The Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) program, administered by the Sarawak state government, allows foreign nationals to reside in Malaysia long-term. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the program, focusing on its specific requirements.
What does the Sarawak MM2H (SMM2H) program entail?
The SMM2H program, like the national MM2H program, is designed to attract foreigners who wish to stay in Sarawak for an extended period for as long as possible on a 10-year renewable social visit pass with a visa for multiple entries. Participants in the program can enjoy various benefits, such as the opportunity to stay in Sarawak with their families and own property within the country if they are approved by the government under certain conditions.
What is the key difference between Sarawak MM2H and MM2H?
One primary difference lies in the privileges granted to SMM2H participants, who are permitted to reside in both Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, whereas Peninsular MM2H participants may reside in Peninsular Malaysia.
What are the highlights of the Sarawak MM2H program?
The Sarawak MM2H Visa offers a 10-year stay, enabling participants to fully experience Malaysia’s culture and lifestyle. A key benefit is the option to withdraw up to 50% of the fixed deposit after one year to purchase a car, house, cover medical expenses, or fund education, granted if the spending remains local. Additionally, the visa grants property ownership rights in Sarawak, presenting attractive opportunities for both investment and lifestyle enhancement.
Why Opt for Sarawak MM2H?
The Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) program, supported by the Sarawak state government, offers a unique opportunity for foreigners who meet specific criteria to reside in Sarawak with a multiple-entry social visit pass. Participants enjoy benefits such as non-taxable offshore income remitted into Malaysia, the ability to invest within the country, and the flexibility to stay indefinitely in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. This program is designed to attract global residents, providing long-term stability and seamless access to Malaysia’s diverse regions and investment opportunities.
What are the Sarawak MM2H requirements?
Successful applicants who meet the SMM2H requirements will be issued ten (10) years of approved visitor passes with a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) and renewal for a period of five (5) to ten (10) years, subject to the validity of the applicant’s passport.
Primary Sarawak MM2H requirements
The Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) program remains open to individuals from all countries, except for Israel and North Korea. Applicants must be at least 30 years old, though there is no age limit for their spouses. Recent updates stipulate that individuals aged 30 and above may apply if they own a residential property in Sarawak valued at a minimum of RM600,000, have children under 21 years of age studying in Sarawak with valid student passes, or are receiving long-term medical treatment in Sarawak certified by a registered physician with the Malaysian Medical Association.
To demonstrate financial stability, applicants must provide proof of a monthly offshore income or government-approved pension funds amounting to RM15,000 for married couples or RM10,000 for single applicants. Alternatively, they can open a fixed deposit account with RM200,000 for married couples or RM100,000 for single applicants at a bank or financial institution in Sarawak. A fixed deposit certificate in Sarawak is now a mandatory requirement.
Secondary Sarawak MM2H requirements
Approved applicants under the Secondary Sarawak MM2H program are prohibited from seeking employment or engaging in business activities without prior written permission from the State Authority. They must also avoid activities that could be deemed sensitive to the local population or pose a threat to national security. Applicants are required to maintain a fixed deposit account with a Malaysian bank and submit a medical report from a Malaysian hospital. Sponsorship by a Malaysian individual from Sarawak or a Sarawak Permanent Resident is mandatory, with the sponsor signing a Personal Bond as a guarantor.
Sponsors cannot be affiliated with certain entities, and the use of agents or intermediaries is prohibited.
• SMM2H participants are only eligible to work part time in professional jobs in sectors approved by the ILMU through MTCP
• Total working hours must not exceed 20 working hours per week
• SMM2H participants are allowed to be “Minority partner” in Joint-venture (JV) business with local partner in sectors approved by ILMU. SMM2H participants can own up to 49% of the total paid-up capital of RM250,000 (minimum). • All applications to work under SMM2H
What is the application process for the SMM2H program?
Step 1: Submission of initial documents
Kindly provide the following documents for initial processing in your Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) application:
For the SMM2H visa application, provide scanned copies of the main biodata page of each person’s passport, the most recent three months of salary slips or other income documents, three months of bank statements showing income deposits, and three months of bank or financial statements indicating liquid funds.
Step 2: Document preparation and verification
In this phase of your SMM2H application, please assemble the following documents and send them via email for verification.
As of October 2025, the application process for the Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) program involves a detailed document preparation and verification phase. Applicants must prepare a cover letter, resume, or CV, and eight colored passport-size photographs for each person included in the application. Additionally, certified copies of all passport pages, recent six months of bank statements reflecting income deposits, pay slips, company letters, pension slips, or other income statements, and bank statements demonstrating liquid funds are required. An original Criminal Clearance Certificate from the country of citizenship for both the main applicant and spouse is also necessary.
Medical documentation is a crucial part of the process. Applicants must obtain a medical check-up report on the RBII form, full blood tests covering various health indicators, and a chest and lung x-ray for tuberculosis. All medical tests must be completed upon arrival in Sarawak to ensure applicants meet financial and health requirements for long-term residency, including access to healthcare and eligibility for residents aged 21 to 50.
Step 3: Submit the application and await approval
The Sarawak government generally issues an approval letter within 90 working days. However, please note that the process may take longer than expected due to unforeseen circumstances or additional administrative requirements.
Step 4: Approval
Upon receiving conditional approval, you are required to travel to Sarawak within six months and stay for a minimum of one to three days. The visa acquisition process includes a yearly visa fee of RM500, a security bond that varies depending on your country of origin, and a Journey Performed Visa Fee of RM500 per person.
Ways in which foreigners may benefit from the SMM2H program
Here’s what you can expect from the benefits and perks of the SMM2H program for foreigners:
- Flexible entry and exit options with no restrictions on travel. The Sarawak MM2H requirements include spending a cumulative total of 30 days per year in Malaysia.
- Meeting the Sarawak MM2H requirements allows you to bring dependent children under the age of 21 who can receive education in Malaysia. Note that if dependents plan to pursue tertiary education in Malaysia, they must obtain a Student Pass as required by local institutions.
- Property Ownership: Foreigners under the SMM2H program can purchase residential properties.
- Tax Advantages: No taxation on pensions and the ability to receive offshore income, including funds transferred into the country.
- Part-Time Work: Applicants can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week with permission from the Immigration Department.
- Business Ownership: SMM2H participants are allowed to be “Minority partner” in Joint-venture (JV) business with local partner in sectors approved by ILMU. SMM2H participants can own up to 49% of the total paid-up capital of RM250,000 (minimum)
- Maid Application: Foreigners can apply for a maid, following Immigration Department guidelines.
- Pet Ownership: SMM2H participants can bring their pets into the country.
- Dependent Eligibility: Parents can also join them as dependents.
5 Errors to avoid when meeting Sarawak MM2H requirements
1. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
One of the most frequent issues encountered when applying under the Sarawak MM2H requirements is submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents. All personal details, financial records, and supporting forms must be accurate, current, and aligned. Even minor discrepancies, such as mismatched names or missing information, can lead to delays or rejections.
2. Misunderstanding the sponsor requirement
A common mistake is overlooking the sponsor condition. Applicants must be sponsored by a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident residing in Sarawak. Relying on agents or third parties who do not meet this specific criterion can result in an invalid application.
3. Banking and financial compliance errors
Another area where applicants often fall short is in meeting the financial proof criteria. Some may use overseas bank accounts or banks outside Sarawak for the fixed deposit. However, the Sarawak MM2H requirements strictly mandate that the fixed deposit be placed in a bank located within Sarawak. Providing financial proof that does not meet this condition may lead to non-compliance.
4. Incorrect medical examination location
Medical checks must be completed within Sarawak. Many applicants mistakenly undergo health screenings in their home countries or other Malaysian states, not realizing this will not be accepted. Non-compliance with this requirement may jeopardize the visa issuance process.
5. Failure to complete post-approval steps on time
After receiving conditional approval, applicants must enter Sarawak within six months to complete the visa process. Missing this window can result in cancellation of the approval, requiring the entire process to be restarted.
5 Reasons for application rejection under Sarawak MM2H requirements
1. Not meeting financial thresholds
Failure to meet the minimum offshore income or fixed deposit requirements is a primary reason for rejection. The financial thresholds must be fully met at the time of application without exceptions or pending approvals.
2. Lack of eligibility for applicants ages
Applicants under 50 must show strong ties to Sarawak, such as owning local property, undergoing long-term medical treatment, or having children enrolled in Sarawak institutions. Without sufficient proof, applications from this age group may be rejected.
3. Criminal records and background check failures
A criminal record or inability to provide a clean police clearance certificate is grounds for disqualification. Authorities conduct thorough background checks and will not approve applicants with questionable histories.
4. Untranslated or poorly prepared documents
Documents not in English or Malay must be translated and certified. Submitting unclear or uncertified translations can make the application appear incomplete, leading to delays or outright rejection.
5. Missed deadlines and lack of follow-through
Neglecting follow-up communications, missing deadlines, or failing to appear in Sarawak to finalize the visa are all grounds for rejection. Attention to timelines and procedural requirements is essential to complete the process successfully.
FAQs about Sarawak MM2H Requirements
Q: Is it possible to deposit the fixed amount in a bank in regions other than Sarawak, Malaysia?
A: No, the fixed deposit must exclusively be deposited in a bank within Sarawak.
Q: Are there restrictions on where the children can pursue their education within Malaysia?
A: If the applicant chooses SMM2H on the condition that their children study there, the children are required to study in Sarawak.
Q: Is it possible to make temporary withdrawals from the fixed deposit and subsequently add it back later?
A: No, participants are not authorized to engage in such temporary withdrawals and replenishments.
Q: Are medical examination results conducted outside of Sarawak considered valid?
A: No, only medical examinations conducted in Sarawak will be accepted.
Q: What mistakes should I avoid when applying for Sarawak MM2H?
Avoid incomplete documents, using the wrong sponsor, placing deposits outside Sarawak, doing medical checks outside the state, or missing the six-month entry deadline after approval.
Q: Why are Sarawak MM2H applications rejected?
Common reasons include unmet financial requirements, weak local ties (for applicants under 50), criminal records, untranslated documents, or missing deadlines.
