Malaysia has expanded its Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme with the introduction of a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) tier, effective from 2025. The new pathway is designed to widen access to long-term residency for a younger demographic — including digital nomads, early retirees, and entrepreneurs — who may not meet the higher financial thresholds of the flagship Silver, Gold, or Platinum tiers.
The SEZ MM2H tier is currently available exclusively within designated economic zones, with Forest City in Johor Bahru being the primary approved location. Its proximity to Singapore — just minutes across the Causeway — makes it a compelling option for those seeking a more affordable base while maintaining access to the Singapore economy.
SEZ MM2H at a Glance
| Requirement | SEZ MM2H Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Duration | 10 years (renewable) |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old |
| Fixed Deposit | RM500,000 (placed in a Malaysian bank) |
| Property Purchase | Required — from approved developers within designated zone only |
| Offshore Income Proof | Not required |
| Annual Stay Requirement | 90 cumulative days per year (for applicants under 50) |
| Employment | Not permitted (unlike Sarawak S-MM2H) |
| Current Approved Zone | Forest City, Johor Bahru |
Key advantage: Unlike the Silver tier which requires a USD 150,000 (approx. RM675,000) fixed deposit, the SEZ tier sets the fixed deposit at RM500,000 — making the entry cost lower and denominated in Ringgit, which reduces currency conversion risk for applicants.
How It Compares to Other MM2H Tiers
The full MM2H framework now offers four pathways for Peninsular Malaysia. Here is how the SEZ tier sits within the broader structure:
| Tier | Visa | Min. Fixed Deposit | Min. Property | Min. Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | 20 yrs | USD 1,000,000 | RM2,000,000 | 25 |
| Gold | 15 yrs | USD 500,000 | RM1,000,000 | 25 |
| Silver | 5 yrs | USD 150,000 | RM600,000 | 25 |
| SEZ / SFZ | 10 yrs | RM500,000 | Designated zones | 21 |
Who is the SEZ Tier Best Suited For?
The SEZ MM2H pathway is particularly well-suited to applicants who:
- Are aged between 21 and 49, and do not have significant offshore income to declare
- Work remotely and want a lower cost of living base near Singapore
- Are early-stage investors or entrepreneurs interested in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone corridor
- Want a 10-year renewable visa with lower financial commitment than the Silver or Gold tiers
- Are comfortable with Forest City as a base — and its proximity to Singapore as a key advantage
Limitation to note: The SEZ MM2H tier does not permit employment in Malaysia. If you wish to work while residing in Malaysia, you will need to apply for an Employment Pass or explore the Sarawak S-MM2H, which does allow part-time work and business activities.
The Johor-Singapore SEZ Opportunity
Forest City sits within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone — a major bilateral development initiative designed to attract investment, digital economy businesses, and skilled talent to the Johor corridor. For professionals and entrepreneurs with ties to Singapore, an SEZ MM2H pass effectively enables them to live in Johor at significantly lower cost while maintaining easy access to Singapore's business ecosystem.
Given the strong application volumes already seen in 2025 — with the SEZ category recording 322 approvals — interest in this pathway is clearly growing. Our consultants can help you assess whether Forest City and the SEZ tier aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Sources: IMI Daily (26 March 2026); Hudson McKenzie Immigration News (2026); alestriaproperty.com MM2H 2026 Guide; Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.