MM2H- Is there another way to stay

[Gloucesterguy]

I am a retired UK National considering moving to Malaysia to be with friends

Have been looking at the MM2H program. My Pensions plus UK house let income is more than sufficient but my investment capital is lacking. However my Pension alone is just not quite enough to meet the MM2H criteria.

Is it possible to stay in Malaysia by any other option without MM2H status?

I have lived in the Philippines and there it was possible to pay visa extensions for over one year. After that it was necessary to leave the country for a short vacation before returning to start the entire process over again. Many expats were using this method to continue their stay in the country.

Have spent too long looking at the Malaysian Immigration rules without any success - Please help.

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by Gloucesterguy

I am a retired UK National considering moving to Malaysia to be with friends

Have been looking at the MM2H program. My Pensions plus UK house let income is more than sufficient but my investment capital is lacking. However my Pension alone is just not quite enough to meet the MM2H criteria.

Is it possible to stay in Malaysia by any other option without MM2H status?

I have lived in the Philippines and there it was possible to pay visa extensions for over one year. After that it was necessary to leave the country for a short vacation before returning to start the entire process over again. Many expats were using this method to continue their stay in the country.

Have spent too long looking at the Malaysian Immigration rules without any success - Please help.

Gloucesterguy,

No need to worry about a MM2H visa. Malaysia is very accommodating - when you arrive you receive a 90 day visa whether by air, boat, train etc. I'm not sure it can be extended without a trip to a border but that's easy. There are very cheap flights to Singapore or Jakarta or Bangkok to start the whole process again. Some countries are more difficult - like Thailand and the Philippines really isn't a walk in the park from my perspective. AND they'll allow you to work should you want to - there may be some restrictions but much more accommodating than anywhere else I've seen in Asia. Check either Air Asia or Tiger Air - I think there are cheap flights from PI [Clark only darn it] to KL.

Serendipity2

[aubella]

Originally Posted by Gloucesterguy

I am a retired UK National considering moving to Malaysia to be with friends

Have been looking at the MM2H program. My Pensions plus UK house let income is more than sufficient but my investment capital is lacking. However my Pension alone is just not quite enough to meet the MM2H criteria.

Is it possible to stay in Malaysia by any other option without MM2H status?

I have lived in the Philippines and there it was possible to pay visa extensions for over one year. After that it was necessary to leave the country for a short vacation before returning to start the entire process over again. Many expats were using this method to continue their stay in the country.

Have spent too long looking at the Malaysian Immigration rules without any success - Please help.

As a UK national, you can extend your 90 days visa for another 60 days when you are in Malaysia, and then leave the country for another 72 hours (by the rule) if you want to get another 90 days in Malaysia. However, if the officer at the immigration checkpoint found out that you have stayed in Malaysia without a long term visa for more than 182 days in a year, you may either be granted a shorter visa (14 days) or may require you to stay out from Malaysia for a longer period in order to stamp another 90 days for you.

On the other hand, should you decide to pursue the route in MM2H further, feel free to contact me I am General Manager of Aubella (MM2H) Sdn. Bhd.

The requirement for deposit of MYR150,000 is a must, but the requirement for MYR 350,000 as a financial proof for the application can be adjusted lower on a case by case basis.

[Gloucesterguy]

Originally Posted by aubella

As a UK national, you can extend your 90 days visa for another 60 days when you are in Malaysia, and then leave the country for another 72 hours (by the rule) if you want to get another 90 days in Malaysia. However, if the officer at the immigration checkpoint found out that you have stayed in Malaysia without a long term visa for more than 182 days in a year, you may either be granted a shorter visa (14 days) or may require you to stay out from Malaysia for a longer period in order to stamp another 90 days for you.

On the other hand, should you decide to pursue the route in MM2H further, feel free to contact me I am General Manager of Aubella (MM2H) Sdn. Bhd.

The requirement for deposit of MYR150,000 is a must, but the requirement for MYR 350,000 as a financial proof for the application can be adjusted lower on a case by case basis.

Thankyou for your advice Aubella,

By my simple calculation 90+60, 72Hour gap, +90=240 days of Malaysian welcome from a total of 365 days, leaving 125 days - 3days= 122days, ie about 4months to account for in the first year.

I could return to the UK for a 32 day family reunion. That leaves 90 days to complete the first year of Malaysian living.

Do you think that I can expect to get a 90 day re-entry approval at this point?

If the answer is yes, then at the expiry of almost 90 days I take a short break away again, come back into Malaysia and the year is completed. So I should get another 90days to start the second year and repeat the cycle.

Am I on-track or off my head or just trying to be over complicated

Anyway am not at all confident in this plan. Do you have a better suggestion leaving MM2H aside for now?

[Gloucesterguy]

Originally Posted by Serendipity2

Gloucesterguy,

No need to worry about a MM2H visa. Malaysia is very accommodating - when you arrive you receive a 90 day visa whether by air, boat, train etc. I'm not sure it can be extended without a trip to a border but that's easy. There are very cheap flights to Singapore or Jakarta or Bangkok to start the whole process again. Some countries are more difficult - like Thailand and the Philippines really isn't a walk in the park from my perspective. AND they'll allow you to work should you want to - there may be some restrictions but much more accommodating than anywhere else I've seen in Asia. Check either Air Asia or Tiger Air - I think there are cheap flights from PI [Clark only darn it] to KL.

Serendipity2

Very nice of you to reply Serendipity2,

Also have some advice along similar lines to yours, as you probably have noticed already. Its very comforting to know that Malaysia is very accomodating, that gives me some encouragement to come up with a workable plan to stay there.

I am curious to know how easy or difficult it might be to set up a small business there as my Filipina friend, a very experienced and talented Tailor, also operating a small business in the Philippines, would like to start up a Dress Making business in Malaysia . If that is feasible, that could also give me a business interest. This may be a complicated matter due to the Visa requirements for Philippine Nationals. I think they need an Employer and letter of invitation to work in Malaysia. If you or anyone can offer some constructive suggestions on the possibility of starting a business like that it would be appreciated.

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by Gloucesterguy

Very nice of you to reply Serendipity2,

Also have some advice along similar lines to yours, as you probably have noticed already. Its very comforting to know that Malaysia is very accomodating, that gives me some encouragement to come up with a workable plan to stay there.

I am curious to know how easy or difficult it might be to set up a small business there as my Filipina friend, a very experienced and talented Tailor, also operating a small business in the Philippines, would like to start up a Dress Making business in Malaysia . If that is feasible, that could also give me a business interest. This may be a complicated matter due to the Visa requirements for Philippine Nationals. I think they need an Employer and letter of invitation to work in Malaysia. If you or anyone can offer some constructive suggestions on the possibility of starting a business like that it would be appreciated.

Gloucesterguy,

There are many ways to skin a cat! One way is to bring her as a 'maid'. It's in the MM2H info. I know that it's possible to work "part time" but not sure if that's with an MM2H visa or not but think it is. The good news is, with the MM2H visa you CAN bring a maid and you can import or buy a car duty and tax free. The other side of that coin is that you need to bring in and leave on deposit for a minimum one year MYR 150,000 if you're "old" and MYR 300,000 if you're one of those "young ones" After a year both can reduce that to MYR 60,000 which must remain in the bank until you decide to depart. I think to reduce that amount, though, you either have to buy a home or use for medical. Better "Google" MM2H and read ALL the fine print.

Then again, I would suggest you live there for a year or in Asia, and try other places too. There are a lot of benefits to living in Malaysia but the rest of Asia has many wonderful adventures too. Or at least move there, rent, see if it's what you like and want and then make the decision. Move in haste, repent in leisure. Oh, that's MARRY in haste, repent in leisure.

Serendipity2

[Gloucesterguy]

Originally Posted by Serendipity2

Gloucesterguy,

There are many ways to skin a cat! One way is to bring her as a 'maid'. It's in the MM2H info. I know that it's possible to work "part time" but not sure if that's with an MM2H visa or not but think it is. The good news is, with the MM2H visa you CAN bring a maid and you can import or buy a car duty and tax free. The other side of that coin is that you need to bring in and leave on deposit for a minimum one year MYR 150,000 if you're "old" and MYR 300,000 if you're one of those "young ones" After a year both can reduce that to MYR 60,000 which must remain in the bank until you decide to depart. I think to reduce that amount, though, you either have to buy a home or use for medical. Better "Google" MM2H and read ALL the fine print.

Then again, I would suggest you live there for a year or in Asia, and try other places too. There are a lot of benefits to living in Malaysia but the rest of Asia has many wonderful adventures too. Or at least move there, rent, see if it's what you like and want and then make the decision. Move in haste, repent in leisure. Oh, that's MARRY in haste, repent in leisure.

Serendipity2

Hello Again Serendipity2,
OK, Can see there are benefits with the MM2H program that will not apply with Visitor status. So, I must look really hard at how I might be able to qualify. Maybe there are options for me to raise the necessary investment with a loan.

Is the RM 150,000 the only outlay. Thought there might be some other amount to find?

Can I really pre-arrange, visa etc, an entry to Malaysia with a maid escort on an MM2H ? If that's true I know just the right person

Would you advise an experienced person, such as an agent, to advise on the practical can and cannot do's. and to make all the arrangements? I saw comment that they are very expensive for the work they actually do.

Have already spent 3 years in Asia, mostly in the Philippines. Spent a week in KL already and was very impressed- everything was so clean and organized.

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by Gloucesterguy

Hello Again Serendipity2,
OK, Can see there are benefits with the MM2H program that will not apply with Visitor status. So, I must look really hard at how I might be able to qualify. Maybe there are options for me to raise the necessary investment with a loan.

Is the RM 150,000 the only outlay. Thought there might be some other amount to find?

Can I really pre-arrange, visa etc, an entry to Malaysia with a maid escort on an MM2H ? If that's true I know just the right person

Would you advise an experienced person, such as an agent, to advise on the practical can and cannot do's. and to make all the arrangements? I saw comment that they are very expensive for the work they actually do.

Have already spent 3 years in Asia, mostly in the Philippines. Spent a week in KL already and was very impressed- everything was so clean and organized.

Gloucesterguy,

I'm not the definitive expert on Malaysia or MM2H so anything I've posted is more what I think that what I know but if you'll "Google" the MM2H there is a lot of info and, yes, I've read you can bring a maid but before you opted to do so you should find out what obligations there are regarding salary and taxes etc.

Probably your best source would be Tumbleweeds who has lived in KL and can give you some helpful guidance. I do understand, though, that many expats live in Malaysia for years, even buy real estate [I understand you do not have to be a Malay citizen to buy a home - someone correct me if this is not correct] and just make infrequent trips out of the country to renew their 90 day visas. That may end one day but for now apparently it's not a problem. One bit I did read that was somewhat troubling is that after 60-65 you could not buy health insurance and if you did have it when you hit 70 you can't renew. I guess that's government planning for you - out with the old! :/ Still, I understand medical care is pretty affordable - like the Philippines. Unless you have a serious medical problem. I do think you'll find Malaysia far more open to expats than the Philippines is and you CAN buy a home whereas in the Philippines you can lease every square foot [or meter] of every island but you can't own one square inch of the Philippines.

Serendipity2

[Gloucesterguy]

Originally Posted by Serendipity2

Gloucesterguy,

I'm not the definitive expert on Malaysia or MM2H so anything I've posted is more what I think that what I know but if you'll "Google" the MM2H there is a lot of info and, yes, I've read you can bring a maid but before you opted to do so you should find out what obligations there are regarding salary and taxes etc.

Probably your best source would be Tumbleweeds who has lived in KL and can give you some helpful guidance. I do understand, though, that many expats live in Malaysia for years, even buy real estate [I understand you do not have to be a Malay citizen to buy a home - someone correct me if this is not correct] and just make infrequent trips out of the country to renew their 90 day visas. That may end one day but for now apparently it's not a problem. One bit I did read that was somewhat troubling is that after 60-65 you could not buy health insurance and if you did have it when you hit 70 you can't renew. I guess that's government planning for you - out with the old! :/ Still, I understand medical care is pretty affordable - like the Philippines. Unless you have a serious medical problem. I do think you'll find Malaysia far more open to expats than the Philippines is and you CAN buy a home whereas in the Philippines you can lease every square foot [or meter] of every island but you can't own one square inch of the Philippines.

Serendipity2

Thankyou again Serendipidy2,
Hopefully Tumbleweed is willing to share some knowledge and experiences. Definitely try to make contact there.

The Philippines operate the same restrictions on medical insurance. I believe its very difficult to get medical insurance above 65 years. I did notice that Blue Shield, think thats who it was, is introducing insurance for seniors but at a very high price.

I do not need to be reminded about land and property ownership in the Philippines, having suffered a very costly experience there. But thats another story.

Will be spending quite a lot of time looking up all the "must know" on MM2H and beyond.

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by Gloucesterguy

Thankyou again Serendipidy2,
Hopefully Tumbleweed is willing to share some knowledge and experiences. Definitely try to make contact there.

The Philippines operate the same restrictions on medical insurance. I believe its very difficult to get medical insurance above 65 years. I did notice that Blue Shield, think thats who it was, is introducing insurance for seniors but at a very high price.

I do not need to be reminded about land and property ownership in the Philippines, having suffered a very costly experience there. But thats another story.

Will be spending quite a lot of time looking up all the "must know" on MM2H and beyond.

Gloucesterguy,

I nearly made the mistake in buying. I found two gorgeous lots with a fabulous view overlooking Cebu ready to go. The price was right and I had asked several people if there were any restrictions. No problem I was told. I had an Architect and geological engineers up on the site, "Great lot" they said. Then, just to be sure, I got my attorney up there. He tried to show me other land to buy. Finally I pinned him down and he admitted I could not own ANY land unless I created an artifice to buy it in a corporation. I can see how that would go and one day, after paying for the land and probably building that home only to be asked to leave the Philippines. That ended that and I soon departed from the Philippines. Now, had I married, I could own the land and build that home but the day the paint finished drying my new wife could say, "Bye, bye" and she would have a new home. Thanks but no thanks. The Philippines is not a friendly place for expats. Even if you find a good woman and marry her you have few rights.

In Malyasia you can buy and own your home. I like that. No ambiguity there!

I would still rent for a year. It's easy to buy and not always that easy to sell. Plus you'll learn a lot more about real estate values and where to live. Tumbleweeds would be your best source as well. Go back and read her postings if you can - well worth the effort!

Serendipity2