Eligibility quiz
Was your mother a Malaysian citizen when you were born?
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Malaysian citizens can use a Malaysian International Passport to travel to permitted countries, although it can be withdrawn.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 (JPN) office where you can apply. If you were born outside Malaysia, choose a state JPN headquarters or JPN headquarters in Putrajaya; if you were born in Malaysia, you can also use a JPN branch.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I apply for Malaysia Application for Citizenship Status near your city?”
Pick up the form
Get the original form from a JPN office: Form E if you were born in Malaysia, or Form D if you were born outside Malaysia. A printed web copy cannot be used for the application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I apply for Malaysia Application for Citizenship Status near your city?”
Fill in the form
The parent, guardian or nearest relative applying fills in the original form according to its instructions.
See how to completeSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Form D or Form E for Malaysia Application for Citizenship Status?”
Book an appointment
Book a counter appointment through MyJanjiTemu JPN if one is available. Choose an office and an available date.
Book an appointmentGather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the JPN office.
See required documentsHand in your application
The person applying and the person whose citizenship is being confirmed must both attend the selected JPN counter with the original form, documents and copies; if you are applying for your child, bring your child with you. Pay the application fee when you submit it, and ask the office how it accepts payment.
Find submission instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Malaysia Application for Citizenship Status at a JPN office?”
Wait for the decision
Keep your application number and use it to check your application status online. Respond to any JPN requests for more evidence.
Check your application statusCollect your certificate
Follow JPN's instructions to collect the decision and, if approved, your citizenship certificate. You can then use the certificate to apply for a Malaysian passport.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my certificate after approval of a Malaysia Application for Citizenship Status?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your birth certificate or latest birth record extract, and those of your Malaysian parent and your other parent if available. If you were born in Malaysia and have siblings, also bring their birth certificates or latest extracts. Bring the originals and A4 copies.
Parents’ citizenship records
Bring your Malaysian parent’s and your other parent’s passports or travel documents, Malaysian identity cards and Malaysian citizenship certificates if they have them. Bring the originals and A4 copies.
Marriage certificates *
Bring your parents’ marriage document, with the original and an A4 copy. For a Muslim marriage held outside Malaysia, also bring verification from the Islamic Religious Department.
* Only if your parents married.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
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
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated