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The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has announced the launch of the Investor Pass, a new residency program designed to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and senior business leaders.
The pass allows approved applicants to live in Malaysia for up to one year, offering a faster and more flexible alternative to existing short-term entry options, according to the Daily Times.
According to MIDA, the Investor Pass provides a five-day approval process and extends the permitted stay beyond the current three-month Social Visit Pass. Eligible applicants include new investors entering Malaysia, existing partners of local companies, or individuals engaged in active investment discussions with the government.
Applicants must hold senior decision-making positions in sectors such as manufacturing, education, or hospitality. Required documentation includes proof of employment, investment intent, and payment of an RM 1,296 (approximately US$307) processing fee, excluding immigration charges.
Extensions of the pass will depend on evidence of real investment activity, serving as a compliance mechanism to ensure genuine economic participation.
The new program complements the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) initiative, which offers long-term residency options of up to 20 years for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and retirees under a multi-tier system. Minimum requirements for MM2H range from a $150,000 bank deposit and RM 600,000 home purchase to a $1 million deposit and RM 2 million property for the platinum tier.
Malaysia joins a growing list of Southeast Asian countries offering investment-linked residency programs, alongside Indonesia’s 10-year investor visa and Thailand’s 20-year Privilege Residence Program.
While some European authorities have raised concerns about the misuse of such schemes, global demand remains high. Industry analysts note that more investors are pursuing residency programs to expand business opportunities and secure additional legal residence options abroad.
