Asia · MY
Malaysia — Citizenship Guide
Citizenship by descent is available; naturalisation requires 10 years; dual citizenship is generally not permitted.
Why Malaysia?
The Malaysia passport offers visa-free, visa-on-arrival, ETA, or e-visa access to 183 destinations, ranking it #35 globally.
10-12 yrs; dual not allowed.
Citizenship by descent
Malaysia applies jus sanguinis — citizenship can be acquired by descent from a citizen parent, and in some cases from grandparents or more distant ancestors.
Naturalisation
Naturalisation typically requires 10 years of residence, usually alongside language and integration requirements.
Dual citizenship
Malaysia generally does not permit dual citizenship — naturalising usually requires renouncing your existing nationality.
Fees & timeline
There is no standard published application fee — costs vary, so check with official sources.
Compiled from the Citizenship Hub law dataset (approximate). Verify with official government sources before relying on this information.
Where the Malaysia passport can travel
Visa-free, visa on arrival, ETA, and e-visa access by destination. Hover for details.
- Visa-free
- Visa on arrival
- ETA
- e-Visa
- Visa required
- No admission
More citizenship guides
Afghanistan
Citizenship by descent is available; naturalisation requires 5 years; dual citizenship is generally not permitted.
- Capital
- Kabul
- By descent
- Yes
- Naturalisation
- 5 yrs
- Dual citizenship
- Restricted
Albania
Citizenship by descent is available; naturalisation requires 5 years; dual citizenship is permitted.
- Capital
- Tirana
- By descent
- Yes
- Naturalisation
- 5 yrs
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
Algeria
Citizenship by descent is available; naturalisation requires 7 years; dual citizenship is generally not permitted.
- Capital
- Algiers
- By descent
- Yes
- Naturalisation
- 7 yrs
- Dual citizenship
- Restricted