What Is It

Renunciation of Citizenship is the formal process under Article 23 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia where a citizen voluntarily gives up their Malaysian citizenship, usually because they have acquired or are about to acquire the citizenship of another country (since Malaysia does not recognize dual citizenship).

Who Is Eligible

  • A Malaysian citizen aged 21 years and above.
  • Of sound mind.
  • Has acquired or is about to be registered as a citizen of another country (requires official proof of foreign citizenship or approval letter).

    • Required Documents

  • Borang Y (Form Y): Dual-copy application form (signed in front of a JPN registrar or consular officer).
  • MyKad: Original Malaysian Identity Card (to be surrendered).
  • Malaysian Passport: Original passport (to be surrendered).
  • Birth Certificate: Original Birth Certificate (will be stamped and returned or retained depending on case).
  • Foreign Citizenship Proof: Passport of the new country or Citizenship Certificate, or a letter of confirmation/intent from the foreign government.
  • Photos: Recent passport-size photographs.

    • Step-by-Step Procedure

    1. Submission: Visit JPN Putrajaya (if in Malaysia) or the nearest Malaysian Embassy/High Commission (if abroad). 2. Form Y Verification: Sign Form Y in the presence of the officer. Surrender your MyKad and Malaysian Passport. 3. Fee Payment: Pay the registration fee. 4. Receipt (Borang K): Receive a temporary registration receipt. 5. Certificate of Renunciation: JPN processes the request and issues the official Certificate of Renunciation of Citizenship (Borang K). This is your official proof of renunciation.

    Cost & Processing Time

  • Cost: Application fee is RM10 (paid at JPN) or local currency equivalent at foreign missions.
  • Processing Time: Takes 3 to 6 months (longer if submitted via foreign embassies) to receive the official Borang K.

    • Where to Apply

  • National Registration Department (JPN) Headquarters: Registry of Citizens division, Putrajaya.
  • Malaysian Embassies / Consulates / High Commissions worldwide.

    • Important Notes

  • Once the renunciation is processed and Borang K is issued, the action is irreversible. You cannot regain Malaysian citizenship easily.
  • You must resolve all local liabilities (e.g. tax, EPF, loans) before renouncing. You can withdraw your EPF savings in full once Borang K is issued.