This article provides an overview of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, focusing on application statistics for the first half of 2024 and outlining the application process.
2024 Application Statistics (First Half)
Top Applicant Nationalities
Data from the first half of 2024 reveals that China is the leading country for MM2H applications. Approximately 474 applications were from Chinese citizens, bringing the total number of applicants (including family members) to around 1,000. This represents 53% of all MM2H applications. Taiwan and Hong Kong rank second and third, respectively.
Regional Trends
While Taiwan and Hong Kong have smaller application numbers compared to China, the combined total of applications from the Greater China region (China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) accounts for over 70% of all MM2H applications. European and American applicants are significantly fewer in number; for instance, applications from the UK and US combined are less than 100.
Family Dynamics
Interestingly, applicants from Taiwan tend to bring more family members, averaging more than two per application.
Reasons for Choosing Malaysia
Several factors contribute to the popularity of Malaysia as a destination for relocation among people from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong:
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Language: A significant portion of the Malaysian population (approximately 20%) is of Chinese descent. This means Mandarin and Cantonese are widely spoken and understood, facilitating communication and access to services.
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Climate: The climate is generally agreeable to those from the Greater China region.
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Natural Disasters: Malaysia is relatively free from major natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons, which are more common in neighboring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Given the increasing global uncertainty, individuals considering relocating to Malaysia are encouraged to act promptly, as immigration policies may change in the future.
MM2H Application Process
The following outlines the steps involved in applying for the MM2H program:
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Initial Consultation: Contact an MM2H service provider to discuss the various program options and determine the most suitable plan based on individual circumstances. Data shows that 70% of applicants choose the Silver plan.
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The Silver Plan generally allows applicants to purchase property anywhere in Malaysia.
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The Special Zone (or "Larkin") Plan is restricted to properties in specific zones like Johor Bahru (新山).
- Application Form and Payment: Complete the application form (available via WhatsApp or email) and remit the required payment to initiate the contract.
- Contract Signing: Execute the contract. The contract terms are standardized by the government to ensure fairness.
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Document Preparation: Prepare the necessary documents, including:
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Police Clearance Certificate (良民證)
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificate These documents often require notarization and authentication, which can be time-consuming. MM2H service providers can assist with this process, handling document authentication and notarization on your behalf.
- Document Submission and Follow-up: Once all documents are notarized and authenticated, they are compiled and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism. This process typically takes about one month. Early preparation is recommended to avoid delays caused by potential policy changes.
- Visa Approval: After submitting the complete application, the approval process typically takes around three months.
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