Yes — and it has its own dedicated MM2H category. Forest City is the only project in Malaysia currently recognised under the MM2H Special Financial Zone (SFZ) programme, which launched in 2024. This category is different from the standard Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers — in several ways that make it more accessible, particularly for retirees and buyers who want long-term Malaysian residency without meeting the higher financial thresholds of standard MM2H.
What is the SFZ MM2H and how is it different?
The standard MM2H programme was restructured in 2024 into three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum — each with progressively higher fixed deposit requirements and property purchase thresholds. A separate fourth pathway was created specifically for Special Financial Zones, with Forest City currently being the only recognised project under this route.
| Requirement | SFZ MM2H | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed deposit (under 50) | USD 65,000 | USD 65,000 | USD 500,000 | USD 1,000,000 |
| Fixed deposit (50 & above) | USD 32,000 | USD 32,000 | USD 500,000 | USD 1,000,000 |
| Min. property price | No minimum | RM 500,000+ | RM 1,000,000+ | RM 2,000,000+ |
| Property source | Developer only | Any | Any | Any |
| Visa duration | 10 years, renewable | 5 years | 10 years | 20 years |
| Participation fee | RM 1,000 | RM 5,000 | RM 5,000 | RM 200,000 |
The SFZ MM2H has the same fixed deposit as Silver tier but no minimum property purchase price and a significantly lower participation fee (RM 1,000 vs RM 5,000). For buyers aged 50 and above, the deposit is USD 32,000 — one of the most accessible long-term residency pathways in Southeast Asia.
593 approvals were granted between October 2024 and March 2026, demonstrating real uptake rather than theoretical eligibility.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to citizens of 191 countries with diplomatic ties to Malaysia (excluding Israel and North Korea). There is no maximum age limit. The minimum age is 21. Dependents — spouse and children under 21 — can be included in the application.
What does it require you to buy?
You must purchase one residential unit directly from the Forest City developer. Secondary market purchases do not qualify. There is no minimum purchase price, but the unit must be purchased within 90 days of the MM2H approval letter being issued. You are required to hold the property for a minimum of 10 years — selling before 10 years means the MM2H visa is cancelled.
Step-by-step application process
- Engage a licensed MM2H agent Applications must be submitted through a MOTAC-licensed MM2H agent. Direct submissions are not accepted. Your agent handles document preparation and submission.
- Prepare your documents Valid passport (minimum 18 months remaining), application forms, financial proof, medical check-up from a Malaysian-approved clinic, and medical insurance (mandatory if under 60).
- Submit and await approval MOTAC reviews the application and issues a Letter of Conditional Approval. Processing times vary — your agent can provide current estimates.
- Place the fixed deposit Within 90 days of approval, open a fixed deposit account at an approved Malaysian bank. USD 65,000 if under 50; USD 32,000 if 50 and above. You may withdraw 50% after one year for approved purposes.
- Purchase your Forest City unit Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement for a qualifying Forest City residential unit directly from the developer. Must be completed within 90 days of approval.
- Get the visa stamped Once deposit placed, property purchased, medical check-up done, and insurance in place — your agent arranges visa stamping. The 10-year renewable MM2H visa is then active.
What are the key benefits?
- 10-year renewable multiple-entry visa for you and registered dependents
- No requirement to live in Malaysia full-time — can be used as a second home while residing elsewhere
- Foreign-sourced income non-taxable in Malaysia until 2036 under current policy
- Interest on your fixed deposit is tax-exempt
- 50% stamp duty remission on transfer instrument for Pulau 1 properties (September 2024 to December 2034)
- Full RPGT exemption after six years of ownership
- Access to Malaysia's healthcare system at resident rates
Who is the SFZ MM2H right for?
Three types of buyers benefit most. Retirees aged 50 and above looking for Singapore-adjacent living with the lowest possible financial threshold. Singaporeans or Hong Kong nationals who want a long-term Malaysian base without the high capital requirements of Platinum MM2H. And investors who want to combine a property purchase with long-term residency in a government-backed Special Financial Zone.
If your primary goal is MM2H residency and Forest City is not your preferred lifestyle destination, other MM2H tiers give you more flexibility on where to buy. But if Forest City's location, lifestyle, or SFZ positioning is part of your brief, the SFZ pathway offers a combination of lower cost and 10-year visa duration that no other MM2H tier currently matches at the same price point.
Thinking about the SFZ MM2H for Forest City?
I work with buyers navigating both the property purchase and the MM2H process. Tell me your situation and I will help you understand whether this pathway makes sense before you commit to anything.
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