past 12 months?
What is your current approval rate, and what are the common reasons for rejection?
Can you provide an itemised written quote separating your fee from government fees?
What happens to my service fee if the application is rejected?
What is your payment structure — full upfront, or staged by milestone?
How will you communicate updates — who is my point of contact, and how often?
Do you have experience with applicants from my nationality? (Relevant for PCC, forex, and document requirements.)
Do you have any commercial relationships with property developers? If so, which ones?
Can you provide references from recent clients I can speak to?
How we help
ExpatMove is not an MM2H agent
We don’t process MM2H applications and we don’t hold a MOTAC licence. What we do is provide independent guidance on the programme and connect you with vetted, licensed agents based on your nationality, tier, and situation.
Free initial consultation
We talk through your situation and advise on tier, timeline, and what to prepare
Agent recommendation
We recommend licensed agents we’ve vetted, matched to your nationality and tier
Ongoing guidance
Questions about the process, property, banking, or settling in — we’re here throughout
FAQ
Agent & application questions
Do I have to use an agent for MM2H?
Yes. All MM2H applications must go through a MOTAC-licensed tour operator company. Individual or walk-in applications are not accepted. This has been the rule since the programme's restructuring — there is no DIY route.
How much do MM2H agents charge?
Agent fees are market-based and not set by the government. Expect RM 20,000 to RM 50,000+ depending on tier, complexity, and what's included. Always get an itemised written quote that separates the agent's service fee from government fees (processing, participation, pass, bond).
Can I use an agent based outside Malaysia?
Your agent must hold a MOTAC licence issued in Malaysia — that's the company that actually lodges your file. Some agents have overseas representatives or partners who handle client-facing work, but the licensed entity must be Malaysian. Verify the Malaysian company's licence, not the overseas representative's claims.
What happens if my agent loses their licence mid-application?
This has happened. In 2024, MOTAC suspended operations for some agents during a licensing review. If your agent loses their licence, your application may be delayed or need to be transferred to another licensed agent. This is why choosing a well-established, currently-licensed agent matters.
Does ExpatMove process MM2H applications?
No. ExpatMove is not an MM2H agent and does not process applications. We provide independent guidance on the programme and recommend vetted, MOTAC-licensed agents based on your nationality, tier, and situation. Our role is to help you make an informed choice — the agent handles the application.
Need help finding the right agent?
Tell us your nationality, preferred tier, and timeline. We’ll recommend vetted, MOTAC-licensed agents who have experience with your specific situation — no obligation.
Get agent recommendationsMessage us — you’ll know your next move
No pitch, no scheduling — just chat with us on WhatsApp. You walk away with a clear, honest read of your situation, even if that read is “not yet, and here’s why.”
- Which MM2H tier your numbers actually reach — and the gap if they don't
- The 2–3 neighbourhoods that fit your budget, schools, and commute
- Your real all-in cost, and the one or two mistakes people in your situation make