Registering a marriage in Malaysia for Malaysians is not difficult. However, it can become slightly more complex for Malaysians marrying foreigners. If you are marrying a foreigner, don’t worry, because it can still be easily done at Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) or by private civil marriage registrars. Read on for a guide for marriage registration for Malaysians marrying foreigners.
Marriage Registration Procedures at JPN For Malaysians Marrying Foreigners
Declaration of the foreign partner’s marital status (single, divorced, widow/widower) has to be made and attested at a notary public. Ensure at least two original copies are attested for submission to the relevant authorities.
Apply for a single status letter from the relevant High Commission or Embassy in Malaysia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (Wisma Putra) with the attested declaration. If the letter is not in English, a translated version will be required for submission to JPN. If the foreign partner is from China (Taiwan), Indonesia, India (Sri Lanka), Phillipines, Myanmar, Vietnam or Thailand, an additional approval letter from the Marriage/Divorce Division of JPN is required before the relevant documents can be submitted for the registration of marriage.
Documents Required For Marriage Registration To Foreigners In Malaysia
The bride and groom to be are required to submit the following documents at JPN if they are registering their marriage there:
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Malaysian’s IC
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Foreign citizen’s passport
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Photostat copy of foreigner’s passport for the first page (where most of the particulars are) and most recent entry stamp into Malaysia
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Single status letter with endorsement from Wisma Putra
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Single status declaration from Notary Public
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1 passport size photo each (background has to be blue)
Cost Of Registering A Marriage To A Foreigner In Malaysia
If you are registering your marriage with JPN, the cost is RM30 which is similar to the fee locals pay. However, you will have to incur additional notary and other charges for the marital status attestation and letter by the Embassy. Endorsement of the letter by Wisma Putra is RM20.
Other Conditions For Malaysians Marrying Foreigners
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The foreign partner must reside in Malaysia at least 7 days before application of marriage.
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The marriage application can be made with a minimum of 21 days and a maximum of 6 months before the registration ceremony.
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During the 21 days, the foreign citizen is allowed to leave and enter the country before the ceremony is performed.
Many modern marriages today cross cultural and geographical boundaries as the world becomes a smaller place. Hence, it is great to know how easy and fast the process is for Malaysians who are marrying a foreigner in Malaysia.
With Love,
Elle
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Julia,
I chance upon your website when I was surfing the net for “Declaration of Marital Status (single)”. My boyfriend is from Malaysia (Pontian) and I am from Indonesia. As we need to register our marriage in Indonesia, he will need to have the Declaration of Letter to prove that he is single but I have asked the Malaysian High Commision in Singapore and they said that they can’t provide this letter. Can you please advice me what my boyfriend should do and what documentation that he need to prepare? Must we personally go to KL to get this letter?
Thank you so much and hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Lina – Thanks for your query. It will be best for your boyfriend to check back in KL with the Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara to ensure you have all the administrative details done properly.
Hi, i’m wondering can the registration be done at private places…eg. outdoor like garden?
looking for the marriage which is different from the typical style..
thanks.
Hi Joanne – Yes, you can do your registration in private places. All you need is a private registrar which will cost slightly more than doing it in JPJ (around RM200 to RM300).