The office of the Malaysian Registrar-General of Marriages has provided the following information regarding Non-Muslim civil marriage procedures in Malaysia. There is no difference in requirements of procedures for foreign citizens that fall under the following categories:
- Tourists
- Residents of Malaysia, or
- Foreign citizens marrying Non-Muslim Malaysian citizens.
Those going through Civil Marriages are required to comply with formalities of the Malaysian National Registration Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required of foreign citizens wishing to marry in Malaysia?
- Passports accompanied with a photocopy of the data page and date of latest entry page into Malaysia.
- One coloured Malaysian passport sized photograph.
- Application form (Borang JPN KCO1) for normal or special marriage.
- Application form (Borang G) for marriages performed by parish or temple priests. These forms are available at the office of the registrar of marriages.
- Affidavit or official declaration of marital status.
- If previous marriages were terminated by divorce, both parties must submit original or certified copy of final or absolute divorce decree. If terminated by death of a spouse, submit original or certified copy of the death and marriage certificates.
Additional requirements for certain age groups:
- Over 18 & under 21 (applicable to both males and females)
A parent (preferably father) or if the father is dead, the mother, or if both parents are deceased, the legal guardian having custody must complete consent form "Borang JPN KCO5E, which is obtainable locally or from Malaysian Diplomatic Missions in the Australia. Proof of guardianship must be produced, ie birth certificate of applicant or guardian's custodial document. The consent form must accompany the Borang G application form and signed in the presence of a Registrar of Marriages at a Malaysian Diplomatic Mission or the National Registration Department
- Over 16 and under 18 (applicable to females only)
A parent (preferably father) or if the father is dead, the mother, or if both parents are deceased, the legal guardian must be physically present in Malaysia to apply for a Special License in form "Borang JPN KC05C" which is obtainable only from the Registrar of Marriages. Proof of guardianship must be produced, i.e.; birth certificate of applicant or guardian's custodial document. The Special License must accompany the Borang G application form.
Is there a required waiting period between the date of application for a marriage license and date of marriage?
Yes, there are two categories.
- Normal Civil Marriage
Foreign citizens must be physically present in Malaysia for at least seven (7) days. They may submit their application for marriage on the eighth (8) day at the office of the registrar of marriages. This is followed by a waiting period of twenty-one (21) days before the marriage can be solemnized. Foreign citizens must bring along their passports and two witnesses to sign the registry. The fee for solemnizing the marriage is RM30.00 paid in cash. No license is required.
- Special License/Marriage
Seven (7) days physical presence is not required but both parties must be present. The application must be submitted only at the office of the Registrar of Marriages with form "Borang JPN KCO1." When form "Borang JPN KCO1" is approved by the registrar's office, a charge of cash RM100 is collected. The marriage will then be solemnized within seven (7) days from the date of application. Foreign citizens must bring along their passports and two witnesses to sign the registry. The fee for solemnizing the marriage is RM20.00 paid in cash.
Who can perform marriages in Malaysia
The Registrar of Marriages of the National Registration Department; Parish or temple priests who are designated as Assistant Registrars by the Registrar-General of Marriages.
Can two foreign citizens travel to Malaysia as tourists for the express purpose of marrying there?
Yes, if they are able to fulfill the requirements. Interested parties must register their marriage with the respective Registrar's office based on their current location.
Is there an address where interested foreign citizens can write for additional information?
Yes, you may write to:
The Registrar of Marriages
Malaysia National Registration Department
Kementerian Hal-Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Lot 2G5, Presint 2
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62100 Putrajaya
Tel: (6-03) 8880 7000
Fax: (6-03) 8880 7059
Website: www.jpn.gov.my
Can foreign citizens get translation of marriage certificates at the Embassy?
Translation services are not available at the Embassy. Official translation services can be obtained from the local high courts/institutions for a minimal fee.
Are there any medical requirements?
No
Brief description of marriage ceremony
The couple must be suitably attired. The Registrar will ask the couple if they are marrying of their own free will and if there are any objections to the marriage. The couple taking their marriage vows follows this. The newlyweds and witnesses will then sign the register. The Registrar will sign the register and deliver a copy to each of the party to the marriage.
Is it necessary to produce a statement from the Embassy/High Commission?
Local laws in Malaysia require a submission of a notarized statement from the foreign citizens concerning their marital status before a marriage is registered in Malaysia. This statement can be notarized at the Embassy/High Commission for a fee. Please refer to your respective country Embassies/High Commission for further information.
Depending on your country of origin, the Embassy/High Commission can produce a letter which states that the office has no authority to issue such statements nor does it have the authority to issue "certificates of no impediment" in connection with local marriages. This letter is generally accepted and in order for such a letter to be issued, the following documents are required:
- Divorce certificates (if you have been previously married)
- Statutory Declaration made at the local High Court or at the office of a notary public.
- Passport
- Partner's passport
- Relevant consular fees (depending on Embassy/High Commission).
Once you have obtained the letter, the Registrar will also require you or your agent to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have the letter Legalized. Their contact details are as follows:
Consular Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wisma Putra
No. 1
Jalan Wisma Putra
Parcel C
Presint 2
62602
Putrajaya
Tel: (6-03) 8887 4159
Website: www.mfa.gov.my
If the parties have never been married and are not residents in Malaysia, the Registrar may also need a supporting letter from the local registration office stating that there is no record of the parties being married in their home country.
Cost of marriage license?
Fees:
Normal civil marriage: Cash of RM30.00 at time of marriage ceremony.
Special license/marriage: Cash of RM100.00 paid at time of application and RM20.00 at marriage ceremony.
Any additional information interested foreign citizens should know before travelling?
The above information provided relates to Non-Muslim marriages. Under the Malaysian constitution, each of the 14 States of Malaysia has its own individual religious council, which governs Muslim marriages. Therefore, Muslim marriage laws may vary from state to state. In general, a Non-Muslim marrying a Muslim is required to convert to Islam before marriage.
It is suggested foreign citizens planning to marry under Muslim law contact a Malaysian diplomatic mission abroad or the Chief Kadi's office (religious official) in the Malaysian state where marriage is contemplated for information on specific marriage requirements.
Sabah State National Registration Department
Aras 1-5, Blok B,
Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan
Jalan UMS
Likas 88400
Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Tel: 088-488300 / 088-488301
Fax: 088-488326
E-mail: admin_kkinabalu@jpn.gov.my
For other branches in Sabah visit:: http://www.jpn.gov.my/BI/info/jpnsabah.html
