Sabah MM2H Programme 2026
Long-Term Residency in East Malaysia
Lower Requirements | 5-Year Renewable Passes | Nature & Eco-Tourism Lifestyle
The Sabah MM2H Programme (S-MM2H) offers a unique long-term residency opportunity for foreigners who want to live, invest, retire, or run businesses in East Malaysia. Compared with the national MM2H scheme, Sabah MM2H offers lower entry requirements, a more relaxed lifestyle, and strong appeal to nature lovers and retirees.
Sabah is known for its clean air, beaches, islands, Mount Kinabalu, eco-tourism, and affordable living, making it one of Malaysia's most attractive long-stay destinations.
π΄ Why Choose Sabah MM2H?
- Lower financial requirements compared to national MM2H programme
- More relaxed living costs and affordable lifestyle
- Access to world-famous natural attractions (Mount Kinabalu, Sipadan diving)
- Opportunity for rural land ownership with restrictions
- Strong international community from Australia, UK, Japan, Korea, and China
- Clean air, pristine beaches, and eco-tourism paradise
- 5-year renewable Long-Term Social Visit Pass
- Ideal for retirees, nature enthusiasts, and long-stay visitors
π Sabah MM2H Requirements 2026
| Requirement | Sabah MM2H Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 30+ (Principal applicant) |
| Fixed Deposit | RM 150,000 – RM 300,000 (varies by age group) |
| Minimum Monthly Income | RM 10,000 (Married) / RM 7,000 (Single) |
| Local Assets Requirement | At least RM 200,000 in Sabah property OR long-term tenancy |
| Pass Duration | 5 Years (Renewable) |
| Dependents | Spouse, children under 21, disabled children (no limit) |
| Stay Requirement | No strict minimum stay (subject to revisions) |
| Business Activities | Not allowed (must apply separately) |
| Employment | Not allowed (except part-time for specific skills) |
| Visa Type | Long-Term Social Visit Pass |
π° Financial Requirements (Sabah MM2H 2026)
1οΈβ£ Fixed Deposit (FD) at a Bank in Sabah
Depending on age:
Age 30–49
RM 300,000
Higher fixed deposit for younger applicants
Age 50+
RM 150,000
Lower fixed deposit for senior applicants
β Withdrawal allowed for house purchase, medical expenses, education, or other approved purposes
β Must maintain a minimum balance of RM 100,000 throughout the programme
2οΈβ£ Monthly Income Requirement
- RM 10,000 per month for married couples
- RM 7,000 per month for single applicants
Income may come from:
- Pension
- Rental income
- Overseas salary
- Investments
π Property & Housing Rules (Sabah MM2H)
- No minimum property purchase price based on nationality
- Foreigners may purchase:
- High-rise units
- Landed homes (subject to restrictions)
- Some rural land categories are restricted
- Tourism properties (islands, resorts) require special approval
- Property purchase not mandatory but highly encouraged
π¨π©π§ Dependents Under Sabah MM2H
You may include:
- Spouse
- Children below 21 years old
- Disabled children (no age limit)
- Parents above 60 (additional pass considered case-by-case)
Dependents receive the same pass duration as the principal applicant.
π Visa Duration & Renewal (2025)
Pass Duration
- 5-year Social Visit Pass
- Renewable as long as financial and health conditions remain fulfilled
Renewal Requirements
- Updated FD statement
- Valid passport (> 12 months remaining validity)
- Latest proof of income
- Updated health insurance
- No criminal record
π₯ Healthcare, Education & Lifestyle Benefits
1οΈβ£ Healthcare
Sabah has reputable private hospitals such as:
- Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu
- KPJ Sabah Specialist
- Jesselton Medical Centre
Medical costs are affordable, with international-standard care.
2οΈβ£ Education
Dependents may study at:
- International Schools (North Borneo, Sayfol, Kinabalu International School)
- Colleges & universities in Kota Kinabalu
3οΈβ£ Lifestyle
Sabah offers:
- Clean beaches and pristine islands
- World-class diving (Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai)
- Mount Kinabalu (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- National parks and wildlife sanctuaries
- Low cost of living
- Friendly multicultural community
πΌ Employment & Business Rules
| Activity | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Employment | β Not allowed |
| Business ownership | β Not allowed (apply for separate pass) |
| Remote working for foreign company | β Allowed |
| Digital nomad activities | β Allowed |
| Part-time skill-based work (>50 years old) | β Allowed (with approval) |
π Why Sabah MM2H Is Gaining Popularity (2026)
- Lower barriers compared to national MM2H programme
- Strong expat community from Australia, UK, Japan, Korea, and China
- International retirement hotspot with affordable living
- Quiet & safe environment away from urban congestion
- Major eco-tourism economy with natural attractions
- Growing infrastructure in Kota Kinabalu & Sandakan
π§ Who Should Apply for Sabah MM2H?
This programme is especially suitable for:
Ideal Candidates
- Retirees seeking peaceful long-term residency
- Nature and eco-tourism enthusiasts
- Long-stay travellers and seasonal residents
- Digital nomads working remotely
Investment Focus
- Foreign property investors
- Families seeking affordable international lifestyle
- Investors looking for East Malaysia opportunities
- Nature-lifestyle migrants
β Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Sabah MM2H Programme?
Sabah MM2H (S-MM2H) is a special long-term residency programme offered by the Sabah State Government for foreigners who want to live, retire, or invest in East Malaysia. It offers lower entry requirements compared to the national MM2H programme.
What is the minimum age for Sabah MM2H?
The minimum age requirement for Sabah MM2H is 30 years old for the principal applicant.
How much fixed deposit is required for Sabah MM2H?
The fixed deposit requirement varies by age: RM 300,000 for ages 30-49, and RM 150,000 for ages 50 and above. A minimum balance of RM 100,000 must be maintained throughout the programme.
What is the minimum monthly income requirement for Sabah MM2H?
The minimum monthly income requirement is RM 10,000 for married couples and RM 7,000 for single applicants. Income can come from pension, rental income, overseas salary, or investments.
How long is the Sabah MM2H pass valid?
Sabah MM2H provides a 5-year Long-Term Social Visit Pass which is renewable as long as financial and health conditions remain fulfilled.
Can I purchase property under Sabah MM2H?
Yes, foreigners under Sabah MM2H can purchase high-rise units and landed homes (subject to restrictions). Property purchase is not mandatory but highly encouraged. Some rural land categories are restricted.
Can I work or do business under Sabah MM2H?
Employment and business ownership are not allowed under Sabah MM2H (separate pass required). However, remote working for foreign companies and digital nomad activities are allowed. Part-time skill-based work is allowed for those over 50 years old with approval.
Can I include my family in Sabah MM2H?
Yes, you may include your spouse, children below 21 years old, disabled children (no age limit), and parents above 60 (considered case-by-case). Dependents receive the same pass duration as the principal applicant.
What are the advantages of Sabah MM2H over national MM2H?
Sabah MM2H offers lower financial requirements, more relaxed living costs, access to world-famous natural attractions like Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan diving, opportunity for rural land ownership (with restrictions), and a strong international community.
Who should apply for Sabah MM2H?
Sabah MM2H is ideal for retirees, long-stay travellers, eco-living international families, digital nomads, foreign property investors, and nature-lifestyle migrants seeking a peaceful environment with clean air, beaches, and affordable living.
Ready to Apply for Sabah MM2H?
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