What Is It

The De Facto Adoption registration is administered by the National Registration Department (JPN) under the Registration of Adoptions Act 1952 (Act 253). This registration recognizes custody when a child has been raised by adoptive parents for at least 2 continuous years.

Who Is Eligible

The adoptive parent must be a Malaysian citizen or Permanent Resident, aged 25+ (and 18 years older than the child). The child must be under 18. Both the adoptive parent and child must be ordinarily resident in Peninsular Malaysia.

Required Documents

  • JPN Application Form: The prescribed application form for registration of adoption.
  • Child's Birth Certificate/MyKid: The child's birth certificate or MyKid.
  • Adoptive Parents' MyKads and Marriage Certificate: The adoptive parents' MyKads and marriage certificate.
  • Written Consent of Biological Parents: Written consent of the biological parents (or a welfare report or court order if unavailable).
  • Proof of 2 Years of Care: Proof of caring for the child for at least 2 years (e.g., school records, bills).

    • Step-by-Step Procedure

    1. Obtain JPN Application Form: Get the application form from the JPN office or download it from their website. 2. Fill in Application Form: Fill in the application form and gather all required documents. 3. Submit Application: Submit the application form and supporting documents to the JPN office.

    Cost & Processing Time

    The registration fee is a nominal fee (RM50 or less). The processing time may vary depending on the JPN office.

    Where to Apply

    Application can be made at any JPN office in Peninsular Malaysia.

    Important Notes

    This registration secures custody but does NOT legally change the child's lineage, biological relationship, inheritance, or citizenship status. The output is a Certificate of Adoption.