Malaysian Registration of Marriage: Detailed Guide

Are you planning to tie the knot in Malaysia? In Malaysia, registering a marriage is not only a legal requirement but also an essential step toward recognizing and safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of couples.

Registration of marriage procedure in Malaysia: rules
How to register for marriage in Malaysia for Muslims
How to register for marriage in Malaysia for non-Muslims
Where to register for the wedding in Malaysia?
Documents required for the registration of marriage
Malaysian marriage registration photo requirements
Instantly get a 32x38 mm photo online!
Registration of marriage fees

This article provides guidelines for the marriage registration process in Malaysia, ensuring a smooth and legally recognized union.

Registration of marriage procedure in Malaysia: rules

In Malaysia, the marriage procedure is categorized into the Islamic procedure for Muslim couples and the civil procedure for non-Muslims.

Non-Muslim couples have two options for registering their marriage in Malaysia: they can either do it at the National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) or a Church, Temple, or Association with the assistance of an Assistant Registrar of Marriages.

How to register for marriage in Malaysia for Muslims

According to the Islamic Family Laws enforced in all states in Malaysia, in most cases, a marriage application must be submitted through the office of Marriage, Divorce and Ruju' Registrar where the bride resides. The couple will need to gather the required documentation and fill out relevant forms.

In some other cases, the Marriage Registrar needs to refer to the Syariah Court for the Syarie Judge to issue permission to marry.

Here are the general steps of marriage registration for Muslims in Malaysia:

Pre-marriage course;
HIV test;
Fill in forms (online or offline), and prepare supporting documents. Get approval from the Penolong Pendaftar Nikah (PPN)/ Tok Kadi and arrange the date for nikah. Apply Pejabat Agama Islam Daerah (PAID) to get Kebenaran Berkahwin;
Akad nikah;
Get Surat Perakuan Nikah from Pejabat Agama Daerah.

How to register for marriage in Malaysia for non-Muslims

The procedure for marriage registration is different for non-Muslims. Their procedure depends on which venue applicants choose for their registration/solemnization. You should start the application to register your marriage at least one month before the solemnization/registration date. Note that you need to be married within six months from your date of application.

Here are the options:

National Registration Department (NRD) Branch Office;
Places of worship (Church / Temple / Association by Assistant Registrar of Marriage)
Venue of your choice (Hotel / Garden, etc.)

Then, the steps are as follows:

Gather required documents and forms (available at NRD Branch Office);
Submit your Application for Marriage to the Marriage and Divorce Division of NRD. Both must be present during submission. Here the date of your solemnization will be set;
Marriage certificate issuance;
Your solemnization ceremony.

Where to register for the wedding in Malaysia?

For Muslims, the registration is done at the office of Marriage, Divorce and Ruju's Registrar.

While for non-Muslims, it is done by the National Registration Department (NRD) Branch Office.

Documents required for the registration of marriage

Here are the required documents:

Original and one copy of MyKad or MyPR of both applicants;
Original and one copy of Birth Certificate if the applicant is a non-citizen;
Original and one copy of Passport with personal details, latest arrival date in Malaysia and a valid visa or pass if the applicant is a non-citizen;
Application photos (32mm x 38mm) of both applicants;
Photocopy of MyKad or MyPR for each of the two witnesses;
Statutory Declaration signed in front of the Registrar of Marriage;
If either applicant is divorced/widowed, original and one copy of divorce/death certificate;
Additional supporting documents for foreign nationals.

Malaysian marriage registration photo requirements

Make sure your application photo fulfills the following requirements:

The photo size must be 32mm wide by 38mm high;
The photo must have a blue background;
You must be looking straight into the, with a neutral expression;
No headgear, except for religious reasons such as the hijab, is allowed. However, it may not obscure your face;
You may wear glasses, but they must not obscure the face;
The photo must be of decent quality so you may be easily recognized: good contrast and lighting, clear, not blurred, pixelated. Scanned photos are not allowed;
Your photo must not be older than six months;
The background must be plain white with no shadows or extraneous objects;
The photo must not have borders;
The photo must show the shoulder up to the crown.

Here is an example:

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