If you are considering residency by investment, there is much to consider. You need a scheme that offers a cost-effective investment level, enhanced global freedom, and plenty of opportunities for you and your family.
With so many programs on offer worldwide, it’s not always easy to decide which route is right for you. That’s why it always pays to weigh up multiple options. But if you’ve pinpointed the region you’re interested in and you’re looking for a home-from-home in Asia, Malaysia is worth further consideration.
Offering a fast and straightforward process, long-term visa options and an attractive tax regime, it’s increasingly popular with high-net-worth global citizens.
Overview of Malaysia’s residency program
Offering the opportunity to live, work and study in a secure and stable Asian country, Malaysia’s residency-by-investment program is one of the most sought-after in the region. Investors in the scheme receive long-term residency rights in return for a significant deposit of funds in an eligible Malaysian bank account.
With the option to include your family members on your application, the benefits of Malaysian residency extend to your spouse and dependent children and parents.
Applicants can obtain residency by investing in the Malaysia My Second Home visa (MM2H) program, which is valid indefinitely depending on the investment tier.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for Malaysian residency by investment via the MM2H visa, you must deposit at least MYR 500,000 (USD 105,000) into an eligible account. Half the total deposit amount may be withdrawn to pay for healthcare or education expenses or purchase real estate.
Applicants must be at least 30 years old and must reside in Malaysia for at least 60 days during the visa period. Residency is also extended to your spouse and dependent children under 34 years old or dependent parents over 60 years old.
You may also be required to demonstrate a clean criminal record, submit your health history, and undergo a medical screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis. Finally, you must take out health insurance and satisfy Malaysian immigration authorities that you will not become a burden on state services during your stay.
The application process
When you work with Knightsbridge to obtain your Malaysian residency, our expert team will guide you through the following five-step process:
Step 1: Due diligence and eligibility checks
Your Knightsbridge contact will check your eligibility for the program and ensure your documents are in order, to ensure a fast and smooth application process. This will include a review of your proof of funds, police and health checks, and AML requirements.
Step 2: Submit application
With the help of our immigration lawyers, we will submit your application and accompanying paperwork to the Malaysian authorities for approval.
Step 3: Company registration or investment
To secure your Malaysian residency, you must deposit your investment in the relevant account. At this stage, you will also be required to submit the following information:
- Proof of offshore income of at least MYR 40,000 (USD 8,400) per month
- Proof of assets worth at least MYR 1.5m (USD 315,000)
- Proof of health insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical certificate
- Certified copy of passport
Step 4: Initial approval
Once you have submitted your application and received initial approval, you are free to travel to Malaysia to complete the process. During this period, you will undergo any required medical screenings and can open bank accounts and investigate potential real estate purchases.
Step 5: Residency permit
Once all stages are complete, you will receive your Malaysian residency visa. You can expect to receive this between three and six months after your application.
Benefits of the Malaysia residency program
As a resident of Malaysia, you’ll benefit from:
International freedom
With a residency visa, you are free to travel to and from Malaysia as many times as you wish without additional applications.
A stable home-from-home
Malaysia is home to a robust, innovative and expanding economy with one of the highest GDPs in Asia.
Attractive tax regime
Malaysia has double taxation agreements with numerous countries around the world and only levies tax on residents for income sourced within the country.
Family rights
All family members included in your application have the right to reside, work, and study in Malaysia for the duration of your visa.
Business and investment opportunities
As a Malaysian resident, you are free to start a business, invest in an existing enterprise or purchase real estate.
Low cost of living
Malaysian residents benefit from a low cost of living. Living costs are around a third of those in China and around half those in the United States.
Section 5: Investment Options
To qualify for Malaysian residency, you must EITHER:
- Deposit MYR 500,000 (USD 105,000) for a five-year renewable visa (Silver Tier)
OR - Deposit MYR 2m (USD 420,000) for a 15-year renewable visa (Gold Tier)
OR - Deposit MYR 5m (USD 1m) for permanent residency (Platinum Tier)
Any real estate purchased through the scheme must be worth at least MYR 750,000 (USD 160,000) for the Silver and Gold tiers or MYR 1.5m (USD 315,000) for the Platinum tier.
Why work with Knightsbridge Group?
Upon securing your residency permit, immediate access to healthcare and education facilities, business opportunities, and a secure and stable home from home await you and your family. Coupled with a modest cost of living and greater access to international markets, Malaysian residency presents an enticing proposition for ambitious global citizens.
When navigating the residency by investment process, seeking guidance from experts in the field is essential. At Knightsbridge Group, we specialise in understanding the complexities of these procedures and can guide you through the entire application and investment process.
With a wealth of experience in immigration services and a focus on securing greater international freedoms through strategic investments, we can open doors for you and your loved ones.
Take the first step towards Malaysian residency today – get in touch with our team to start the application process.
