Malaysia, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and modern urban centers, has long captivated the hearts of travellers and expatriates alike. From the iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, the country offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Its rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality make it an enticing destination for tourists, retirees, and digital nomads. If you’re considering making Malaysia your next destination, there are several avenues to explore, each tailored to different needs and aspirations.
Malaysia offers more than just scenic beauty—it offers affordability, safety, diversity, and a strategic location in Asia that makes travel and trade seamless.
This article delves into three primary pathways to move to Malaysia: the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, and the Tourist Visa.
1. De Rantau Nomad Pass
In an era where remote work has become the norm, Malaysia introduced the De Rantau Nomad Pass to attract digital professionals seeking a conducive environment to live and work.
Launched to position Malaysia as a hub for digital nomads, the De Rantau Nomad Pass offers remote workers the opportunity to reside in Malaysia while continuing their professional engagements with clients or employers outside the country.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Professions: Open to both tech and non-tech professionals.
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Tech Professionals: Software developers, digital marketers, graphic designers, etc.
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Non-Tech Professionals: Writers, consultants, legal advisors, etc.
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Income Requirements:
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Tech Professionals: Must demonstrate an annual income exceeding USD 24,000.
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Non-Tech Professionals: Required to show an annual income surpassing USD 60,000.
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Employment Status:
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Digital Freelancers/Independent Contractors: Must have active project contracts with a duration exceeding three months.
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Remote Workers: Should possess active employment contracts with foreign-based companies lasting more than three months.
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Duration and Renewability:
The pass grants an initial stay ranging from three to twelve months and is renewable for an additional twelve months, allowing a maximum stay of 24 months.
Family Inclusion:
Holders can bring along dependents, including spouses, children, and parents.
Application Process:
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Document Preparation: Gather necessary documents such as a valid passport, proof of employment or contracts, income statements, and health insurance valid in Malaysia.
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Online Submission: Submit the application through the official De Rantau website.
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Fee Payment: The application fee is MYR 1,000 for the main applicant and MYR 500 for each dependent.
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Processing Time: Typically processed within six to eight weeks.
Benefits:
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Access to Nomad Hubs: Gain access to “nomad-ready” hubs—designated co-working and living spaces equipped to support a digital nomad lifestyle.
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Networking Opportunities: Engage with a community of like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and growth.
Restrictions:
Holders are not permitted to engage in local employment or offer services to Malaysian-based companies.
Pro Tip: Ensure all documents, especially contracts and income statements, are up-to-date and accurately reflect your professional engagements to facilitate a smooth application process.
2. Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program
For those seeking long-term residency in Malaysia, the MM2H program offers an attractive option.
The MM2H program is designed to allow foreigners to reside in Malaysia on a long-term basis. It caters primarily to retirees, investors, and individuals seeking a second home in a culturally rich and diverse country.
Tiers and Financial Requirements:
The program is structured into three tiers, each with distinct requirements and benefits:
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Silver Tier:
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Fixed Deposit: USD 150,000 placed in a Malaysian bank.
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Visa Validity: 5 years, renewable.
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Property Purchase: Minimum value of RM 600,000.
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Participation Fee: RM 1,000.
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Minimum Stay: 90 days per year.
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Dependents: Spouse, unmarried children up to 35 years, parents, and parents-in law
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Employment/Business: Not permitted.
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Gold Tier:
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Fixed Deposit: USD 500,000.
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Visa Validity: 15 years, renewable.
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Property Purchase: Minimum value of RM 1 million. visit-malaysia
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Participation Fee: RM 3,000.
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Minimum Stay: 90 days per year.
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Dependents: Same as Silver Tier.
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Employment/Business: Not permitted.
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Platinum Tier:
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Fixed Deposit: USD 1 million.
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Visa Validity: 20 years, renewable.
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Property Purchase: Minimum value of RM 2 million.
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Participation Fee: RM 200,000.
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Minimum Stay: 90 days per year.
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Dependents: Same as Silver Tier.
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Employment/Business: Permitted.
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Application Process:
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Engage an Authorised Agent: Applications must be submitted through a licensed MM2H agent.
3. Malaysia Tourist Visa
Malaysia’s tourist visa is one of the most accessible ways to visit this culturally rich and beautiful Southeast Asian country. Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing, exploring business prospects, or scouting the environment before settling long-term, this short-term visa opens the door to endless possibilities.
The Malaysia tourist visa is a short-term visa that allows travellers to enter the country for leisure, family visits, tourism, or short business discussions (without employment). It’s suitable for first-timers exploring Malaysia or those who want to get a feel of the environment before committing to longer-term programs like the MM2H or DE Rantau visa.
Eligibility Criteria
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Applicants must hold a valid passport (at least 6 months of validity).
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Must be citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Malaysia (many nationalities are visa-free for stays under 90 days, including some African countries).
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Show proof of funds to cover stay and return travel.
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Provide a travel itinerary (hotel bookings, return ticket, or invitation letter if staying with family/friends).
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Applicants must not intend to work or study in Malaysia during their stay.
Types of Tourist Visas
There are two primary types:
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Single Entry Visa (SEV):
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Valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
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Allows a single visit for up to 30 days.
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Not extendable or convertible into another type of visa.
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Multiple Entry Visa (MEV):
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Valid for 3 to 12 months depending on the applicant’s profile.
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Allows multiple entries with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
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Popular among business visitors and frequent travellers.
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Duration
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Each entry allows you to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
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Extensions are not allowed under tourist visas—overstaying will result in fines and possible blacklisting.
Application Process
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Apply online via the official Malaysia eVisa portal (https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my) or through a licensed visa application center (VFS Global in Nigeria).
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Documents Required:
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Passport biodata page scan.
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Recent passport photograph (white background).
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Confirmed flight itinerary.
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Hotel bookings or proof of accommodation.
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Proof of financial means (bank statement showing funds for your trip).
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Cover letter stating reason for visit.
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Visa application fee (varies by visa type and country).
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Processing Time:
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eVisa: Typically processed within 48–72 hours.
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Manual application: May take up to 7 working days.
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Cost
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eVisa fees start from $20–$45 USD depending on the type and country of application.
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Service fees may apply if applying through a third party.
Can You Come With Family?
Yes—but each family member must apply individually for a tourist visa. There’s no dependent clause like in the MM2H or De Rantau programs. For families, providing joint documentation (e.g., hotel bookings under one name, family invitation letters, etc.) helps.
Benefits
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Fast and simple process.
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Great for exploratory visits before considering longer-term stays.
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Allows you to visit family, attend short events, or enjoy Malaysia’s tourism without the complexity of other visas.
Restrictions
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No employment or remote work is allowed on a tourist visa.
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No access to public services or schools.
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Cannot be converted to a long-term visa while in Malaysia (you must exit and reapply from your home country).
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Overstaying results in penalties or deportation.
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure which route to take, start with a tourist visa to explore the country firsthand. Use that time to network, scout locations to live or work from, and gather firsthand insights. This helps you make an informed decision before committing to a longer stay.
Also, be honest in your visa application—Malaysia has strict immigration rules, and inconsistencies can lead to visa denials or bans. Always apply through official or accredited channels.
