Banking in Malaysia Made Easy | OCBC Malaysia

Banking in Malaysia
Made Easy with OCBC

Banking in Malaysia Made Easy with OCBC

OCBC, your trusted banking partner in Malaysia

Whether you are a foreigner coming to Malaysia for work or stay, you need a trusted partner for your Banking needs.

3 January 2025

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is a significant initiative that benefits businesses and communities in both countries - transforming the border region between Malaysia's Johor state and Singapore into a premier economic hub. It aims to facilitate cross-border flows of goods, ease the movement of people and strengthen the investment ecosystem within the JS-SEZ.

Established to foster deeper economic integration and regional development, the JS-SEZ will enhance trade, investment, and innovation across Southeast Asia, focusing on key sectors such as electronics, financial services, business services, and healthcare.

Source: The New Southeast Asia Economic Hub: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) - Rajah & Tann Asia

POTENTIAL INITIATIVES IN THE JS-SEZ
Passport-free QR code clearance

Passport-free QR code clearance

Johor - Singapore Rapid Train Service (RTS)

Johor - Singapore Rapid Train Service (RTS)

Johor Forest City Family Office Incentive

Johor Forest City Family Office Incentive

Training and work-based learning initiatives to upskill talent and close skills gaps

Training and work-based learning initiatives to upskill talent and close skills gaps

If you are interested in business banking, click https://www.ocbc.com.my/business-banking/johor-sg-sez.page.

3 January 2025

Unlocking the Benefits of Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program: A Banking Perspective

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a government initiative designed to offer foreigners the opportunity to reside in Malaysia on a long-term basis. With visa durations ranging from 5 to 20 years, the program caters to retirees, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking a second home in a vibrant and diverse country.

KEY BENEFITS OF THE MM2H PROGRAM

Long-Term Residency

MM2H provides renewable visas for 5, 10, or 20 years, offering stability and security for applicants and their families.

MM2H provides renewable visas for 5, 10, or 20 years, offering stability and security for applicants and their families.

Family Inclusivity

Applicants can include their spouse, children under 21, and parents over 60 as dependents, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy life in Malaysia.

Applicants can include their spouse, children under 21, and parents over 60 as dependents, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy life in Malaysia.

Property Ownership

The program mandates applicants to buy residential properties in Malaysia, with minimum investment thresholds varying by state. For example, the minimum purchase price in Kuala Lumpur is MYR 1,000,000.

The program mandates applicants to buy residential properties in Malaysia, with minimum investment thresholds varying by state. For example, the minimum purchase price in Kuala Lumpur is MYR 1,000,000.

Tax Incentives

Malaysia does not tax foreign income brought into the country, making it an attractive destination for retirees and expatriates looking to maximize their savings.

Malaysia does not tax foreign income brought into the country, making it an attractive destination for retirees and expatriates looking to maximize their savings.

High-Quality Healthcare

Applicants have access to Malaysia's excellent healthcare services, known for modern facilities and skilled medical professionals.

Applicants have access to Malaysia's excellent healthcare services, known for modern facilities and skilled medical professionals.

Cultural Richness

Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage offers a unique living experience, with a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous cultures.

Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage offers a unique living experience, with a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous cultures.

MM2H - Key Information

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

The Johor-Singapore SEZ is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing economic integration between Malaysia and Singapore. MM2H visa can also be applied under SEZ category.

  • Proximity to Singapore: Johor’s close proximity to Singapore makes it an attractive location for businesses and individuals seeking access to both markets.
  • Development Initiatives: Infrastructure projects, such the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link between Johor Bahru and Singapore, are set to improve connectivity with a transit time of merely 20 minutes, boosting economic activities and real estate values in the region.
  • Fixed Deposits Requirements: Ranges from minimum USD65,000 (age 21-49) to USD 32,000 (age 50 and above). The MM2H visa under SEZ category is valid for 10 years and is renewable every 5 years thereafter. Applicants must buy residential property within SEZ, specifically in developments like Forest City.

banking advantanges for mm2h applicants
As a bank, we recognize the unique financial needs of MM2H applicants and are committed to providing tailored services to enhance your experience in Malaysia.

Fixed Deposit Services

MM2H applicants must open a fixed deposit account in Malaysia. OCBC offers attractive fixed deposit rates.

Financing Options

For property purchases, we provide attractive mortgage packages with competitive financing rates, easing your investment in Malaysia’s real estate market.

Wealth Management

Our dedicated team of financial advisors can aid in managing your investments, ensuring compliance with local regulations while optimizing returns.

Online Foreign Currency Exchange

Enjoy preferential rates and efficient currency exchange online.

Terms and Conditions apply.

The MM2H program presents a compelling opportunity for foreign nationals to enjoy the benefits of long-term residency in Malaysia. With its attractive incentives and our comprehensive banking services, we are here to support your journey in making Malaysia your second home. Whether you are looking for stability, cultural richness, or financial advantages, the MM2H program, combined with our tailored banking solutions, offers a pathway to a fulfilling life in Malaysia..

Source: Malaysia My Second Home (MMH2) – En – Malaysian Immigration Department

who we are

At OCBC, we understand your financial needs, you can leverage on our expertise as your trusted partner in banking solutions.

Named as Malaysia's Bank of the Year by The Banker for two consecutive years (2023-2024)

Bagged the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2024

Awarded the Digital CX Awards 2024 by The Digital Banker

Over 100 years of history in Johor dating back to 1917

More than 30 branches across Malaysia with 8 branches in Johor, including Johor Bahru, Skudai, Kulaijaya and Taman Molek located in JS-SEZ

Longest established bank in Singapore formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912

WHY JOIN US

Our dedicated team is here to provide you a seamless banking experience by making it stress-free every step of the way so that you can focus on what truly matters - enjoying your life in Malaysia!

A Dedicated Team of Experts

Whether you’re in Malaysia for work or retirement, we can help you with your banking needs - from bank account opening, to mortgage financing and remittance solution.

One Seamless Experience

We believe you deserve an experience that’s hassle-free when opening your bank account, so you can expect a smooth journey when you choose us for your banking and financial needs.

Convert foreign currencies anytime, anywhere with live market rates

Get up to RM250 Touch ‘n Go Reload PIN when you perform inward transfer and funds conversion with your OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad account. Click here for terms and conditions.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Benefits
24/7 convenience at your fingertips

24/7 convenience at your fingertips

Enjoy the flexibility of making timely FX conversions anywhere and at any time (including weekends and public holidays).

Enjoy the flexibility of making timely FX conversions anywhere and at any time (including weekends and public holidays).

Live market rates for up to 10 major foreign currencies

Live market rates for up to 10 major foreign currencies

We offer a wide range of currencies - AUD, CAD, CNH, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, SGD, NZD, and USD - for your investments, telegraphic transfers, or to take advantage of favourable rates.

We offer a wide range of currencies - AUD, CAD, CNH, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, SGD, NZD, and USD - for your investments, telegraphic transfers, or to take advantage of favourable rates.

Waiver of foreign currency account charges

Waiver of foreign currency account service charge

Enjoy a waiver of the USD20 Half Yearly Service Charge* when you perform an accumulated foreign currency conversion equivalent to RM50,000 and above via our convenient Online Foreign Exchange service.

Enjoy a waiver of the USD20 Half Yearly Service Charge* when you perform an accumulated foreign currency conversion equivalent to RM50,000 and above via our convenient Online Foreign Exchange service.

RM0 admin fee

RM0 admin fee

Enjoy zero fees for all online currency conversions.

Enjoy zero fees for all online currency conversions.

*The Half Yearly Service Charge will be charged at every 30 June and 31 December, regardless of the account opening date.

To be eligible for the waiver for each account, you must meet the foreign currency conversion equivalent to RM50,000 and above for each corresponding period:
from 16 December to 15 June for the charge on 30 June;
and from 16 June to 15 December for the charge on 31 December.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Scan & Pay

It's simpler and faster with Scan & Pay.

Simply scan or flash your DuitNow QR code for local fund transfers or payments.

Additionally, you can also make payments to participating merchants in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

Benefits

Easy payments

Just scan the local merchant's DuitNow QR code or the overseas merchant's QR code during checkout to pay. No cash or OCBC card needed.

Instant funds transfers

Scan the DuitNow QR code of your family and friends to transfer funds. You can also receive funds by letting them scan your DuitNow QR code.

Terms and Conditions apply.

If you want the flexibility of local and global access to your funds, the OCBC Debit Card/-i provides more choices for transactions for all your plans.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

More savings when you spend

Earn higher interest when you link your OCBC 360 Account/-i and spend RM500.

Earn higher interest when you link your OCBC 360 Account/-i and spend RM500.

Spend and withdraw cash globally

Make purchases worldwide in-store and online with 0% foreign exchange mark-up, and withdraw cash at overseas ATMs.

Make purchases worldwide in-store and online with 0% foreign exchange mark-up, and withdraw cash at overseas ATMs.

Make contactless payments

Perform fast and secure payments with no PIN needed for amounts below RM250. You may now opt-in for contactless payment and manage cumulative contactless limits via OCBC Internet Banking.

Perform fast and secure payments with no PIN needed for amounts below RM250. You may now opt-in for contactless payment and manage cumulative contactless limits via OCBC Internet Banking.

Enjoy peace of mind

Keep your card secure with embedded chip and PIN technology, get SMS alerts for transactions, and verity transactions instantly via OCBC Internet Banking or OCBC Mobile Banking.

Be in control of your card

Manage your debit card limits, overseas and online spending options, and SMS transaction alerts via OCBC Internet Banking.

Only one (1) 360 account is allowed per customer and with a minimum deposit of RM500. OCBC 360 Account/-i is protected by PIDM up to RM250,000 for each depositer.

Terms and Conditions apply.

how to get started

1

Fill in the online application form with your details.

2

Expect a call from one of our Personal Financial Consultants or Relationship Managers, who will advise you on the next steps within 3 working days.

3

Visit your preferred OCBC branch with the required documents.
BEFORE YOU APPLY

Eligibility requirements

 

Who

Non-Malaysian citizens residing in Malaysia

Minimum age

18 and above


Ready to apply?

Let us call you to start the process

resources
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad welcomes the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by Malaysia and Singapore today and what it holds for the future of economic growth in the region

Learn more 

More than 1,300 throng the all-new Johor Bahru Car-Free Morning sponsored by OCBC Bank

More than 1,300 participants – the biggest number to date – thronged the recently-revived Johor Bahru Car-Free Morning last Saturday with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) coming in for the first time as main sponsor of the monthly event

Learn more 

OCBC Bank signs agreement to help China-based Yingke’s customers in Malaysia

In a boost to incoming business from China to Malaysia, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) has tied up with China-based Yingke Consulting Sdn Bhd (Yingke Malaysia) to provide their existing and potential customers with value-added banking solutions

Learn more