MM2H agents must obey overseas laws, says tourism minister
Tourism minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing urges all MM2H licence holders to follow the laws of each country where they recruit, a move aimed at curbing fraud and protecting foreign applicants.
The short version
- Agents must meet regulatory requirements in every recruitment market.
- A Malaysian licence does not replace local legal obligations.
- Cooperation with local partners is urged to prevent fraud.
- Korea highlighted as a high‑potential market for retirees.
- Compliance focus shifts from applicant numbers to transparent processes.
Minister stresses overseas compliance
On 27 August, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing posted on Facebook to tell MM2H agents that a Malaysian licence does not fulfil the legal requirements of the countries where they promote the visa. He said that ignoring host‑nation regulations can cause confusion, lead to fraud and expose agents to legal action.
After meeting the Malaysian Association in the Republic of Korea, the minister said the priority is protecting applicants and maintaining a transparent market rather than increasing application numbers. He said he will remind agent firms of these obligations when he returns to Malaysia.
Implications for MM2H agents
Agents must check that their recruitment activities follow local consumer‑protection, advertising and immigration laws in each market. Non‑compliance could cause misunderstandings, legal disputes or damage the MM2H brand’s credibility.
The programme still offers Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, requiring fixed deposits of USD 150,000, USD 500,000 and USD 1,000,000 respectively, and a licensed Malaysian agent is still required. Agents must ensure any local partner can meet these financial thresholds and any domestic licensing requirements.
Potential impact on Korean market
Korea was identified as a market with strong demand, particularly from retirees looking for a winter second home in Malaysia. The minister asked agents to increase promotion there and work with recognised Korean travel and immigration bodies.
Collaboration should ensure marketing material complies with Korean regulations, that prospective applicants receive accurate information about the deposit tiers, and that the risk of scams is reduced, which can increase confidence in the MM2H programme among Korean prospects.
“Agents who have obtained MM2H licences in Malaysia should not assume that they have fulfilled all regulatory requirements.”
What it means
What this changes for an applicant
- If you are applying through an agent, confirm that the agent has a verified local partner in your country and can demonstrate compliance with that country's rules.
- The fixed‑deposit tier you choose, Silver, Gold or Platinum, must still meet the Malaysian requirement of USD 150,000, USD 500,000 or USD 1,000,000, and the agent must hold a valid Malaysian licence.
- Neglecting to check these details could expose you to fraud, delays or rejection of your application.
Source
This article was written by Malaysia Visa Guide, based on reporting by Malay Mail. We summarise and explain the news in our own words; we do not reproduce it. Read the original report for the publisher's full account.
Last updated 29 August 2026.
News is a starting point, not advice.
For what this means in your own case, the verified figures live in the MM2H guide, or run the eligibility checker.