With Malaysia becoming a destination of choice for more and more foreigners to settle in, the Malaysian government in 2025 has made a significant contribution to itsimmigrantsThere have been some important changes to the policy that aim to attract more foreign talent and investors. Whether you are planning to settle in Malaysia through work, investment, or retirement, it is vital to understand the latest immigration policies for 2025. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed analysis of the 2025Malaysia Immigration Policychanges, provides application guidelines, and answers common immigration questions.

I. 2025Malaysia ImmigrationMajor changes in policy

1. MM2H Program（Adjustment of Conditions (Malaysia My Second Home Program)

The conditions of the MM2H program have been fine-tuned for 2025.The MM2H program aims to attract expatriates to reside in Malaysia for a long period of time, especially retirees. Under the latest policy, the financial requirements for applicants have been increased.

New financial requirements:

• Deposit Requirements: Applicant's bank certificate of deposit in Malaysia increased toRM500,000(approx.$120,000), which is higher than the previous figure of MYR400,000 (approx.$96,000) has been adjusted upward.

• Monthly income requirements: The minimum monthly income requirement isRM10,000(approx.$2400), consistent with previous requests.

This adjustment means that applicants will need to be more financially secure in order to apply for the program, thus ensuring that migrants are self-sufficient and do not burden the Malaysian social welfare system.

2. Liberalization of work visa policy

In 2025, Malaysia has relaxed the conditions for work visas (Employment Pass) in order to attract highly skilled personnel. In particular, theTechnology, healthcare, education, financeand other industries, the application threshold for foreign senior management or technical staff is lowered.

Major changes:

• Salary scale: In some specific industries, pay rates have been reduced, especially for highly skilled positions. Employers can offer more flexible pay packages to foreign workers.

• Position Requirements: Applicants for some senior management positions can reduce their educational requirements by demonstrating their managerial experience and skills, further lowering the application threshold.

3. investment immigrationPolicy improvements

In 2025, Malaysia's commitment toinvestment immigration（Some changes have been made to the policy (through the purchase of property or the opening of companies). The government encourages expatriates to invest in Malaysia and has introduced tax incentives and other incentives.

New policy highlights:

• Real Estate Investment Requirements: The requirements for applying for permanent residence through the purchase of real estate have been reduced. In some cantons, the minimum threshold for the purchase of real estate has been adjusted toRM1 million(approx.$240,000), providing investors with more choices.

• Company registration and investment requirements: For expatriates who migrate by investing in businesses, the Malaysian government has further simplified the company registration process and reduced the capital investment threshold to support more entrepreneurial migrants.

Second, Malaysia immigration application process

Whether it's through the MM2H program, a work visa or ainvestment immigration, each mode of application process has its own specific requirements. Below are the steps for applying for several major visas:

1. MM2H Program Application Process

• Conditional review: First and foremost, applicants are required to pass the MM2H conditionality review to ensure compliance with financial requirements and health standards.

• Submit an application: Once you have prepared the required documents, you can submit your application through the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate abroad or through an accredited agent.

• Review of materials: The Malaysian Immigration Department will review the applicant's bank balance, income and health information to ensure that the immigration requirements are met.

• Visa authorization and settlement: Once vetted, applicants will be granted a 10-year long stay visa and can enjoy a quality living environment in Malaysia.

  

2. Work visa application process

• employer sponsored: A Malaysian employer is first required to sponsor the applicant. The employer will submit relevant documents to the Malaysian Immigration Department to prove that the applicant has the required skills for the position.

• Submit an application: Applicants are required to provide documents such as passports, proof of education, work experience, etc. Employers will assist in submitting work visa applications.

• Visa authorization and entry: Once approved, the applicant can enter Malaysia in accordance with the visa requirements and start working and enjoying the benefits.

3. Immigrant investor application process

• Identification of investment projects: The investor needs to choose the appropriate type of investment, such as purchasing real estate or opening a company. For real estate investment, applicants are required to provide proof of funds to the developer or real estate agent.

  

• Submit an application: After preparing documents such as proof of investment, proof of source of funds, etc., submit them to the Malaysian Immigration Department.

• Visa authorization and entry: Once the application is approved, the investor and his/her family can obtain long-term residency and enjoy various social benefits and tax incentives in Malaysia.

III. Frequently asked questions

1. What is the minimum period of residence for Malaysian immigrants?

Different types of visas require different lengths of residency. For the MM2H program, visas are valid for a maximum of10 yearsThe period of stay does not require continuous residence. Work Visa and Immigrant Investor usually require a minimum of residency in Malaysia.More than six monthsand the duration of residence is regulated according to the specific visa type.

2. Can I bring my family members with me under the MM2H program?

Yes, migrants applying for the MM2H program can bring their spouses and minor children with them to migrate to Malaysia. The spouse and children will be granted the same long stay visa as the principal applicant.

3. Malaysia ImmigrationIs there a language requirement?

The official language of Malaysia is Malay, but English is more widely spoken. It is not compulsory for immigrants to master the Malay language, but learning some basic Malay will help to better integrate into the local community.

4. What is the return on investment for immigrant investors?

Malaysia's real estate market is relatively stable with high return on investment. In particular, those who choose to purchase real estate located in areas of rapid economic development are able to obtain better rental yields and appreciation. For immigrants who invest in opening companies, the Malaysian government also provides some tax incentives to further reduce the investment risk.

IV. Summary

Malaysia's immigration policy in 2025 has been optimized and restructured in many ways, especially for foreign investors and highly skilled individuals, offering more lenient application requirements and more incentives. Whether through the MM2H program, work visas or investment migration, Malaysia offers a diverse range of options for global migrants. Keeping abreast of the latest policy information and preparing the relevant documents can help you successfully apply for long-term residency in Malaysia and enjoy the various opportunities this beautiful country has to offer.