📅 Last verified: June 2026. Timelines and levies vary by state and change. Anything marked † should be reconfirmed with the relevant state land office before you rely on it.
The short version
- State consent is the state government’s written approval for property to be transferred to an international buyer.
- Required on (almost) every purchase. Your lawyer handles it.
- Timeline: a few weeks to a few months — varies by state. † It’s the step that stretches your completion.
- Some states also charge a consent levy (Penang & Johor 3%; KL / Selangor a flat fee). †
What it is
Under Section 433B of the National Land Code (NLC — Malaysia’s main land law), transferring property to a non-citizen needs the state government’s consent. In normal cases it’s an approval-and-acknowledgement step, not a test you fail — but it takes time.
How it works
- Your lawyer applies to the state land office (PTG — Pejabat Tanah dan Galian) after the SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement) is signed.
- The state reviews and issues consent.
- Only then does the transfer (MOT — Memorandum of Transfer) proceed.
How long
A few weeks to a few months, depending on the state and its workload. † This is the single step most likely to stretch an international buyer’s timeline — plan around it, especially if you have a loan offer with an expiry date.
The cost
Some states attach a levy to consent: Penang and Johor charge 3% of the price; KL and Selangor charge a flat administrative fee rather than a percentage. † Budget for it up front, not at the closing table.
Bottom line: consent rarely blocks a genuine purchase — it sets the timing. Build the wait into your plan.
→ See the Foreign Buyer guide and how to buy, step by step.
State consent rarely stops a deal — it just decides when it closes. Build the wait into your plan, not your surprise.
Worried the consent step will stretch your timeline? Message me on WhatsApp — I’ll help you plan around it.
General information only — not legal advice. Timelines, levies and procedures vary by state and change; confirm with the relevant state land office and a licensed professional. Figures marked † move most often. Author: Jacky Yong, licensed real estate negotiator (REN 77674), Vivahomes Realty Sdn Bhd (E(1)1670).
See this in real projects
Live listings where this applies: