Get Your Malaysia Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Citizenship is granted to individuals born in Malaysia to at least one Malaysian citizen parent or permanent resident, depending on conditions at birth.
- By Descent: Children born abroad to a Malaysian citizen may acquire citizenship by descent if registered at a Malaysian diplomatic mission. Recent legal reforms improved equal rights for Malaysian mothers.
- By Marriage: A foreign woman married to a Malaysian man may apply for citizenship by registration after 2 years of marriage and residence. The process is more restrictive for foreign men married to Malaysian women.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners may apply after 10 years of legal residence, language proficiency, and proof of integration and good character.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Prohibited: Article 24 of Malaysia’s Constitution explicitly prohibits dual citizenship. Malaysians who voluntarily acquire another nationality may lose their Malaysian citizenship automatically.
Note: Malaysia enforces this rule strictly. Many dual nationals have lost their Malaysian citizenship without formal notification after obtaining foreign passports.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your eligibility through birth, descent, marriage, or long-term residence.
- Apply to the National Registration Department (JPN) or a Malaysian embassy.
- Provide necessary documents and complete background, language, and loyalty requirements.
- Renounce any other nationality before approval.
Benefits of Malaysian Citizenship
- Live and work freely in Malaysia
- Access public education, healthcare, and social programs
- Purchase land and enjoy full legal rights
- Pass citizenship to your children
Frequently asked questions.
Does Malaysia allow dual citizenship?
No. Malaysia has a strict prohibition on dual citizenship. If a Malaysian voluntarily acquires another nationality, their Malaysian citizenship may be revoked automatically.
Can I get Malaysian citizenship through marriage?
Yes, but only for foreign women married to Malaysian men. They may apply after 2 years of marriage and residence. The same option is not available for foreign men married to Malaysian women.
Do I have to renounce my current nationality to become Malaysian?
Yes. Malaysia requires all naturalized citizens to renounce their existing citizenship prior to approval. This is strictly enforced.
Do I have to pay taxes in Malaysia if I become a citizen?
Malaysia taxes income earned within the country. Citizens living abroad with only foreign income are generally not taxed by Malaysia.
What happens if I secretly hold another passport?
Malaysian authorities may revoke your citizenship if they discover that you hold a second nationality, even without formal notification. Dual citizenship is not tolerated.