Applying for Citizenship for your child

If you are Malaysian and your child is non-citizen, you can apply for citizenship with Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN). Again, most people would skip this section as it may not apply to them but I hope it is informative to many others.

This is by NO means official at all, again simply based on my understanding. For further information contact your local JPN Department. Please correct me if any of these information are wrong or if things have changed.

1. You pick up a form from JPN and fill it in; and photocopy all the documents requested e.g. child's and parent's birth certificate, passport, ID card (if you have one), marriage certificate etc...

2. Take forms and documents ALONG WITH THE ORIGINALS to JPN counter. You do not need to go to PutraJaya, you can go to any local JPN that deals with citizenship. (I must say the JPN in Shah Alam provides tip-tip service! Very clean, new building and no waiting at all). You MUST bring your child; they need to be finger-printed.

3. You need to pay RM10.00 processing fee and they will give you BORANG B which you need to apply for schooling. It is a receipt of your application.

4. The process takes 24-36 months.

5. If your application is successful, they will send you a letter inviting you to pick up another letter from KDN (Kementerian Dalam Negeri). You go to KDN at a specific time and place to pick up the letter. If you can't make that specific date, you MUST inform them in advance and organise for another date or you can pick the letter from KDN at PutraJaya. However, you must bring your child/children along.

6. After picking up that letter from KDN as a confirmation of your child's citizenship, you take the letter to any JPN and you will be asked to pay a fee of RM100 and give recent copy of passport photograph of your child (I think it is 3 copies???).

7. It then takes another 3-6 months before your child will get their certificate. Hence, they still can't apply for schooling as citizens according to Jabatan Pelajaran.

Don't know about you, I am completely lost by now and still confused about the status! Best to still apply for social pass visa.

DECLARATION: Above information is based on personal knowledge not based on any official capacity. For official information visit JPN/KDN website or please contact them directly. You will find useful addresses and phone numbers at their website