Malaysia MM2H Approves 22,000 Residency Applications in 10 Years

Malaysia’s My Second Home program has approved 22,282 residency applications between 2015 and 2024.

The data show that Malaysia processed a total of 30,303 applications over the decade, with approval rates averaging around 73 percent.

Main Source Markets

Chinese nationals continue to dominate MM2H participation, submitting 15,053 applications and securing 10,830 approvals, nearly half of all approvals during the ten-year period.

Other leading source countries include:

• South Korea: 2,901 applications, 2,056 approvals
• Japan: 2,057 applications, 1,675 approvals
• Bangladesh: 1,669 applications, 1,081 approvals
• United Kingdom: 994 applications, 747 approvals

Industry observers link this dominance to Malaysia’s historical popularity among Chinese investors and retirees, though they note that interest has softened in recent years due to shifting global trends and local policy adjustments.

Regional Competition

While MM2H remains one of Asia’s most recognizable residency programs, regional competition is intensifying.

Market analysts point out that emerging alternatives in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand are attracting renewed interest among globally mobile investors.

Nonetheless, Malaysia’s combination of affordability, established infrastructure, and long-term residence options continues to make MM2H a competitive choice for lifestyle-based relocation.