Malaysia · Citizenship
Malaysian Citizenship for Foreign Residents
Malaysia's Federal Constitution allows naturalization after a long residence period, adequate Malay and good character, with the final decision resting with the Minister. Malaysia does not permit dual citizenship and has no citizenship-by-investment program.
- Startup route
- Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP)
- Minimum capital
- No fixed capital; MYR 50,000 balance shown at renewal
- Permanent residence
- No set period; discretionary Entry Permit
- Citizenship
- 10 of the last 12 years' residence
Citizenship by naturalization (Article 19 of the Federal Constitution)
Article 19 of the Federal Constitution, administered by the National Registration Department, lets a person aged 21 or above apply for citizenship by naturalization. The applicant must have resided in Malaysia for at least 10 years within the 12 years before applying, including the 12 months immediately before the application, intend to reside permanently, be of good character and have adequate knowledge of the Malay language. Two Malaysian citizen referees aged 21 or above, who are not relatives, employees or legal advisers of the applicant, must support the application. The applicant appears in person before the Registrar of Citizenship and submits Form C with supporting documents, including the entry permit. The Minister's decision is final.
- Residence
- 10 of the last 12 years, including the final 12 months
- Minimum age
- 21
- Language
- Adequate knowledge of Malay
- Referees
- Two unrelated Malaysian citizens aged 21 or above
- Government fee
- MYR 10 to apply; MYR 200–300 certificate fee if approved
- Dual citizenship
- Not allowed
Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old on the application date.
- Have resided in Malaysia for at least 10 of the past 12 years, including the 12 months before applying.
- Intend to reside permanently in Malaysia and be of good character.
- Have adequate knowledge of the Malay language.
- Name two citizen referees aged 21 or above who are not relatives, employees or your lawyers.
How to apply
- Complete Form C and gather identity, entry permit and family documents.
- Appear in person before the Registrar of Citizenship to submit the application and pay MYR 10.
- Await the Minister's decision, which is final.
- Pay the certificate fee if approved.
Why dual nationality is not an option
Malaysia does not recognize dual citizenship for adults. Under Article 24 of the Federal Constitution, the Federal Government may deprive of citizenship anyone who voluntarily acquires another country's citizenship or claims and exercises rights reserved for that country's citizens. The National Registration Department runs an Article 23 renunciation procedure for Malaysians who hold or are about to obtain foreign citizenship. For a foreign founder, naturalization is therefore a choice between passports, which matters for anyone who travels widely or raises capital across several markets.
Questions and answers
Does Malaysia allow dual citizenship?
No. Article 24 of the Federal Constitution allows the Federal Government to deprive a citizen who voluntarily acquires another country's citizenship or exercises rights reserved for its citizens. Malaysians who obtain foreign citizenship use the Article 23 renunciation procedure administered by the National Registration Department.
Do I need permanent residence before applying for Malaysian citizenship?
The National Registration Department's document list for Article 19 includes the applicant's entry permit, the document that confers permanent residence, alongside identity and birth records. Combined with the test of 10 years' residence within the previous 12, naturalization generally follows a long period of permanent residence.
Does Malaysia offer citizenship to investors?
No. Malaysia offers long-stay passes linked to deposits and property, such as MM2H, but citizenship by naturalization depends on residence, character and Malay language under Article 19, and the Minister's decision is final. No published program exchanges investment for citizenship.
Official sources
- Application for Citizenship Status Under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution (JPN)www.jpn.gov.my
- Application for Renunciation of Citizenship Status Under Article 23 (JPN)www.jpn.gov.my
- Federal Constitution (Attorney General's Chambers, Laws of Malaysia)lom.agc.gov.my
- Citizenship FAQ (JPN)www.jpn.gov.my
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Malaysia.
Startup visa
PVP-MTE for new tech founders: 1 year plus 1 renewal, based at a hub
02Temporary residence
RP-MTE for established founders: up to 5 years, renewable once
03Permanent residence
Entry Permit at the government's discretion; no published timeline
04Citizenship
Naturalization after 10 of 12 years' residence; dual nationality barred