In the early morning of Kuala Lumpur, sunlight filters through palm trees onto wide streets, where the aroma of coffee mingles with the scent of street food. For many Chinese families, this place is not only a vacation destination but also an ideal second home.
In 2025, Malaysia’s My Second Home (MM2H) program introduced new policies with significantly raised thresholds, yet application enthusiasm remains undiminished. Why?
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the four program tiers’ advantages, application processes, and key considerations. Through real-life case studies, we help you determine which path best suits your needs.
I. Comprehensive Analysis of the 4 Tiers:
From Low Threshold to High Net Worth
The Malaysia My Second Home Program categorizes applicants into Financial Special Zone, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers based on investment amounts, property requirements, and visa validity periods. Each tier caters to distinct family and individual needs.
Source: Facebook, Mr. Tiong
1. Financial Special Zone: Low-Threshold Entry
Deposit Requirements:
Aged 50+: USD 32,000;
Under 50: $65,000 USD;
Property: Newly built property in designated zones, minimum RM500,000;
Visa: 10-year validity, includes dependents.
Case Study:
Mr. and Mrs. Lee, both over 55, successfully applied through the Financial Special Zone category.
After settling in Kuala Lumpur with their family of three, they secured a 10-year visa and freehold property for approximately RMB 1 million. Their child attends an international school, and the couple’s living costs in Malaysia are only half of what they would be in Singapore.
Mr. Li remarked with a smile, “I never imagined we could settle in Kuala Lumpur so quickly. The pace of life here is slow and comfortable.”
*If you wish to assess your eligibility for the Special Zone Group, contact our senior consultants. We will tailor the optimal solution for you, helping you plan your property and visa combination in advance.
2. Silver Tier: Top Choice for Chinese Families
Deposit: USD 150,000;
Property Purchase Threshold: MYR 600,000;
Visa: 5-year validity, renewable.
Key Features of Silver Tier: Flexible Funds: Half of approved funds can be withdrawn for property purchase, education, or medical expenses while earning over 4% bank interest.
Case Study:
Mr. and Mrs. Wang planned to live long-term in Malaysia while maintaining their domestic careers. They chose the Silver Tier. After visa approval, they flexibly allocated funds for property purchase and education expenses. Their child became eligible to take the Overseas Chinese Student Joint Entrance Examination within five years, gaining a strategic advantage over the domestic college entrance exam.
*Want to know which tier best suits you and your family? We offer personalized assessments to help plan your finances, property, and education pathways.
3. Gold Package: Moderate Investment, Long-Term Residency
Deposit: USD 500,000;
Property: MYR 1,000,000;
Visa: Valid for 15 years, renewable.
The Gold Package balances residency duration, visa validity, and capital flexibility, ideal for families seeking medium-to-long-term life in Malaysia.
Case Study:
Mr. Zhang sought long-term residence in Southeast Asia while planning real estate investments. He chose the Gold Package for its extended visa duration and high capital flexibility. His children attend local schools, he and his spouse invest in properties, and the entire family enjoys an orderly and comfortable life.
*To compare the advantages of the Gold and Silver Packages, our advisory team provides comprehensive analysis covering property, visas, and education, ensuring you select the optimal solution.
4. Platinum Package: Comprehensive Solution for High-Net-Worth Families
Deposit: US$1 million;
Property Investment: RM2 million;
Visa: 20-year validity, permits business and employment.
Case Study: The Liu family, a high-net-worth household, planned long-term asset allocation in Malaysia. After obtaining visas through the Platinum Package, they simultaneously pursued business investments, property acquisitions, and educational arrangements for their children—achieving a perfect balance of residency, assets, and career development.
*If you are a high-net-worth family seeking long-term residency + investment + business opportunities, we offer end-to-end consulting to minimize policy compliance risks.
Source: Facebook, Ah Tiong
II. MM2H Policy Update Analysis:
Why Chinese Families Remain Enthusiastic Despite Higher Thresholds?
1. Educational Advantage: Overseas Chinese Student Joint Entrance Exam Shortcut
International school tuition is approximately one-third of domestic costs;
Holders of the Second Home visa can take the Overseas Chinese Student Joint Entrance Examination after residing for 30 months within 5 years;
Significant score advantage—approximately 150 points lower than domestic college entrance exam requirements.
Case Study: Ms. Chen applied through the Silver Tier. After five years at an international school in Kuala Lumpur, her child easily passed the Overseas Chinese Student Joint Entrance Examination and gained admission to a top-tier university in China.
Source: pexels
2. Low Living Costs: High-Value Cross-Border Living
Kuala Lumpur property prices are only one-fifth of Singapore’s;
Coffee costs RMB 8 per cup;
A family of three can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle on RMB 10,000 monthly.
Many families adopt the “work in Singapore + live in Malaysia” model, combining high income with reduced living expenses.
*To experience the cost-effectiveness of cross-border living, contact our advisory team for relocation planning and cost-of-living analysis.
3. Seamless Cultural Integration
Malaysia’s 24% Chinese population ensures widespread use of Cantonese and Hokkien;
Lunar New Year lion dances and Cantonese dim sum are ubiquitous;
Families from Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou adapt within three days.
Case Study:
The Lin family settled in Kuala Lumpur and integrated into the local community within just 3 days. Their children easily adapted to school life, while the parents found social circles within the neighborhood.
Image source: pexels
III. Application Process and Key Considerations
1. Application Process
Prepare documents: Passport, proof of assets, bank statements, criminal record clearance, medical examination report;
Submit application: Through the MM2H Center or a qualified agent;
Preliminary Review & Deposit: Deposit required funds in a Malaysian bank after approval;
Property Purchase & Arrival: Submit property deed;
Visa Collection: Main applicant and dependents receive visas.
2. Key Considerations
Deposits may be partially withdrawn for property purchase, education, or medical expenses after approval;
Property must be 100% owned by the main applicant and cannot be sold within 10 years;
Accumulate 90 days of annual residence; dependent days may be combined;
*The application process is complex. Engage a seasoned consultant for end-to-end oversight to avoid pitfalls and enhance success rates.
Source: pexels
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IV. Future Trends and Investment Planning
Cross-border living becomes mainstream: Growing trend of working in Singapore while residing in Malaysia;
Policy adjustments likely: Entry thresholds may rise further;
Asset allocation and education planning: The My Second Home visa delivers three core benefits—education, retirement planning, and asset appreciation.
Case Study:
After securing the Golden Passport, Mr. Zhao’s family planned a decade of cross-border living: retirement for parents, education for the eldest child, and future property investment for the middle child. Dual safeguards of visa and real estate ensure stable yet flexible family life.
*Ready to plan your cross-border lifestyle and educational investments? Book a consultation with our senior advisors for a tailored strategy and seamless application process.
Image source: pexels
Conclusion:
Despite higher thresholds under the 2025 policy, Chinese families remain enthusiastic about applying. This enthusiasm stems not only from education and cost-of-living considerations but also from comprehensive planning for cross-border living, asset allocation, and future development.
For many families, Malaysia’s My Second Home program is more than a long-term residency visa—it serves as a multifunctional life card offering educational opportunities, retirement solutions, and asset protection.
Over the next decade, Malaysia’s My Second Home program is poised to become the preferred “Plan B” for Chinese families, offering greater freedom and choices for children, parents, and themselves.