Malaysian ordinary naturalisation

Ten years within twelve, including the final year

The ordinary route requires residence totalling at least ten years in the twelve immediately before application, including the immediately preceding twelve months. JPN requires identity documentation and an entry permit or identity-register extract; this is not evidence that any visa stay qualifies or that every qualifying year must be permanent residence.

Adequate Malay

Applicants must have adequate knowledge of the Malay language. The reviewed procedure does not establish a CEFR level or an interchangeable certificate standard.

Character, permanent intention and referees

Applicants must intend permanent residence and be of good character. JPN also requires two citizen referees aged at least 21 who are neither relatives, paid sponsors nor the applicant's advocates or solicitors.

Application, discretion and oath

Submit original Form C and supporting documents through JPN and appear before the registrar. Naturalisation remains a government decision, not an entitlement from years alone. Before a certificate is granted, Article 19(9) requires the First Schedule oath, including renunciation of loyalty to other countries.

Foreign citizenship is restricted

Article 24 permits deprivation by government order for acquiring foreign citizenship by registration, naturalisation or another voluntary formal act other than marriage, or voluntarily claiming and exercising exclusive citizen rights in a country outside Malaysia; it is not automatic loss merely by description as a dual national. Article 27 requires notice and an inquiry opportunity. This packet does not establish the formal timetable for renouncing an applicant's previous nationality.