How to Become a Citizen of Malaysia: Step-by-Step Guide

Malaysia is renowned for its rich culture, emerging metropolitan cities and low cost of living. Malaysia is a well-favoured destination for expatriates and retirees, and if you are planning to stay in Malaysia permanently, then follow this step-by-step guide to gain Malaysian citizenship, starting off with short visitation stays and then progressing to permanent residency.

1. Start with a Short-Term Stay

Start your journey by entering Malaysia on a tourist visa (30–90 days) or a social visit pass for family visits or events, with a maximum stay of 90 days.

2. Explore Long-Term Residency Options

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – For applicants over the age of 35 with a monthly income of RM 10,000 per month and net assets of RM 500,000 to RM 1 million. This is a 10-year, renewable residency visa and allows property ownership, dependants and access to health care.

Employment Pass (EP) – For professionals with a valid job offer earning RM5,000. For 2-5 years and is renewable. 

Professional Visit Pass – For short-term work up to 12 months that is sponsored by a local company.

3. Apply for Permanent Residency (PR)

Permanent residency is exclusive and given to long-term residents, investors or foreign spouses. In general, applicants can apply after 5-10 years of continuous stay, work or marriage to a Malaysian citizen. Permanent residency (PR) allows the holder full access to work and public services.

4. Naturalization: The Path to Citizenship

Citizenship requires

Maintaining PR for a minimum of 12 years.

Good character and a clean criminal history.

Ability to speak Bahasa Malaysia.

Contribution to Malaysian society.

The applicant should apply through the National Registration Department (JPN) and will have to pass interviews and renounce other citizenship (not allowed to be dual citizens).

The process of gaining Malaysian citizenship will be long, but it can also be a very rewarding journey that begins with the correct visa and commits to a permanent life in Malaysia.