Sunday, July 09, 2006

Malaysia, My Second Home Programme

Malaysia Your Second Dream Home

Malaysia, My Second Home Programme, an initiative of the Government of Malaysia , accords people from all over the world (who fulfill certain criteria) to stay in Malaysia as long as possible on a social visit pass with a multiple entry visa. The Social Visit Pass is initially for a period of ten (10) years and is renewable.

This Second Home Programme is open to all citizens of countries recognized by the Government of Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age.



Quality Lifestyle in Malaysia



What Comes After Retirement?
Updated:2006-07-13 09:00:00 MYT

Last week, Former Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing was in Singapore for the inaugural release of five of his books. He also brought along over 90 works on seal carving, 3 seals and 38 works of calligraphy to be displayed in an exhibition of his works there.

Continues…

Friday, July 07, 2006


Malaysia, My Second Home Programme, an initiative of the Government of Malaysia , accords people from all over the world (who fulfill certain criteria) to stay in Malaysia as long as possible on a social visit pass with a multiple entry visa. The Social Visit Pass is initially for a period of ten (10) years and is renewable.

This Second Home Programme is open to all citizens of countries recognized by the Government of Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age.

Programme Requirements

Criterias For Application

  1. A valid Medical Insurance in Malaysia
  2. A Certified Medical Report from a local doctor / specialist.
  3. Meeting the Financial Requirements below:-
FINANCAL REQUIREMENTS after April 1st 2006
(Applicants whether single or with spouse)
Below 50 years old 50 years old and above
Fixed Deposit *
Of RM300,000.00
(Or USD75,000-00)
Choose :
Fixed Deposit
RM150,000.00
(or USD40,000-00)

OR

Current monthly
off-shore income
Of RM10,000-00
(or USD2,500-00)
WITHDRAWAL OF FIXED DEPOSIT (After a minimum of one year)
For approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes.
Withdraw up to
RM240,000-00
(or USD60,000-00)
Withdraw up to
RM90,000-00
(or USD25,000-00)
MUST MAINTAIN MINIMUM FIXED DEPOSIT BALANCE
(For subsequent duration of stay under this Programme)
RM60,000-00
(or USD15,000-00)
RM60,000-00
(or USD15,000-00)

Note : Successful applicants need to open their fixed deposits in Ringgit Malaysia (RM).

The Procedure of Application

1. For Individual Application
    To apply as an individual, submit the following:-

    1. Two passport-size colour photos of yourself
    2. Copies of all pages of your travel documents (ie. passport)
    3. Statement of Income
    4. Applications Form
    5. Financial documents as required in the Application Form
2. For Application together with Spouse & Children
    Submit in addition to (1) above:-

    1. Two passport-size colour photos of each family member
    2. Copies of all pages of each family member’s travel documents (ie. passport)
    3. Copy of Marriage Certificate (for spouse) or Birth Certificate (for dependent[s])
    4. If your spouse or children are Malaysian citizens, please include copies of their passports, identification cards (ICs) and the relevant marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificates (children).
Insurance Coverage

Applicants must possess a valid medical insurance policy from any insurance company in Malaysia.

Education For The Children

Applicants who wish to bring along their children who are schooling are required to apply for a Student Pass for their children to enroll in schools or institutions or higher learning recognized by the Government of Malaysia.

Employment Opportunities

Employment is permitted only after obtaining a work permit from the Government of Malaysia and is usually granted only to person with special skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other benefits do I enjoy?

  1. Allowed to purchase up to two units of residential houses valued at more than RM150, 000-00 to RM 350,000-00 each, depending on the location. (freehold and leasehold permitted)
  2. Flexibility of staying in Malaysia as long as you wish without the one month limitation of most tourist visas
Am I required to stay in Malaysia after joining this programme?
After completing your landing visit to Malaysia, you are free to enter and leave Malaysia without any restrictions.

Can I extend the programme after the initial 10 years?
Yes. If you fulfill the criteria setforth at the time of renewal, the Social Visa Pass will be renewed.

Can I apply for Permanent Residency after joining this programme?
Yes, applicants may apply for Permanent Residency after holding the Social Visit Pass for a minimum of five years. However, please note that the Immigration Department in Malaysia does not guarantee that you will successfully obtain a permit to stay permanently. As long as you meet the application criteria, the renewal of the Social Visit Pass should not be a problem.

What about my dependents?
Applicants may submit their spouse and children under the age of 18 as dependents. All other persons must be shown to be financially dependent on the applicant to qualify as a dependent.

What is the length of time taken for the approval process?
Most applications will usually either be approved or rejected with one month.

The Fixed Deposit Required

Can I withdraw my fixed deposit after successfully joining this programme?
Participants must maintain their fixed deposit at all times under this programme unless approval is granted by the Ministry of Tourism of Malaysia. Participants may withdraw the fixed deposit at any time should they decide to end their stay in Malaysia under this programme. However, after a period of one year, participant who fulfills the fixed deposit criteria can withdraw up to RM90, 000- 00 or USD25,000-00 for the purchase of house, education of children and medical expences in Malaysia. Participant must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000-00 or USD15,000-00 from second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this programme.

With which banks am I required to place my fixed deposit?
As of 25 June 2004, the fixed deposit can be made at ANY financial institution, (including foreign banks with local branches) in Malaysia.

The fixed deposit be made in a foreign currency?
The fixed deposit for this programme may be opened either in US Currency or Malaysian Ringgit. Once the fixed deposit account is opened in US Currency, it must be maintained in that Currency throughout your stay in Malaysia.

With Malaysia’s existing controls on foreign currency exchange, can I exchange my Ringgit back to foreign currency when leaving the country?
Yes. You may exchange your Ringgit as long as you can show that the currency was legitimately brought into Malaysia as foreign currency.

Employment Opportunity Locally

Can I seek employment under this programme?
You are NOT allowed to work under this programme. However, certain people with special skills may be able to apply for a work permit from the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

What about setting up my own company?
As long as you abide by the laws on foreign investment in Malaysia and other requirements setforth, you may do so.

Property Ownership

Can property ownership in Malaysia be considered as having fulfilled the financial criteria for this programme?
No. Participants are required to fulfill the fixed deposit requirement, as the purchase of a house in Malaysia is not compulsory under this programme.

Will a local financial institution consider approval for a loan should I decide to purchase a local property?
Yes. You may apply for a loan for up to 60% of the value of the property. Subject to qualifications.

Any restrictions on the type of property?
Your may purchase up to 2 residential properties in Malaysia. They can either be landed or highrise. However each must be valued at more than RM150, 000-00 to RM 350,000-00 each, depending on the location.

Car Purchasing and Driving License

What incentives do I have to purchase a car for use in Malaysia?
A participant can choose to either:
  1. Import one car subject to approved permit (AP), which is exempted from import duty, excuse duty and sales tax.
  2. Purchase one car in Malaysia which is exempted from payment of excise duty and sales tax.
Can I drive in Malaysia?
Malaysia recognizes all international driving licenses as long as your original license is still valid.

  • Assist in the preparation and subsequent submission of your application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
  • Submit a Personal Bond required by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
  • Assist in all the follow-up requirements after submission.
  • Ensure that approval is obtained within a reasonable time.
  • Be the local liason party / person on behalf of the applicant.
  • Assist in providing other optional services if required

    Your One Stop Service Provider

    Efficient and personal services assured in the following:-

    • Sourcing Of Suitable Homes
    • Travel and Holiday Arrangements
    • Education / School Liason
    • Student Pass Applications
    • Medical & Insurance Arrangements
    • Domestic Help Applications
    • Car Rental Arrangement
    • Business Set-up Advise
    • Loan Arrangements from Local Financial Institutions
    • Property Management
    • Healthcare Arrangements
    • Chauffeur Services

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