Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia with her capital city, Kuching, being the largest city in the Island of Borneo.

Sarawak is definitely a place that you will want to discover more!!

Sarawak is strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia and is the ideal centre for many type of industries. Sarawak is fast emerging as a hugely profitable investment hub.  It is the largest of Malaysia’s 13 states, covering an area of 124,449 sq. km, with vast tracts of land available for development and an abundant supply of natural resources, particularly petroleum and natural gas.

Sarawak is easily accessible from all major cities of the world, businesses and industries can efficiently operate passenger and cargo transport to and from Sarawak. Air travel to the country takes less than three hours from Hong Kong, three and a half hours from Australia, one hour from Indonesia, six hours from Japan, and only 45 minutes from Singapore and Brunei.

Entrenched in Sarawak’s history are the remnants of the reign of the White Rajahs, the Brooke family monarchy that ruled the Kingdom of Sarawak from 1841 to 1946. Traces of the Brookes can be found throughout the state, from physical reminders such as colonial buildings, preserved relics that populate today’s museums, and events such as the Sarawak Regatta, to the more intangible traces within the law and culture of the people.

Sarawak’s ever-expanding world-class museums, authentic hospitality, and a diverse religious and cultural trade, all form part of the cultural attraction.

Useful links:

https://sarawaktourism.com/discover-sarawak-malaysia/

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION (FAQ) – SARAWAK/MALAYSIA MY SECOND HOME (S-MM2H) 

(A) SMM2H Visa

Q1: What is S-MM2H Visa?

A1: S-MM2H Visa is a ten (10) years Social Visit Pass with Multiple Entry Visa. Successful applicants will be issued MM2H visa as long as the holders do not violate the rules and regulations of the Sarawak Immigration Department. The S-MM2H visa is renewable / extendable at the end of the 10 years period provided if you fulfill all criteria set by the Sarawak Immigration Department.

Q2: If my passport is valid for the next three (3) years, will I receive the full ten (10) years visa endorsement? 

A2: The S-MM2H visa endorsement will be given based on the validity of your passport. You will be entitled to receive up to ten (10) years visa if your passport is valid for the next ten years. If your passport is only valid for 3 years, you will only be given a 3-year visa. You may receive the balance of the ten-year visa upon renewal of your passport.

Q3: What is the minimum day to stay in Sarawak per year after obtaining the S-MM2H visa endorsement? 

A3:

S-MM2H pass holder must stay in Sarawak for a minimum of 30 days a year.  If the pass holder fail to fulfill this requirement, his/her S-MM2H pass will be terminated.

S-MM2H pass holders may visit and leave as you wish with no restrictions after you obtained the S-MM2H visa endorsement.

Q4: Who grant the approval of S-MM2H application?

A4: The Immigration Department of Sarawak.

Q5: Who can apply for S-MM2H?

A5: S-MM2H Programme is open to citizens of all countries that have diplomatic relation with Malaysia (except Israel & North Korea) which is in line with Federal Government’s policy on foreign diplomatic relations.

Q6: What is the age eligibility?

A6: 30 years old and above.

Q7: What are the financial requirements of the applicants?

A7: Applicants are expected to be financially capable of supporting themselves during the participation in the programme. Main applicants are required to show proof of financial capability by:

(A)   Opening a fixed deposit account with panel bank in Sarawak with a deposit amount of at least RM500,000;

Applicants are required to maintain a minimum balance of RM250,000 in their fixed deposit account during their participation in the programme.

AND

(B) (i)  Showing proof of government approved monthly pension fund of at least RM15,000 (dependent) and RM10,000 (individual). (for applicants who are 50 years old and above);

or

(B) (ii)  Showing proof of monthly off-shore income fund of RM15,000 (dependent) and RM10,000 (individual). (for applicants who are 30 years old and above);

or

(B) (iii) Showing proof of a saving account statement worths RM200,000 (dependent) and RM100,000 (for individual).

** Certified copy of bank statements as proof of savings fund for the last 3 months financial statement.

Q8: What do you recommend to improve my chances of approval?

A8: While you are required to place a fixed deposit and/or show proof of income, these are only the minimum requirements. In order to receive approval, you must show that you have a strong financial background. (Extra documents, not compulsory.)

Q9: What are other conditions for submission of application?

A9: 

(i) All applicants and their spouse and dependents (if any) are required to submit their medical report to show their state of health conditions during the application for review and approval.

(ii) the Main applicant must submit a Resume and both the main applicant and the spouse must submit their Letter of Good Conduct from their origin country.

(iii) Applicants are strictly forbidden from participating in activities sensitive to local people, politics, missionary and activities that are provocative, instigative in nature and sensitive that could threaten the security of the country.

(iv) Applicants are required to purchase medical insurance for themselves and dependents. (Only for applicants below 60 years old.)

Q10: Do I need to be in Sarawak when applying for a renewal?

A10: Yes, all participants MUST be present in person with their passport in Sarawak to receive the S-MM2H visa endorsements from the Immigration of Malaysia. All renewals must be done one (1) month prior to the expiry date.

All applicants need to stay a minimum of 30 days per year in Sarawak to qualify them for a renewal of S-MM2H visa.

Q11: Do I have to stay in Sarawak after joining this program?

A11: After completing your landing visit to Sarawak, you are free to enter and leave the country without any restrictions.

Q12: Can the Social Visit Pass be extended after 10 years?

A12: Yes. All applicants who wish to continue the programmer for the second 10 year should submit their application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Sarawak as a NEW APPLICATION. New application should be submitted 6 months before the pass expiry.

Q13: After joining this program, can I apply for Permanent Residency?

A13: No. Under this programme participant is not allow to apply for Permanent Residency.

Q14: Can I use my existing non-cash assets in Sarawak to fulfill the S-MM2H condition?

A14: No, they cannot be considered equivalent to the fixed deposit requirement. However, we strongly advise you to include whatever assets you have in Sarawak or elsewhere as your supporting financial documents when you make your S-MM2H application.

Q15: Who qualifies as dependents?

A15: Applicants may apply their spouse, unmarried children below the age of 21 and not married and parents.

Applicants are required to purchase medical insurance for themselves and dependents.

Q16: How long does the approval process take for my application?

A16: Under normal circumstances, the applications will either be approved or rejected within 3 – 6 months from the submission of application.

Q17: What were the main reasons applications were being rejected?

A17: Most rejected cases were due to the failure in showing proof of strong financial status and unsatisfactory background checks. As mentioned above, applicants with just enough cash available for the required fixed deposit and meeting the minimum requirement for monthly income may not be approved.

Q18: If I have been staying in Malaysia for years, can I apply for S-MM2H?

A18: Yes, but you cannot have any pass/visa issued by Malaysia before submitting your application.

Q19: Can S-MM2H participants work in Malaysia?

A19: All participants are not allowed to work.

• S-MM2H participants are not eligible to work full time.

• S-MM2H participants are only eligible to work part time in professional jobs in sectors approved by the ILMU thru MTCP.
• Total working hours must not exceed 20 working hours per week.
• S-MM2H participants are allowed to be ‘sleeping partner’ in Joint-venture (JV) business with local partner in sectors approved by ILMU. S-MM2H participants must own minimum 49% of the total paid-up capital of RM250,000 (minimum).
• All applications to work under S-MM2H programme must be made to the State Authority.

Professional sector: Education, Banking / Securities, Manufacturing and Medical.

Q20: Do I need a sponsor for my application?

A20: Yes, all applications must be bonded by a sponsor who originated from and currently staying in Sarawak OR by a SMM2H licensed agent that is registered in Sarawak only.

(B) Fixed Deposits: 

Q1: Which banks am I required to place my fixed deposit?

A1: Affin Bank Berhad, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (Alliance Bank), Hong Leong Bank Berhad, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad & United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad @ UOB Bank, Public Bank, RHB Bank, ICBC Bank, Bank of China, Standard Chartered Bank, OCBC Bank, CIMB Bank.

A2: The fixed deposit for this programme MUST be made in Malaysian Ringgits; any amount beyond the stated requirement can be made in most foreign currency.

Q3: Can I open a current account with the banks in Malaysia?

A3: By presenting the original S-MM2H Conditional Approval Letter and your passport, you may open a personal saving and current accounts in Malaysia.

Q4: Can I withdraw my fixed deposit any time during my stay in Malaysia?

A4: Participant under S-MM2H can withdraw after one (1) year for  purchase of house, car, children education or medical purpose. Participants must maintain a minimum balance of Fixed Deposit amounted to RM250,000.00 from second year onward for the whole duration of stay under S-MM2H.

Q5: Can I place the fixed deposit in a Malaysia bank located in my country?

A5: No. Participants have to open a fixed deposit account in bank selected at A1.

Q6: Am I allowed to withdraw my fixed deposit for a few months and then top it back later?

A6: No. Participants are not allowed to do this.

Q7: When can I withdraw my fixed deposit?

A7: After a period of one year, the participant may withdraw his/her fixed deposit for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Sarawak and medical purposes OR when he/she decides to terminate his/her stay in Sarawak by first informing the Ministry of Tourism of his/her intention at Malaysia My Second Home Centre. Participants can apply to withdraw part of their fixed deposit for emergency cases such as medical purposes, etc. with prior approval of the Ministry of Tourism.

(C) Medical Treatment: 

Q1: Can I receive medical treatment in Malaysia?

A1: Yes you can receive medical treatment from any clinics, medical centres, hospitals throughout Malaysia.

(D) Education: 

Q1: Should I apply S-MM2H for my children who are / will be attending school in Sarawak?

A1: 7 years old and above no need, they can only get student pass. Below 7 years old will get Social Visit Pass.

Q2: Do kindergarten level children need Student Visas to attend kindergarden here?

A2: Children below the school going age (7 years old) are not required to apply for Student Visas. They need only apply for a Social Visit Visa.

Q3: If my children are already married and want to study in Sarawak with their husbands, do they need to pay the fixed deposit? 

A3: Not necessary. They can apply for a Student Visa once they have obtained places of study in Sarawak.

Q4: Can the children of successful applicants attend school in Sarawak?

A4: Yes, they may do so by having Student Pass and they should be insured throughout their stay in Sarawak.

(E) House Purchase: 

Q1: Are the participants entitled to any special entitlements?

A1: All participants are allowed to purchase residential properties at the minimum purchase price for foreigners established by the respective the state government. The current minimum price is RM600,000 per unit in Sarawak.

Q2: Can I purchase a house for residential purpose and a shop lot to be rented out?

A2: No, you are only allowed to purchase residential properties.

Q3: Do I have to pay the yearly assessment and quit rent for my houses like the locals?

A3: Yes.

Q4: In the event of unforeseen death can the participants Sarawak assets be handed over smoothly to any of his beneficiaries. Does the Government have any restriction on this matter? 

A4: No. Participants may transfer their property to their next-of-kin provided they have made a will to this effect.

Q5: Must foreigners buy new Sarawak property only, such as from developers, or can they purchase any property, such as from individual owners (second hand or third hand property)? 

A5: Participants can purchase any type of housing properties provided that it has been issued with OP (Occupation Permit).

Q6: Can I apply for local financing from a local bank to purchase a house in Sarawak?

A6: Yes, you may apply for the loan in Sarawak subject to the terms and conditions of respective banks or financial institutions