Nationality of Malaysia: all obtaining pathways
Malaysia requires ten of the last twelve years of residence for ordinary naturalization, with a reduced two-year route only for foreign women married to Malaysian citizens. Descent is transmitted by ius sanguinis, and ius soli is limited to specific cases.
1Naturalization by residence (JPN-AA01 form)
Naturalization by residence (JPN-AA01 form)
Requirements
- At least 21 years old on the date of application
- Have resided in the Federation for a total of not less than 10 years within the preceding 12 years, including the 12 months immediately before
- Intention to reside permanently in the Federation
- Good character
- Adequate knowledge of the Malay language
- Appear in person before the Registrar of Citizenship when applying
- Two sponsors who are citizens aged ≥21, not related, not employed by nor advocates/solicitors of the applicant
- Form C completed + documentation
Documentation
- JPN-AA01 form (Borang A)
- Passport and permanent resident card (MyPR)
- Criminal record certificate for Malaysia and the country of origin
- Employment and income certificate
- Tax returns (borang BE) for recent years
- Certificate of renunciation of the previous nationality
- Photos and fingerprints
2Naturalization by marriage to a Malaysian national (foreign wives)
Naturalization by marriage to a Malaysian national (foreign wives)
Requirements
- Being a woman married to a Malaysian citizen
- Marriage subsisting on the date of application
- Resided in the Federation for the 2 years before applying + intention of permanent residence
- Good character
- Marriage registered under written law in force in the Federation
- Applicant and husband appear together before the Registrar
- Form A completed
Documentation
- JPN-AA02 form (Borang B)
- Marriage certificate (civil and Islamic if applicable)
- MyPR (permanent resident card)
- Malaysian spouse's identity document (MyKad)
- Criminal record certificate
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Malaysian national at the time of birth
- Registration at the embassy if born abroad, within 1 year
- Malaysia does not allow dual nationality; minors with dual nationality must choose on turning 21
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Malaysian parent's MyKad
- Embassy registration form if born abroad
4Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Malaysia to non-diplomatic parents who are permanent residents
- Restricted application under the 1962 constitutional amendment
- It is not granted automatically to children of foreigners
Documentation
- Malaysian birth certificate
- Parents' MyPR
- Parents' identity documents
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Malaysia
How many years of residence does Malaysia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Malaysia (Naturalization by residence (JPN-AA01 form)), the term is ≥10 years of aggregate residence within the last 12 years, including the 12 months immediately before applying (art. 19, Second Schedule). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Malaysia be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage to a Malaysian national pathway (Woman married to a citizen: marriage in force + 2 years of residence in the Federation before applying (art. 15(1))). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Malaysia require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: JPN-AA01 form (Borang A); Passport and permanent resident card (MyPR); Criminal record certificate for Malaysia and the country of origin; Employment and income certificate; Tax returns (borang BE) for recent years; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Malaysia?
Malaysia provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage to a Malaysian national, Nationality by descent, Nationality by birth in the territory.
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