For a marriage to be recognised in Malaysia and for legal purposes, it is compulsory for all Malaysians to register with the National Registration Department or JPN (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara). This is optional for foreigners living in Malaysia, and there is a different process for Muslim and non-Muslim citizens. Below is a simple step by step guide to registering your marriage for non-Muslims.
Prepare your marriage application
Select a date and time
The earliest you can hold your solemnization is 21 days after submitting your marriage application, as you are legally required to give JPN a minimum of 21 days’ notice. This period also allows time for anyone to raise a valid objection. Your marriage application will expire 6 calendar months after submission, after which you will need to submit a new application, therefore there is no need to start the applications earlier than 6 months from your solemnisation date.
Select a Venue (Options for Non Muslim Citizens)
For onsite solemnisation (at JPN office)
The JPN branch office will be based on the address of your identity card (Malaysian) or residential address for non-Malaysians.
Booking of a solemnization is subject to availability on a first-come-first-served basis, and can only be done when you submit a marriage application. Upon successful booking, JPN will arrange for a solemniser to officiate your marriage during office hours.
For Offsite Solemnisation
You can carry out your solemnization at any offsite venue of your choice, for example at home or a scenic outdoor spot.
This choice requires a government official (solemniser) from the respective JPN office to travel to your desired venue. Additional cost applies.
For Offsite Solemnisation (Church / Temple / Association)
Some places of worship or association offices carry out solemnization procedures. These venues usually have an Assistance registrar of marriage to carry out the solemnisation and therefore does not require booking of a solemniser from JPN. Check in with your desired venue on the availability of dates and solemniser before proceeding with next steps. Additional cost may apply.
Malaysian Representative Office Abroad
This process involves the Malaysian Representative Office Abroad sending your complete application to the local JPN office, based on your last address. The local JPN office will then return all relevant documents to the Malaysian Representative Office Abroad where the application was submitted before a certificate of marriage can be issued.
Choose two witnesses
Any individual above the age of 21 is eligible to be a witness at your solemnization. This includes family members and your close friends of any nationality. Witnesses will be expected to:
- Be present to witness your solemnization and produce their original identification (MyKAD for Malaysians and Passport for foreigners) for verification.
- Dress appropriately. (T-shirt/jeans/flip-flops/shorts are NOT ALLOWED)
Submit Your Application
Where to obtain application form
Obtain a hardcopy original Marriage Registration Application Form (Eg; JPN.KC02/ JPN.KC01E) from marriage counters at state/district/sub-district NRD offices. Printed online forms are for references only and will not be accepted.
Where to submit application
- Applicants are required to submit the application in person to the National Registration Department (NRD) counter or Malaysian Representative Offices Abroad. Both applicants must be present.
- The place of application is based on the address stated in the MyKad (for Malaysian) or the residential address in Malaysia (for non-citizen). This requirement does not apply for solemnization and registration of marriages in churches, temples and associations.
- The applicant must reside in the district where the marriage is to take place for at least 8 days prior to submitting the application for registration of marriage in the relevant NRD office. This condition requirement does not apply for solemnization and registration of marriages in churches, temples and associations.
Preparation checklist
- Identification documents for bride and groom MyKad, MyPR or MyKAS (for Malaysian Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- One (1) colour passport-sized photograph per applicant.
- Completed form JPN.KC02 (sample – for reference only) To complete statutory declaration in Section D2 before a commissioner for oaths or a magistrate in court.
- Completed form JPN.KC01E if opting for an offsite solemnisation.
Additional documents are required if you belong to any of the following categories:
If either of you has been Married Before
Decree nisi absolute/ divorce certificate (original and photocopy) if marriage status has not been previously updated in national registry.
If either of you is in the Police Force
Approval Letter to get married issued by the Head of Department concerned, complete with official letterhead; or completed Lampiran A (HRMIS) signed by supervising officer.
If either of you is in the Army
Approval Letter to get married issued by the Head of Department concerned, complete with official letterhead.
If either of you is a a Widow or Widower
Death certificate of previous spouse (original and photocopy)
Non-citizen (Non-muslims)
Original letter verifying marital status of non-citizen applicant issued by applicant’s country of origin or embassy, which will need to be verified by either the Malaysian representative in the applicant’s home country or the applicant’s Consulate in Malaysia. And re-verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) in Putrajaya, Kuching or Kota Kinabalu. After which, the document will be valid for 6 months.
Original passport and photocopy of pages with personal details, the latest arrival date in Malaysia and a valid visa or pass.
Original and 1 photocopy of Birth Certificate (non-citizen)
A letter from Immigration Department of Malaysia Department at Putrajaya /Sabah /Sarawak /Labuan to verify non-citizen permit/pass for marriage registration with Malaysian, if required.
A cover letter stating the purpose of the application. (Only applicable applicants from Sabah/Sarawak/Labuan applying via post).
Decree nisi absolute (divorce certificate). Original and photocopy, if applicable.
Death certificate of previous spouse, Original and photocopy, if applicable.
Additional letter for:
Vietnam Citizen: The letter verifying marital status from the Vietnam government must be re-certified by the Vietnam Embassy in Malaysia before being verified again by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Above)
Myanmar citizens must produce a letter of permission to get married in Malaysia from the government.
Muslim country such as:
Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh
A verification letter from the respective government that the applicant is not a Muslim
IMPORTANT NOTE: All documents provided by non-citizens must be translated into either Malay or English by a qualified translator. All translations must include the following information:
-Name of the qualified translator
-Signature of the qualified translator
-Position of the qualified translator
-Contact detail of the translator
Read about a real couple experience: A Guide To Marrying A Foreigner in Malaysia
Application Timeline
The earliest you can hold your solemnisation is at least 21 days after submitting your marriage application, as you need to give JPN at least 21 days’ notice of your marriage. Legally, this also provides time for anyone to raise a valid objection.
Application Fees
Marriage certificate: RM 20
Offsite solemnisation with solemniser from JPN office: RM 500
Book a Solemniser
How To Book a Solemniser
For Onsite Solemnisation
After submitting your marriage application for solemnisation, JPN will arrange for a solemniser to officiate your marriage.
For Offsite Solemnisation
When submitting your marriage application for solemnisation, express your wish to opt for offsite solemnisation (License JPN.KC01E)without an in-house solemniser and make payment fees of RM500, JPN will arrange for a solemniser to officiate your marriage at the appointed time (8am-8pm weekdays, weekends and public holidays). He/she will travel to your desired venue.
For Offsite Solemnisation (Church / Temple / Association)
After submitting your marriage application at JPN, Form JPN.KC02 will be stamped. Bring completed Form JPN.KC02 and receipt of marriage application payment to desired venue to book your date. An in-house solemniser will be appointed by the venue for you.
Display of Notice of Marriage
Marriage intent will be displayed on a notice board outside the JPN office and will be displayed for at least 21 full days or until 3 months have passed, whichever is earlier.
Solemnisation Day
What to expect
For Onsite Solemnisation
- All attendees should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled time
- Register your attendance and wait to be called.
- Solemniser will check identifications documents of bride, groom and two witnesses.
- You may exchange rings and vows. Followed by signing of the certificate of marriage. The solemniser will pronounce you husband and wife and hand over your certificate of marriage.
- The entire process should be completed within 15 minutes.
For Offsite Solemnisation
- Solemniser will arrive at appointed time. He/she is scheduled for a maximum of 2 hours for each session.
- Solemniser will check the identification documents of the bride, groom and two witnesses.
- You will exchange rings and vows. You will then be guided by the solemniser to sign the ceremonial certificate of marriage together along with two witnesses.
- Solemniser will pronounce you husband and wife and hand over the duly signed ceremonial certificate to you. The entire process will take around 15-30 minutes. Solemniser will then leave unless you have arranged otherwise.
Preparation checklist
- MyKAD, MyPR or MyKAS (for Malaysian Citizen or Permanent Resident) or passports for bride, groom and two witnesses.
- Rings for the bride and groom
- Personal vows (optional)
- Suitable attire for all attendees (t-shirts, jeans and flip-flops are not allowed)
UP NEXT: HOW TO GET STARTED ON THE WEDDING BUDGET
Disclaimers:
- For more information, you may refer to the NRD website or head to the NRD Headquarters:
Ibu Pejabat Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara Putrajaya,
Kementerian Dalam Negeri
20 Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62551 Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya.
Telephone: +603 8000 8000
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- This article should not be evidence in a court of law. It is simply an attempt to help readers understand the original content.
