Malaysia visa options compared — 2026
Every long-stay route into Malaysia in one place. Compare cost, duration, work rights and who each visa actually suits — so you pick the right one first time.
At a glance
All visa routes side by side
| Visa route | Duration | Key cost | Work rights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM2H Silver | 5 years (renewable) | USD 150K deposit + RM 600K property | No | Retirees, expats testing Malaysia |
| MM2H Gold | 15 years (renewable) | USD 500K deposit + RM 1M property | No | HNW retirees, serious investors |
| MM2H Platinum | 20 years (renewable) | USD 1M deposit + RM 2M property | No | Ultra-HNW individuals |
| MM2H SEZ (Johor) | 10 years (renewable) | USD 32-65K deposit + RM 500K property | No | Singapore-based, Johor-focused |
| DE Rantau | 1 year (renewable) | USD 24K/yr income proof | Remote only | Digital nomads, remote tech workers |
| Employment Pass | 1-5 years | Min. salary RM 5,000/mo | Yes (sponsor) | Those with a Malaysian job offer |
| Dependent Pass | Tied to sponsor | Sponsor's pass required | With endorsement | Spouse/children of EP or MM2H holder |
| LTSVP (Spouse) | Renewable | Marriage to Malaysian citizen | With endorsement | Spouse of a Malaysian |
| Student Pass | Course duration | University enrolment | Limited (20 hrs/wk) | Full-time students |
| Tourist visa / eVISA | 30-90 days | Free or USD 25-150 | No | Short visits, visa runs |
MM2H deep dive
Tier-by-tier breakdown
MM2H is Malaysia’s flagship long-term residency programme. Since the June 2024 restructuring (“MM2H 3.0”), the former monthly-income and liquid-asset tests were removed — the fixed deposit and property purchase are the real bars to clear. All applications must go through a MOTAC-licensed agent.
| Detail | Silver | Gold | Platinum | SEZ (Johor) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa duration | 5 years | 15 years | 20 years | 10 years |
| Fixed deposit | USD 150,000 | USD 500,000 | USD 1,000,000 | USD 32-65K |
| Property minimum | RM 600,000 | RM 1,000,000 | RM 2,000,000 | RM 500,000 |
| Min. age | 25 | 25 | 25 | 21 |
| Participation fee | RM 1,000 + SST | RM 3,000 + SST | RM 200,000 + SST | Set by zone authority |
| Processing time | 10-18 weeks | 12-20 weeks | 12-24 weeks | 8-16 weeks |
| Work rights | No | No | No | No |
| Family inclusion | Spouse + children | Spouse + children + parents | Spouse + children + parents | Spouse + children |
| Deposit withdrawal | No | Up to 50% (approved purposes) | Up to 50% (approved purposes) | Confirm with zone |
Digital nomads
DE Rantau — the remote worker visa
DE Rantau is Malaysia’s digital nomad visa, managed by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). It targets remote workers in the tech and digital sectors.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 months (renewable) |
| Min. annual income | USD 24,000 (approx. RM 110K) |
| Fixed deposit | None |
| Property purchase | None |
| Work rights | Remote work for overseas employer only |
| Eligible sectors | IT, digital content, digital marketing, cybersecurity and related |
| Family | Dependants apply separately |
| Processing | Typically 2-4 weeks |
Employed
Employment Pass & Professional Visit Pass
| Pass type | Duration | Min. salary | Work rights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP Category I | Up to 5 years | RM 10,000/mo | Yes (sponsor) | Highest tier — longer duration, easier renewal |
| EP Category II | Up to 2 years | RM 5,000-9,999/mo | Yes (sponsor) | Standard work permit — most common |
| EP Category III | Up to 1 year | RM 3,000-4,999/mo | Yes (sponsor) | Limited sectors — check eligibility |
| Professional Visit Pass | Up to 12 months | N/A | Limited | Short-term assignments, secondments, training |
Which route?
Pick the right visa for your situation
“I’m retiring to Malaysia”
MM2H Silver is the most realistic starting point for most retirees. If you have the capital, Gold offers a 15-year horizon with partial deposit withdrawal.
“I work remotely and want to try Malaysia”
DE Rantau first. No deposit, no property, just proof of income. Upgrade to MM2H later if you stay.
“I have a job offer in Malaysia”
Your employer applies for an Employment Pass on your behalf. Spouse and children get Dependent Passes.
“My spouse is Malaysian”
Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) — renewable, with an endorsement for work rights. Applied through immigration.
“I’m based in Singapore and want a Johor base”
MM2H SEZ tier — designed specifically for this. Lowest deposit of any MM2H tier and a 10-year visa.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the cheapest way to stay in Malaysia long-term?
DE Rantau is the most affordable long-stay visa — it requires a minimum annual income of around USD 24,000 with no fixed deposit or property purchase. For retirees or non-tech workers, the MM2H SEZ tier (Johor) starts at USD 32,000 for applicants over 50.
Can I work in Malaysia on an MM2H visa?
No. MM2H is a residency visa, not a work permit. It does not grant the right to take up employment. If you need to work, an Employment Pass (employer-sponsored) or DE Rantau (remote work) are the correct routes.
What is the difference between MM2H and DE Rantau?
MM2H is a long-term residency visa (5-20 years) requiring a fixed deposit of USD 150K-1M and a property purchase. DE Rantau is a 1-year renewable digital nomad visa for remote tech workers, requiring only proof of income (USD 24K/year) and no deposit. MM2H suits retirees and investors; DE Rantau suits remote workers.
Do I need a licensed agent to apply for any Malaysia visa?
Only MM2H requires a MOTAC-licensed agent — there is no DIY route. DE Rantau, Employment Pass, and other visas can be applied for directly or through your employer/university, though using an immigration consultant is common.
Which Malaysia visa lets me bring my family?
MM2H (all tiers) allows spouse, children under 21, and in some tiers parents/parents-in-law. Employment Pass holders can apply for Dependent Passes for spouse and children. DE Rantau currently covers the primary applicant only — dependants apply separately.
Message 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