# Registering Births of Malaysian Children Born Abroad

What Is It

Malaysian parents whose children are born outside Malaysia must register the birth at the nearest Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate General within 1 year of birth. This registration issues the Borang W (Certificate of Birth Abroad), which is essential to claim Malaysian citizenship and obtain a passport for the child.

Who Is Eligible

  • Children born outside Malaysia where the father (or mother, following recent constitutional amendments) is a Malaysian citizen at the time of birth.
  • The marriage of the parents must be legally registered in Malaysia (or registered at the embassy).

    • Required Documents

  • Child's Foreign Birth Certificate (with certified English translation if applicable).
  • Parents' Malaysian Marriage Certificate (original and copies).
  • Parents' MyKad and Passports.
  • Child's foreign passport (if issued by the birth country).
  • 3 passport-sized color photos of the child.

    • Step-by-Step Procedure

    1. Contact Embassy: Schedule an appointment with the consular section of the nearest Malaysian Embassy/Consulate. 2. Complete Forms: Fill in JPN Form Borang D and Form W. 3. Submit Documents: Present original foreign birth certificates, marriage certificates, and parents' passports. 4. Consular Oath: The citizen parent signs the declaration form before the consular officer. 5. Pay Consular Fee: Pay the registration and document processing fees. 6. Borang W Issuance: The Embassy issues the Borang W citizenship document. The child can then be registered for a Malaysian International Passport (PMA) to travel back to Malaysia.

    Cost & Processing Time

  • Cost: Consular processing fees vary by country (equivalent to approx. RM40.00 to RM80.00).
  • Processing Time: 3 to 14 working days for Borang W certification.

    • Where to Apply

  • Consular section of the nearest Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate General in your country of residence.
  • Official Ministry: [Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (KLN)](https://www.kln.gov.my).

    • Important Notes

  • Late registrations (applied after 1 year of birth) are not processed at the Embassy. Parents must submit applications physically at the JPN Headquarters in Putrajaya, Malaysia, subject to late-penalty approval routines.