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MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Old Dec 3rd 2020, 4:23 am
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Default MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Hi,
I was born in Kuching and carried a Malaysian passport for many years as a child/young adult, while living in various countries. I became a US citizen quite a few years ago, following which I renounced Malaysian citizenship as required by law.
I am considering the possibility that that I may retire early, in another 5-10 years from now. Given the insane healthcare costs here in the States, I probably will go somewhere else, and Malaysia would make sense for a number of reasons.

I've read about the MM2H program, and I can meet the financial requirements for that. However, I also noticed on the Malaysian immigration website that there is a Residence Pass (RP) with a specific category ( 5 i. A Malaysian citizen who has voluntarily renounced their citizenship). The application requirements look straightforward, but there is not a great deal of additional information given.

-Does anyone have experience obtaining this pass under this category, and was it straightforward? Reason I ask is that given some of the rhetoric I have read online, Malaysia seems to take a very dim view of former citizens, those who have obtained citizenship overseas.

-The website only gives instructions for applying in Malaysia (and kind of implies that one must already be on a long term visa in Malaysia-though it is not clear that applies to former citizens). Can this residence pass be obtained overseas at a consulate?

-Any idea of the validity? If it has a long term duration and can be renewed, I can't think of any other reason not to go ahead and apply now, even though I am years from retirement.

TIA for your inputs.

Last edited by barryfaetheus; Dec 3rd 2020 at 4:50 am.
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Old Dec 3rd 2020, 7:30 am
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Originally Posted by barryfaetheus
I've read about the MM2H program, and I can meet the financial requirements for that.
Be aware that the current MM2H system is on hold pending a review by the government. It is expected that once they restart it it will be with different requirements. Mainly the financial requirements are expected to be changed.
I'm not familiar with the RP pass you ask about.
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Old Dec 4th 2020, 8:19 am
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

The Residence Pass (RP) appears to be valid for 10 years and doesn't require the financial commitment of MM2H. It also allows you to work or start a business, although if you are retiring this may be irrelevant. It does imply, however, that the RP is targeted at workers rather than retirees. If you are intending to purchase a property in Malaysia, check this is permitted under the RP and whether there is any minimum purchase price / how it compares to MM2H. Of course, if you are looking 5-10 years ahead, the rules may have changed by then.

The "rules may change" is the main reason for applying now if you are eligible and the cost is minimal, rather than waiting 5-10 years until you retire.


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Old Dec 5th 2020, 10:18 am
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Being Sarawakian you could likely find a sponsor (relative) for the Sarawak MM2H quite easily. You cannot work in Malaysia on that visa, however. One can still apply for SMM2H as both the SMM2H office and Immigration is still open. Getting into Sarawak to submit the application is another story. But once the Covid-19 situation becomes controllable you could apply. Since this seems to be a longterm plan...I'm sure down the road it will be open again. However, maybe the rules will change by then.

Forner Sarawakians are more of a curiosity than being targets of discrimination in Sarawak. Many will have fewer questions about why you left and stayed than "why did you return". Many have misconceptions that living in places like the United States is "The Good Rock Candy Mountain".They may expect you to still speak Sarawakian Malay, or Hokkien, or your particular orang asli dialect...and be a little surprised that you don't, or that you no longer speak it as well (family). The only issue floating around now is that there is sensitivity about "who is Sarawakian" in terms of eligibility to vote or run for office.One opposition politician was removed from the DUN (Sarawak Legislature) because he had dual citizenship. I doubt you would be considering doing any of that it will likely be irrelevant.

Not sure how people who a "renunciados" are treated in the Peninsula, though. Now it may be that you'll pick up some nasty comments in Malay that a speaker of a different language might not understand. So the question is whether the discrimination and comments are the result of being "orang asal" (a foreigner) or because you have returned from some other country after taking on citizenship there.

As tdrinker suggests other visas may have different provisions (benefits and requirements) and these may change. PR status is tougher to achieve in Sarawak...and neither the MM2H or SMM2H accrue "years" for moving to a PR status visa.

Recently the Sarawak MM2H has introduced some new rules. If you have an external income or pension the amount you need to prove has remained the same (RM7000 single/RM10,000 couple), but for those who opt for a Fixed Deposit the amount needed to be submitted has doubled. The program has mainly been for over 50 year olds (main applicant) but they have allowed applicants with children in a local school to apply for some time. Also an individual who can establish that they are receiving a program of care for an ailment by a local doctor can get an SMM2H. And under the new rules they have allowed applicants 40-50 years of age to apply if they purchase a property of RM1 million.

You can still live in the Peninsula or in Sarawak under the new SMM2H rules (an advantage)...but the have introduced a 15-day/year visitation/residence requirement - so you must be diligent on making a visit annually to Sarawak to maintain status for renewal. Also important. The MM2H is not beneficial if you want to live in Sarawak...one can reside only in the Peninsula under that visa. You'll be a "tourist" to Sarawak or Sabah under MM2H.

Here's the link explaining the program but it seems to be temporarily down.

https://mtac.sarawak.gov.my/page-0-1...yer-Forms.html

I manage a non-profit Facebook website called "Sarawak My Second Home Group" if you need more information. You might drop the question there as well. Some of the SMM2H recipients are married to locals or themselves are former locals who opted the SMM2H route.
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Old Dec 6th 2020, 1:16 am
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

I found these two sites that my be relevant.

The benefit of a Ex-Malaysian Category 5 Residence Pass is that it would allow one to work or open a business in Malaysia. These are the only beneficial provisions that I can see that distinguish it from MM2H. If you have minor children they would be eligible to enter Malaysian gov't schools (provided there is available space). MM2H can do this as well, but it is rarely done except in rural areas or for very young children. You can buy property (but that is true in any case, just not Native Land and with a price over the "floor" established by each State. This, too, is true under MM2H). According to one of the sites it appears it is only a 5-Year renewable pass. So if you don't find the financial qualifications/conditions onerous under SMM2H/MM2H and are not intending on starting a business/working IN Malaysia then there isn't much distinction.

I believe that you can only apply for it at an Immigration office in Malaysia (but one site stated that it can be done on-line). For Sarawak/Sabah you would need a local sponsor, and I doubt there is on-line application for those States.

There is no mention of fees or financial requirements., Certainly there would be the fee for the visa. I'm surprised there is not a health check. And one site seemed to imply that it is only available after 5 Years residency IN Malaysia on a long term visa. Surely that is to obtain Permanent Residency Status, though.

https://visaguide.world/asia/malaysi...esidence-pass/
RESIDENCE PASS AND WHAT IT GIVES TO THE HOLDER - Corporate Service Specialists
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Old Dec 6th 2020, 6:33 pm
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Originally Posted by RedApe
I found these two sites that my be relevant.

The benefit of a Ex-Malaysian Category 5 Residence Pass is that it would allow one to work or open a business in Malaysia. These are the only beneficial provisions that I can see that distinguish it from MM2H. If you have minor children they would be eligible to enter Malaysian gov't schools (provided there is available space). MM2H can do this as well, but it is rarely done except in rural areas or for very young children. You can buy property (but that is true in any case, just not Native Land and with a price over the "floor" established by each State. This, too, is true under MM2H). According to one of the sites it appears it is only a 5-Year renewable pass. So if you don't find the financial qualifications/conditions onerous under SMM2H/MM2H and are not intending on starting a business/working IN Malaysia then there isn't much distinction.

I believe that you can only apply for it at an Immigration office in Malaysia (but one site stated that it can be done on-line). For Sarawak/Sabah you would need a local sponsor, and I doubt there is on-line application for those States.

There is no mention of fees or financial requirements., Certainly there would be the fee for the visa. I'm surprised there is not a health check. And one site seemed to imply that it is only available after 5 Years residency IN Malaysia on a long term visa. Surely that is to obtain Permanent Residency Status, though.
Thank you so much for your comprehensive replies. This gives me a useful starting point.
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Old Dec 6th 2020, 6:50 pm
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Originally Posted by RedApe
There is no mention of fees or financial requirements., Certainly there would be the fee for the visa. I'm surprised there is not a health check. And one site seemed to imply that it is only available after 5 Years residency IN Malaysia on a long term visa. Surely that is to obtain Permanent Residency Status, though.
Yeah, the piece that appears to be a complication is the "The applicant has been staying in Malaysia on a valid long term Pass." statement. It seems to rule out simply flying to Malaysia and entering on a visa waiver, and immediately filing for the RP. But I don't think there is any category of long term pass I'd be eligible for to arrive on. No remaining relatives there etc, though pretty sure I could find a sponsor for the RP application. I wonder where I could get official clarification from, didn't see any "ask us" type options on the immigration website.

Failing that, sounds like MM2H or SMM2H might me my only option. Don't plan to work or anything else there. I was hoping to avoid needing to deposit this much money in MYR in Malaysia, because of currency volatility, and because having a foreign bank account with this much money would require me to file additional forms every year with US tax returns. But I guess this is more of a hassle than a showstopper.

Last edited by barryfaetheus; Dec 6th 2020 at 7:06 pm.
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Old Dec 8th 2020, 3:12 am
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

According to the Malaysian Government website, you need to be in Malaysia on a (different) visa to apply for the RP visa.CONDITIONS TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PASS (OTHER CATEGORIES)

2.The applicant has been staying in Malaysia on a valid long term pass;
http://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/ind...ss.html?id=284

It would be worth contacting Malaysian Immigration and asking them directly to remove any doubt.
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Old Dec 9th 2020, 11:56 pm
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

There’s a lot of discussion here, but the process is quite simple. Make an appointment at JIM, and apply for a category 5 residence pass plus 500 RM. If your current citizenship needs a MEV then that is also required.

Required documents etc are listed here: https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/in...ss.html?id=284
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Old Jan 6th 2021, 11:18 pm
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Originally Posted by OriginalSunshine
There’s a lot of discussion here, but the process is quite simple. Make an appointment at JIM, and apply for a category 5 residence pass plus 500 RM. If your current citizenship needs a MEV then that is also required.
Thanks. What is an MEV? So you think I can simply enter Malaysia on a SVP and go for an appointment, and forget about the statement about being in Malaysia on a long term pass? Is this based on experience?
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Old Jan 6th 2021, 11:20 pm
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Originally Posted by tdrinker
According to the Malaysian Government website, you need to be in Malaysia on a (different) visa to apply for the RP visa.CONDITIONS TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PASS (OTHER CATEGORIES)
It would be worth contacting Malaysian Immigration and asking them directly to remove any doubt.

Thanks. How do I contact Malaysian immigration to ask this question? I couldn't find any web form for asking such questions on their website.
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Old Jan 7th 2021, 7:20 am
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

There is a "contact us" on the top left of the Malaysia Pass website:
https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/in...ss.html?id=284

I found this contact for the Malaysia Immigration Department::
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 03-8000 8000

Otherwise, I found the below departments, which may be able to provide the correct contact (I've found Malaysian officials respond to emails): Expat Services Division (whatever that is):
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +603 8880 1449
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +60 3-7839 7171

MM2H
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +60 3-8891 7415

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Old Mar 23rd 2021, 12:21 pm
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Regarding this:

CONDITIONS TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PASS (OTHER CATEGORIES)


2.The applicant has been staying in Malaysia on a valid long term pass;

This is indeed confusing, calling the immigration office and seek clarification would be helpful. In the first instance the Residence Pass is offered to Ex-Malaysian. If I decided to give up my passport, why do I need or a long term pass? If i need a long term pass why should i give up my citizenship? I hope an existing long term pass is not a requirement.

Does anyone has new findings about this?

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Old Mar 23rd 2021, 3:49 pm
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Originally Posted by marssie
Regarding this:

CONDITIONS TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PASS (OTHER CATEGORIES)


2.The applicant has been staying in Malaysia on a valid long term pass;

This is indeed confusing, calling the immigration office and seek clarification would be helpful. In the first instance the Residence Pass is offered to Ex-Malaysian. If I decided to give up my passport, why do I need or a long term pass? If i need a long term pass why should i give up my citizenship? I hope an existing long term pass is not a requirement.

Does anyone has new findings about this?
I tried to get answers from the Immigration department by phone. The person I got didn't seem to know anything about this.
I think next time I visit Malaysia, I will try to go there and either ask for clarification, or just apply and see what happens.
If you get any info from them, please do respond to this thread.
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Old Mar 25th 2021, 2:36 pm
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Default Re: MM2H or Residence pass (ex Malaysian)

Originally Posted by barryfaetheus
I tried to get answers from the Immigration department by phone. The person I got didn't seem to know anything about this.
I think next time I visit Malaysia, I will try to go there and either ask for clarification, or just apply and see what happens.
If you get any info from them, please do respond to this thread.
Since putrajaya office is not reachable, I called the state-level immigration office. Here are some info:
1. Under category 5 (ex-malaysian), an existing long term pass is not required.
2. Physical presence in Malaysia is needed for application. Application via foreign embassy is not possible.
3. Required documents, just follow the checklist stated on the imi.gov website.
​​​4. Borang Y or K is crucial, which you obtained upon your citizenship renunciation at that time.
5. You need to make appointment in advance (online if available per branch) for your documents submission. And I read on other internet source that the sponsor needs to present together during submission.

I forgot to ask how long will it take to approve. Anyhow I think the above info is quite encouraging.

Good luck with application in due time.
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