Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a man who is a Malaysian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
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Malaysian citizens can use a Malaysian International Passport to travel to permitted countries, although it can be withdrawn.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 local office
Find a National Registration Department office near you with a Citizenship Division counter.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Malaysia National Registration Department office near your city accepts citizenship applications for the wife of a citizen?”
Pick up the form
Get an original Form A from a National Registration Department office. The form online is for reference only and cannot be used to apply.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get Form A for Malaysia citizenship as the wife of a citizen at a National Registration Department office in your city?”
Fill in the form
Complete Form A for your citizenship application.
Find form helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete Form A for Malaysia citizenship as the wife of a citizen?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the National Registration Department office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Go with your husband to the Citizenship Division counter at the National Registration Department office, and bring your completed Form A and your documents. You must both appear before the citizenship officer; hand in the application and pay the RM10 application fee at the counter.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I submit an application for Malaysia citizenship as the wife of a citizen at a National Registration Department office in your city?”
Check your application status
Keep your application number and use it to check your application online. You will need the 24-digit application number and the verification code shown on the page.
Check your application statusWait for the decision
Wait for written notice of the decision and respond if the office asks for more information or documents. If your application is refused, you can apply again if you meet the requirements.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Malaysia citizenship application for the wife of a citizen take?”
Get your citizenship certificate
If you are approved, follow the National Registration Department's instructions to get your citizenship certificate and pay the RM300 certificate fee if you have not already paid it. You can then apply for a Malaysian passport.
Find certificate instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my Malaysia citizenship certificate after approval of my application as the wife of a citizen?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Bring the original marriage document showing that your marriage was registered under Malaysian law. Also bring a copy on A4 paper.
Husband's citizenship records
Bring your Malaysian husband's identity card and, if he has them, his citizenship certificate and passport or other travel document. Bring the originals and copies on A4 paper.
Birth certificates *
Bring your birth certificate or latest birth record extract, or your adoption certificate, and your husband's birth certificate or latest birth record extract, if available. Bring copies of your children's birth certificates, latest birth record extracts or adoption certificates, if available. Bring the originals of yours and your husband's records and make all copies on A4 paper.
* Only if you, your husband or your children have birth or adoption records.
Family identity cards *
Bring copies of the identity cards of your parents, siblings and children who have them. Make the copies on A4 paper.
* Only if your parents, siblings or children have identity cards.
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
Foreign spouse of malaysian citizens
English Facebook group for people interested in Malaysian citizenship and visas
Request to joinKL EXPATS (Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia)
English Facebook group for people living in Malaysia interested in Malaysian local life
Join on FacebookForeign Spouses of Malaysian Citizens
English Facebook group for people living in Malaysia interested in Malaysian visas
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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