Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PViP): 20-Year Renewable Residency Option Explained

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The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PViP) offers a 20-year renewable residence permit for individuals with offshore income and fixed deposits in Malaysia. Learn requirements, fees, benefits, and differences from MM2H.

Introduction

Malaysia introduced the Premium Visa Programme (PViP) in 2022 to complement the long-running MM2H scheme. Unlike MM2H, which has tiered deposit requirements and physical presence rules, PViP targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals who can demonstrate both significant offshore income and capital reserves.

The PViP provides a 20-year residence permit that can be renewed indefinitely, making it one of the longest-duration residency permits in Asia. However, it does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

Program at a Glance

Program Type: Golden Visa / Long-Term Residency
Residence Validity: 20 years (renewable indefinitely)
Time to PR: Not applicable
Time to Citizenship: At least 12 years (via naturalization route, discretionary)
Minimum Investment: RM 1 million (~US$240,000) fixed deposit
Income Requirement: Offshore income of RM 40,000/month (~US$9,700)
Physical Presence Requirement: None
Processing Time: 2–3 months
Visa-Free Travel (Citizenship): 182 destinations including Schengen states
Contribution Types: Bank deposit + participation fees

Qualification Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following:

Offshore Income: Minimum monthly income of RM 40,000 (~US$9.7K) OR Annual income of RM 480,000 (~US$114K).
Bank Deposit: Open a fixed deposit account of RM 1 million (~US$240,000) with a licensed Malaysian bank.
Participation Fees: RM 200,000 (~US$48,000) for the principal applicant. RM 100,000 (~US$24,000) for each dependent.
Application Process: Applications must be filed through authorized agencies appointed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Benefits of PViP

20-Year Renewable Permit – longest validity among Malaysia’s residency programs.
No Physical Presence Requirement – applicants can maintain residency without living in Malaysia full-time.
Family Inclusion – dependents can be included at an additional fee.
Stable Living Environment – Malaysia offers affordable living, safety, multicultural society, and widely spoken English.
Flexibility – offshore income and financial independence prioritized over local employment.

Limitations

No Direct Path to PR or Citizenship – though naturalization may be possible after long-term residence (10 of the last 12 years).
High Entry Cost – significantly higher than MM2H (deposit + participation fees).
Dual Citizenship Misconception – Malaysia does not permit dual citizenship despite marketing language; applicants must renounce their nationality if naturalizing.

Program Authority

Administered by: Immigration Department of Malaysia
Legal Basis: Sections 9, 15, and 16 of the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long is the PViP valid?
A: The visa is valid for 20 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

Q2: Can I apply for Malaysian citizenship under PViP?
A: No, PViP itself does not provide a citizenship track. Citizenship applications may be considered after at least 12 years, subject to strict conditions.

Q3: What is the main difference between MM2H and PViP?
A: MM2H has lower deposit requirements (MYR 500,000–5m) but requires annual physical presence. PViP requires much higher income and deposit thresholds but has no stay requirement.

Q4: Can I include my family members?
A: Yes, dependents can be included for a fee of RM 100,000 (~US$24,000) per person.

User Comments

Jonathan – Entrepreneur from Hong Kong

PViP is convenient for those of us who travel frequently. The no-residency requirement was the biggest advantage.

Maria – Investor from Spain

The cost is significantly higher than MM2H, but the 20-year validity makes it attractive.

Ahmed – Business Owner from UAE

I was considering MM2H but chose PViP for its flexibility. It feels more like a “premium lifestyle membership” than a traditional residency visa.

Ken Lee – Consultant

For families who don’t want to relocate full-time, PViP provides a safe backup option.

Editor’s Note

The PViP is clearly designed as an ultra-premium residency option for high-net-worth individuals. While MM2H remains more accessible, PViP targets those who value long-term security and flexibility over affordability.

For those seeking citizenship or PR, however, PViP is not the right program, as Malaysia’s naturalization process remains limited and discretionary.

Malaysia My Second Home Program (MM2H)

Malaysia Premium Visa Program (PViP)