MM2H category · Updated 8 October 2026
SEZ/SFZ MM2H: the Johor category
The lowest-deposit way into MM2H: from age 21, USD65,000 under 50 or USD32,000 from 50, and a 10-year pass. The catch: you buy your home directly from a developer in the zone. Here is how it works and how to apply through me.
Quick takeaways
SEZ/SFZ in 30 seconds
What the letters mean
One category, two zones
SEZ: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone
The cross-border economic zone across southern Johor, linked to Singapore by the Causeway, the Second Link and the RTS Link now due to open in early 2027.
SFZ: Forest City Special Financial Zone
The financial zone at Forest City in Iskandar Puteri. Current guidance names Forest City as where SEZ/SFZ participants buy their home.
Requirements
SEZ/SFZ compared with Silver
From MOTAC’s SEZ/SFZ terms and the terms for new participants.
| SEZ/SFZ (Johor) | Silver (for comparison) | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 21 and above | 25 and above |
| Fixed deposit | USD65,000 (21–49) or USD32,000 (50+) | USD150,000 |
| Using the deposit | Up to 50% after approval, for a home, education, medical or tourism | Same |
| Pass | 10 years, renewable | 5 years, renewable |
| Home you must buy | Price follows Johor state policy; Forest City guidance: RM500,000 for its units | From RM600,000, plus the state minimum |
| Who you buy from | Directly from the developer only | Any eligible seller |
| Selling the home | Not for 10 years (upgrading allowed) | Not for 10 years (upgrading allowed) |
| Minimum stay | 90 days a year, principal and/or dependants | 90 days a year for ages 25–49; none from 50 |
| Work and business | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Participating fee | RM1,000 (none for dependants) | RM1,000 |
| Renewal fee | RM300 | RM1,500 |
Who it suits
Good fit, poor fit
Good fit
Applicants aged 21 to 24 (the only category open to you), anyone 50 or over with USD32,000, and families who want a 10-year pass for a fraction of the Silver deposit.
Think twice
If you want to choose any home in Johor, buy a subsale unit, or sell within 10 years. The home must come straight from a developer in the zone.
My role
I check the category fits, coordinate the application with a licensed MM2H agent and help you compare units and paperwork. Because the home must be bought from the developer directly, I do not act on the sale.
How it works
Five steps from enquiry to keys
1. Check the fit
Your age, the deposit you can place and your family decide the category. I also check the state minimum price where you want to live.
2. Documents
Passport, good-conduct certificate, proof of funds and family certificates, translated and certified where needed.
3. Submission
A MOTAC-licensed MM2H agent files the application with the MM2H One Stop Centre. I coordinate this with the agent for you.
4. Approval and pass
After conditional approval you place the fixed deposit, do the medical check at a panel clinic and get the pass endorsed.
5. Buy from the developer
You buy the qualifying unit directly from the developer within the period in your approval letter, with your own lawyer checking the SPA.
Paperwork
Documents you will usually need
- Passport copy, all pages, valid long enough for the pass
- Recent passport photos
- Certificate of good conduct from your home country (reported as required since 2025)
- Proof of funds for the fixed deposit, such as recent bank statements
- Marriage and birth certificates for each dependant, translated into English or Malay and certified
- A statutory declaration for any child aged 21 to 34 (single and not working)
- After approval: the bank letter confirming the deposit is under lien, a medical report from a panel clinic and a stamped personal bond
- Health insurance: required at renewal; your licensed agent confirms if it is needed earlier
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
What do SEZ and SFZ stand for?
SEZ is the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and SFZ is the Forest City Special Financial Zone. MM2H treats them as one category with one set of rules.
Who can apply from age 21?
Anyone aged 21 or above from a country with diplomatic relations with Malaysia. It is the only MM2H category open to applicants aged 21 to 24.
Can I buy a subsale or resale home?
No. MOTAC’s SEZ/SFZ terms say the home must be bought directly from the developer, not from estate agents or existing owners.
How much must the home cost, and by when?
MOTAC links the price to Johor state policy and sets no deadline in its terms. Forest City’s own guidance (29 May 2026) says RM500,000 for its developer units, bought within 90 days of approval. Confirm the figure for your unit before booking.
Can I work in Malaysia on this pass?
No. Business, investment and employment are not allowed under the SEZ/SFZ category.
Do I have to stay 90 days a year?
The SEZ/SFZ terms set 90 days a year (cumulative), which the principal and/or dependants can meet for principals aged 21 to 49. The portal overview shows no minimum from age 50; check your case with your licensed agent.
Apply through Jason
Apply for MM2H through me
Send me your details and I reply on WhatsApp. I check which category fits, coordinate the application with a MOTAC-licensed MM2H agent and help you buy the home the programme requires.
This opens WhatsApp with your answers; nothing is stored on this website. The category check is a first guide only: MOTAC, the state programme offices and the Immigration Department decide every application.
Other MM2H routes
Compare the other categories
Last updated 8 October 2026. Sources: MOTAC – Terms under the SEZ/SFZ category (PDF); MM2H portal – Category overview; MOTAC – MM2H fixed deposit by category; MM2H portal – Guidelines; Forest City – SFZ MM2H guidance (developer release, 29 May 2026); MOTAC – MM2H Application Guidelines Booklet (PDF, May 2026). General information, not immigration, legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with MOTAC or the state programme office and your licensed agent before you commit.
Is SEZ/SFZ right for you?
Tell me your age, deposit and family. If SEZ/SFZ fits, I take you through the application; if Silver suits you better, I show you why.