The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has officially launched the Malaysia Golden Visa 2025, known as the Investor Pass, offering international business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors the opportunity to reside in Malaysia for up to one year.
This new Investor Pass Malaysia aims to attract global investors and entrepreneurial talent to the country by simplifying visa procedures and encouraging foreign investment. According to MIDA, the entire application process takes only five business days, making it one of the fastest residency-by-investment visas in Asia.
Key Highlights of the Malaysia Golden Visa (Investor Pass 2025)
The Investor Pass is open to individuals in three categories:
- New investors entering the Malaysian market
- Existing investors or partners of local companies
- Entrepreneurs in active discussions with the Malaysian government
Unlike traditional golden visa programs, Malaysia’s Investor Pass has no minimum investment amount, but applicants must be senior decision-makers in industries such as manufacturing, education, and hospitality. Applicants are also required to show proof of employment and investment plans.
The visa fee is set at RM 1,296 (approximately USD 307) inclusive of tax, excluding immigration-related fees.
Why Malaysia Introduced the Golden Visa 2025
MIDA’s new Investor Pass Malaysia program is part of the country’s broader strategy to boost economic growth, attract high-net-worth individuals, and promote Malaysia as a regional investment hub.
Earlier in 2025, Malaysia revamped its long-standing Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program to target digital nomads, business professionals, and retirees. The MM2H now includes three tiers—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—offering residency from 5 to 20 years, depending on financial commitments.
The Silver tier requires a $150,000 bank deposit and a RM 600,000 property, while the Platinum tier calls for a $1 million deposit and RM 2 million home investment.
Global Competition for Golden Visa Investors
Malaysia joins other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, which have introduced similar residency-by-investment programs. Indonesia’s golden visa offers up to 10-year residency, while Thailand’s elite residence program provides up to 20 years of stay for investors meeting specific financial thresholds.
Despite the European Union’s caution over potential misuse of such programs, the demand for investment migration options continues to grow—especially among Americans, who now form the largest client group for global residency programs, according to Henley & Partners.
The Malaysia Golden Visa 2025 thus presents a timely opportunity for global investors seeking business expansion, relocation flexibility, and strategic access to the ASEAN market.
Conclusion
With the Malaysia Golden Visa 2025, the government is positioning itself as a top destination for investors seeking a gateway to Southeast Asia. The Investor Pass not only supports Malaysia’s economic development but also offers a strategic, efficient, and flexible residency solution for global entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide.
