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Forest City’s SFZ MM2H Special Visa: The Newly & Highly Affordable Residency in Malaysia

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Nestled in Johor, Forest City is a futuristic smart city developed by Country Garden. Its SFZ status unlocks exclusive benefits, including tax incentives and streamlined residency via the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

This article breaks down the SFZ MM2H visa, highlighting its affordability, eligibility, and lifestyle perks. Whether you’re a young professional, retiree, or investor, discover why Forest City could be your ideal gateway to Malaysia.

Can The Johor Forest City SFZ Attract SFOs To Malaysia?

National MM2H vs. Johor’s Forest City SFZ MM2H:

Criteria Silver Tier MM2H (A) SFZ MM2H (B)
Minimum Age 25 21
Income Requirement N/A N/A
Agent Fees RM 40,000 (~SGD 11,571) RM 40,000 (~SGD 11,571)
Property Purchase (Min.) RM 600,000 (Any state) (~SGD 180,000) RM 600,000 (Forest City only) (~SGD 180,000)
Fixed Deposit (FD) US$150,000 (~SGD 199,500) US$65,000 (~SGD 86,450) (Over 50: US$32,000 / SGD 42,560)
FD Withdrawal 50% for selected expenses 50% for selected expenses
Presence in Malaysia 90 days/year (if under 50) 90 days/year (if under 50)
Work Permitted Not permitted Not permitted
Dependents Spouse, parents, children Spouse, parents, children
Visa Duration 5 years (renewable) 10 years (renewable)

Key Notes:

  • Both programmes require property purchases, and applicants must hold onto the property for at least 10 years.
  • Both allow immediate fixed deposit withdrawal for approved property purchases.
  • Unmarried children up to age 34 can be dependents.
  • SFZ MM2H applicants are not required to live in Forest City—they can rent or purchase another property elsewhere in Malaysia.
  • National MM2H allows property purchase in any state, while SFZ requires purchase specifically in Forest City
  • SFZ MM2H allows Singaporean applicants to qualify with a total investment under SGD 300,000, covering the visa, fixed deposit, and property purchase.

Cost Comparison & Savings: National MM2H vs. Johor Forest City SFZ

Johor government set to unveil economic incentives for JS-SEZ and SFZ | The Star

Financial Requirements Breakdown

Requirement National MM2H (Silver Tier) National MM2H (SGD) Johor Forest City SFZ Johor Forest City SFZ (SGD) Savings with SFZ (SGD)
Agent Fees RM 40,000 SGD 12,080 RM 40,000 SGD 12,080 SGD 0
Minimum House Purchase RM 600,000 SGD 181,200 RM 600,000 SGD 181,200 SGD 0
Fixed Deposit (FD) US$150,000 SGD 199,500 US$65,000* SGD 86,450 SGD 113,050
Total Investment RM 640,000 + US$150,000 SGD 193,280 + SGD 199,500 = SGD 392,780 RM 640,000 + US$65,000 SGD 193,280 + SGD 86,450 = SGD 279,730 SGD 113,050
  • Note: For applicants over 50 years old, the FD requirement is further reduced to US$32,000 (SGD 42,560), resulting in total savings of SGD 156,940 compared to National MM2H.
  • This comparison highlights the cost-effectiveness of the Forest City SFZ MM2H visa over the National MM2H Silver Tier, especially considering the lower financial requirements and longer visa duration.

Tax Incentives:

The Forest City SFZ also offers several tax incentives aimed at attracting businesses and high-net-worth individuals as per Deloitte United States+1PwC+1

  • Family Offices: A 0% corporate tax rate is available for Single-Family Offices under the scheme coordinated by the Securities Commission Malaysia. HKTDC Research+5ASEAN Briefing+5Lexology+5
  • Financial Services: Operators of financial global business services, financial technology (fintech), and foreign payment systems can benefit from a 5% corporate tax rate. ASEAN Briefing+3PwC+3Forest City CGPV+3
  • Knowledge Workers: A special individual income tax rate of 15% is offered to knowledge workers, including Malaysians, working in the Forest City SFZ.

Lifestyle in Forest City

Johor moots Forest City to be part of greater economic zone with Singapore

Daily Life:

  • Community: Expats and locals enjoy multicultural festivals.
  • Education: Established international institutions such as Raffles American School, Marlborough College, University of Reading Malaysia etc.
  • Proximity to Singapore: A 30-minute drive to JB Sentral, 90 minutes to Changi Airport.
  • Amenities: International schools, healthcare hubs, and golf courses

Application Process: Step-by-Step

  1. Gather Documents: Passport, bank statements, health reports.
  2. Engage an Agent: SFZ-approved agents handle the paperwork.

3.. Submit Application: The process takes 3–6 months.

  1. Approval & Visa Issuance: Receive a 10-year renewable visa.

Conclusion

Forest City’s SFZ MM2H visa offers unmatched affordability, strategic location, and a vibrant lifestyle. For Singaporeans eyeing retirement, investment, or a career pivot, this visa is a golden ticket.

Next Steps:

  • Consult an agent: For more information on Johor’s Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ)
  • Explore properties: Schedule a tour to experience the SFZ lifestyle.

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