Malaysia · Policy & practice
Malaysia MM2H: transferring and renewing a pass after a passport change
A valid MM2H endorsement needs to be transferred to a replacement passport. Renewal depends on the pass expiry and the original approval, with additional requirements for continued stay.
A replacement passport does not automatically extend a Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) pass by 5 years. Transfer of Endorsement, known as TOE, moves the endorsement to the new passport; renewal concerns further permission to stay. Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) sets out different requirements for the procedures.[1]
The passport, pass and programme can expire at different times
The passport expiry, current pass expiry and period stated in the programme approval may differ. The Gold category, for example, has a 15-year programme term, while its official guidance also addresses passports that expire earlier.[2] A long programme approval can therefore still require a passport change and related pass procedures along the way.
For an unexpired pass, prepare the documents required for transfer. Where the pass is also nearing expiry, the receiving authority should confirm whether an extension or renewal is needed at the same time. The validity of the new passport does not determine the holder’s permitted stay in Malaysia.
Documents needed to transfer the endorsement
MOTAC’s checklist includes the old and new passports, a copy of the existing MM2H pass, the approval letter, application letters and forms IMM.12 and IMM.55. A dependant’s application also requires the principal’s pass and the relevant personal bond.[1] Immigration Department guidance calls for passport originals and copies and sets out attendance requirements for the applicant or an MM2H company representative.[3]
For a family application, each person’s name, old and new passport numbers and pass expiry should correspond accurately. Completing a passport update for one member does not update the other family members’ endorsements.
Renewal also addresses continuing eligibility
For a 5-year renewal, the handbook lists medical evidence, fixed-deposit records, bank confirmation and applicable insurance and family documents. Its service standards are 1 working day for TOE and 30 working days for renewal.[1] These are neither the total time needed to prepare and complete an application nor guaranteed completion dates; requests for further documents can add time.
The requirements depend on the approval cohort and programme, including whether the approval falls under the federal scheme, an earlier cohort or a state programme. Immigration Department guidance and current MOTAC materials differ on adult dependants, so a passport change alone does not establish continued eligibility or entitlement to an extension.[3][4] Confirm the relevant procedure before committing to travel that depends on the updated pass.
Official sources
General information, not individual legal, tax or investment advice. The applicable rules and the relevant authority determine each case.