It is compulsory for all marriages to be registered for legality purposes. ln Malaysia, that process differ between Muslim and non-Muslim citizens. Below is a simple step by step guide to registering your marriage for Muslim citizens. For non-Muslims, learn more about marriage registrations here.
-In This Article-
Pre – Marriage Application
1. Health screening
What will be tested?
HIV Screening Testing is mandatory for all individuals planning to get married. Although not mandatory, screening for common transmissible or genetic blood diseases like Hepatitis and Thalassemia is encouraged.
When should I get the health screening done?
HIV screening test reports are only valid for 6 months from the date the screening test is carried out. The applicant must re-do the test if it expires in 6 months.
Where can it be done?
Government clinics (Klinik Kesihatan). List of government clinics within WPKL with HIV screening testing
What happens if the HIV test is positive?
- Applicant, spouse-to-be and family members will be referred the District Islamic Religious Office (PAID) for counselling
- If applicant and spouse-to-be decides to carry on with plans of marriage in light of the health implications, the marriage application will allowed to proceed
- Both applicant and spouse-to-be will be required to seek regular medical follow-up with a family medicine physician and infectious disease specialist clinic.
2. Pre-marital courses
Must be attended by all couples, exemptions vary according to state law
Examples of exemptions (for those residing in Federal territories)
- Have been married;
- Above 45 years old for males and over 40 years old for females;
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs);
- Foreigner
Steps:
- Application for courses are available online https://www.sppim.gov.my/sppim/prakahwin/online/showNewPrakahwinOnlineForm
- Certificate for completion of pre-marital courses will be issued and is required for application of marriage.
Marriage Application
STEP 1: Fill up relevant forms (online/ physical)
- Obtain relevant application forms according to registered address
If residing in: Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Wilayah Persekutuan (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan), Johor, Selangor and Terengganu. (SPPIM enabled locations) – form is available online
If residing in Pahang, Kelantan, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak: Collect physical form from respective religious department of the state (Jabatan Agama Islam)
- Forms are be filled by either one of the couple (male or female)
- If a wedding is to be held in states listed under the SSPIM (see above) but both applicants are residing outside these areas, an online form will need to be filled on SSPIM website as well
- Application forms should be submitted within 90 days of the wedding date.
STEP 2: Gather relevant supporting documents
Required supporting documents may vary according to the state in which registration is being made and citizenship.
General supporting documents are as follows:
| Citizen | Non-Citizen |
| – one (1) photocopy of MyKad or MyPR of both applicants. – one (1) photocopy of birth certificate of both applicants. – Pre-Marital Course Certificate MBKPPI – Results of HIV health screening of both applicants – If either applicant is divorced/widowed, the relevant divorce or death certificate, i.e. original and one (1) photocopy of divorce/death certificate must be submitted. – Letter issued by employers verifying the marital status of male applicant, or a letter of declaration by the male applicant if he is self- or unemployed. – Letter verifying applicant’s conversion to Islam (for new Islam convert). – Letter of support by the Police Department (for those under employment by The Royal Police Malaysia ). – Letter of support by the Army (for those under employment by the Malaysian Armed Forces). | – photocopy of passport pages with personal details, the latest arrival date in Malaysia and a valid visa or pass. – Supporting letter from the embassy of country of origin – Letter from the Immigration Department of Malaysia Department to verify non-citizen permit/pass for marriage registration with Malaysian – Confirmed attendance of applicant’s wali or supporting letter from the relevant religious authorities from applicant’s country of origin (if female) |
STEP 3: Verification by Registrar Officer
1.Applicants must present themselves and complete supporting documents to the relevant governing bodies for verification.
- If residing in Johor – Pejabat Kadi Daerah.
- If residing in Terengganu – Pejabat Agama Daerah.
- Others – the person in charge would be a Penolong Pendaftar Nikah, Cerai dan Rujuk (NCR) at the mosque within the applicant’s neighbourhood (masjid kariah)
2. Once the application is verified, a Registrar will issue a wedding permit. This wedding permit has a validity of 90 days from the date of issuance
3. Applications for marriage requiring court order/permission (additional steps apply)
- Polygamy
- Application for Underage Marriage
- Janda Berhias
- Wali Hakim/Raja
- Wali Enggan
STEP 4: Wedding Day (Akad Nikah)
Assigned Registrar will be present during the solemnisation on the wedding day
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