Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by a Malaysian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Malaysian passport and ID
Malaysian citizens can use a Malaysian International Passport to travel to permitted countries, although it can be withdrawn.
Citizens aged 12 and over must have a MyKad identity card, which is used for government procedures.
Live in Malaysia for life
Malaysian citizens can live in Malaysia without an immigration pass.
Attend primary school
Malaysian-citizen children can attend government and government-aided primary schools.
Work in Malaysia
Malaysian citizens can work or start a business in Malaysia without an immigration pass.
Get help abroad
Malaysian missions can help if you are arrested or detained, contact your next of kin and provide emergency travel documents.
They can also help during disasters or civil unrest, but generally do not pay your bills.
Vote in elections
Malaysian citizens can vote from age 18 if they are eligible.
Eligible citizens are registered automatically using their identity records, including their registered home address.
Get healthcare support
PeKa B40 offers specified screening, equipment and treatment-related benefits.
It is for Malaysian citizens aged 40 and over who receive STR or are spouses of recipients.
Get financial support
Malaysian citizens can use assistance programmes if they meet their conditions, which can include income, age and household requirements.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your JPN office
Your parent or a guardian who is a relative can find a JPN state headquarters or branch near you. You can also apply together at JPN headquarters in Putrajaya.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which JPN office near your city accepts Malaysia citizenship registration in special circumstances applications?”
Pick up the form
Your parent or relative guardian should obtain an original Form B from a JPN office. The form shown online is for guidance and cannot be printed for the application.
Find the original formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get the original Form B for Malaysia citizenship registration in special circumstances?”
Fill in the form
Your parent or relative guardian should complete Form B and explain your special circumstances in section F and paragraph A. They should attach another page if they need more space.
Get form guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Form B for Malaysia citizenship registration in special circumstances?”
Gather your documents
Your parent or relative guardian should prepare the documents required for your application at JPN.
See required documentsHand in your application
Go with your parent or relative guardian to the JPN counter and bring the original Form B, your original documents and A4 copies. Your parent or guardian pays the RM10 application fee there and can ask which payment methods are accepted.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I submit a Malaysia citizenship registration in special circumstances application at JPN near your city?”
Wait for the decision
Your parent or relative guardian can use JPN's Citizenship Application Status Inquiry to check your application and should respond to any requests for more information or documents.
Check your application statusSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check my Malaysia citizenship registration in special circumstances application status using JPN Citizenship Application Status Inquiry?”
Get your citizenship certificate
If your application is approved, your parent or relative guardian should follow the office's instructions to pay RM100 for your citizenship certificate and collect it. You can then apply for a Malaysian passport.
Find certificate instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay for and collect a Malaysia citizenship certificate after registration in special circumstances is approved?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates *
Bring your birth certificate or latest birth-certificate extract, and those held by your parents, the parent or guardian applying for you, and your siblings. If there is a Malaysian court order establishing your legal status as a child of your parents, bring that too.
* Only if you, your parent, guardian or sibling has a birth certificate or extract.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationAdoption documents *
Bring your adoption certificate and any relevant adoption or custody court order. If you were placed in foster care or found or received from an individual, bring any Social Welfare Department offer or confirmation letter, JPN declaration, Form 13 or police report about this. If applicable, also bring confirmation that you did not acquire citizenship through your biological mother, or evidence of efforts to find her, such as an advertisement, embassy confirmation or police report.
* Only if you have an adoption certificate or a related court order.
Marriage certificates *
Bring the marriage document held by your parents or the parent or guardian applying for you. Bring the original and an A4 copy.
* Only if your parents or guardian have a marriage document.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationFamily citizenship records *
Bring any citizenship certificate held by your Malaysian adoptive parent, your other parent, the parent or guardian applying for you, or your siblings. Bring the originals and A4 copies.
* Only if your parent, guardian or sibling has a citizenship certificate.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Registration when living abroad
If you live abroad, failing to meet required registration rules can put your citizenship at risk.
Malaysian missions encourage citizens abroad to register and update their details every year.
National service if selected
Malaysian citizens selected for PLKN 3.0 must attend basic training.
Selection is limited and depends on the programme’s age bands and call-up; it can include men and women.
Citizenship can be lost
You can give up citizenship permanently, or lose it for voluntarily taking another citizenship, except through marriage, or failing to meet registration rules abroad.
Citizenship gained by registration or naturalisation can also be taken away for disloyalty, helping an enemy in war, certain convictions within a set period, or unapproved foreign government work under oath.
Loss is not automatic; safeguards apply.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Mykas/ic hijau/stateless MALAYSIA
Facebook group for people interested in Malaysian citizenship and visas (Malay & English)
Join on FacebookKL EXPATS (Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia)
English Facebook group for people living in Malaysia interested in Malaysian local life
Join on Facebookr/ExpatInMalaysia
English Reddit group for people living in Malaysia interested in Malaysian local life
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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