Eligibility quiz
Is one of your parents a Malaysian citizen now, or was one a Malaysian citizen when they died?
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Malaysian citizens can use a Malaysian International Passport to travel to permitted countries, although it can be withdrawn.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 local office
Your parent or guardian should find a National Registration Department office that accepts citizenship applications near where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I apply for Malaysia citizenship registration as the child of a Malaysian citizen near your city?”
Pick up the form
Your parent or guardian should get an original Form B from the National Registration Department. The form shown online is only for guidance and cannot be used for the application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get Form B for Malaysia citizenship registration as the child of a Malaysian citizen near your city?”
Fill in the form
Your parent or guardian should complete Form B for you and sign it where requested.
See how to completeSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a parent fill in Form B for Malaysia citizenship registration as the child of a Malaysian citizen?”
Gather your documents
Your parent or guardian should prepare the required documents for the National Registration Department.
See required documentsHand in your application
You and your parent or guardian must go together to the National Registration Department citizenship counter and hand in the original Form B and your documents. Your parent or guardian should pay the RM10 application fee at the counter and ask how to pay it.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I submit Malaysia citizenship registration as the child of a Malaysian citizen near your city?”
Wait for the decision
You and your parent or guardian should wait for a decision and respond if the office asks for more information or documents.
See how to follow upSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow up on Malaysia citizenship registration as the child of a Malaysian citizen?”
Get your citizenship certificate
If your application is approved, your parent or guardian should follow the office's instructions for the citizenship certificate and pay the RM100 certificate fee. You can then apply for a Malaysian passport.
Find certificate instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a certificate after approval of Malaysia citizenship registration as the child of a Malaysian citizen?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your birth certificate or latest birth-record extract and those of both parents. Include your siblings’ birth certificates or latest extracts where available; if you or a sibling were adopted, include the adoption certificate. Bring originals and A4 copies.
Parents’ marriage certificate *
Bring your parents’ marriage document. Bring the original and an A4 copy.
* Only if your parents married.
Proof of relationship *
Bring proof of your family relationship to your guardian. Bring the original and an A4 copy.
* Only if a guardian applies for you.
Family citizenship certificates *
Bring the citizenship certificates of your parents and siblings, if they have them. Bring the originals and A4 copies.
* Only if a parent 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
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