Malaysia Residency — MM2H, Digital Nomad and Business Routes (2026)
By Zitadelle AG | Reviewed by Alex Kazak, Business Development Partner, Zitadelle AG · Last updated: October 2026
Malaysia is one of the most practical places in Asia to live and run an international business: English is widely spoken, the legal system is based on English common law, living costs are well below Singapore's, and Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru are a short flight or drive from regional hubs. There are three ways to live in Malaysia as a foreigner — long-term residence through MM2H, the DE Rantau pass for remote workers, or a work pass through a Malaysian or Labuan company. We arrange all three from our administration office in Labuan, and often combine residency with company formation and licensing.
Which Malaysian route fits you?
Tell us whether you plan to retire, work remotely or run a business in Malaysia. We'll recommend the route and, if you need one, the company structure.
Route 1 — Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
MM2H is Malaysia's long-term residence programme, restructured in 2024 into tiers based on a fixed deposit and a property purchase. The minimum age is 25.
| Tier | Visa length | Fixed deposit | Minimum property purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 5 years, renewable | About USD 150,000 | RM 600,000 |
| Gold | 15 years, renewable | From USD 500,000 | RM 1,000,000 |
| Platinum | 20 years, renewable | From USD 1,000,000 | RM 2,000,000 |
| SEZ (Special Economic Zones) | 10 years, renewable | Lower thresholds | From RM 500,000 in Forest City or Medini Iskandar |
The qualifying property must be bought within the programme's deadline, and resale is restricted for a set period. Figures summarise the programme rules; we confirm current requirements before you apply.
- •Platinum holders may become company directors and shareholders in Malaysia; other tiers need additional approval to work or run a business.
- •The SEZ tier is limited to designated special economic zones in Johor and requires buying property there first. Look carefully at the development before buying.
Route 2 — DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass
The DE Rantau pass lets remote workers and freelancers in qualifying digital fields live in Malaysia while working for clients or employers outside the country. It suits founders and professionals who don't need a Malaysian company, and it is a lighter commitment than MM2H.
Route 3 — Work Passes Through a Malaysian or Labuan Company
For entrepreneurs, the most direct route is a company. There are two options:
Malaysian company (Sdn Bhd) and Employment Pass
A foreign-owned Sdn Bhd can sponsor Employment Passes for its foreign directors and staff. The company must meet paid-up capital expectations and the role must meet minimum salary thresholds, which Malaysia revised upward for 2026. This route suits businesses serving the Malaysian market.
Labuan company and Labuan work permits
A Labuan company with real substance — an office, staff and operating expenditure in Labuan — can sponsor work permits for expatriate directors and staff. It combines Labuan's 3% tax on net audited profits for trading activity with a practical route to living in Malaysia, and suits international businesses, holding companies and Labuan-licensed financial firms.
For tech founders, Malaysia also offers the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme and Malaysia Digital status.
Residency and a company in one plan
We set up the Malaysian or Labuan company, arrange the work permits and coordinate banking — so your residency and your business are built together.
Why Arrange It Through Zitadelle AG
Our administration office is in Labuan, run through the group's Labuan entity, ZAG MY Limited. We form Sdn Bhd and Labuan companies, handle Labuan FSA licence applications and coordinate work permits and banking — so founders moving to Malaysia deal with one team for the company, the licence and the residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Through the MM2H long-term residence programme, the DE Rantau pass for remote workers, or a work pass sponsored by a Malaysian Sdn Bhd or a Labuan company with real substance.
Quick Facts
- Routes
- MM2H, DE Rantau, Employment Pass, Labuan work permit
- MM2H tiers
- Silver, Gold, Platinum, SEZ
- MM2H minimum age
- 25
- MM2H Silver
- ~USD 150,000 deposit + RM 600,000 property
- Business route
- Sdn Bhd or Labuan company
- Labuan tax
- 3% of net audited profits (trading)
- Our office
- F.T. Labuan
- Updated
- October 2026
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or immigration advice. Malaysian programme rules, thresholds and fees change; we confirm current requirements before you apply. Last updated October 2026.