Having a newborn in a foreign country can be tough. Dealing with citizenship registration and passports can be overwhelming when the only resources available are online or through an embassy (assuming there is one).
We hope to alleviate some of those worries with our crash-course through passport applications. For most of the countries below, a child is eligible for a passport if at least one parent has citizenship of that country prior to the child being born.
Australia
The passport application for Australian children can only be filed with the appropriate Australian Mission, as an appointment might be required. Written consent of responsibility of both parents is needed in order for a passport to be issued. The child must also apply for Citizenship by descent simultaneously as a prerequisite for the passport application. A guarantor of Australian citizenship is also required to verify the identity and likeness of the child on a passport photo. Processing will take approximately 3 weeks. More information here.
Documents required:
- Birth certificate of child
- Identity declaration of current photo by guarantor
- Passport photos
The Australian High Commission in Malaysia is located at 6, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, KL. Call 03-2146 5555 for more info.
Canada
For Canadians, an application for a general passport must be filed with the the nearest Canadian Mission. For those living in Malaysia, this would be in Singapore. A guarantor is also required for identity verification on both applications. Processing usually takes one month. More information here.
Documents required:
- Application form
- 2 identical passport photos with one signature from guarantor
- Child’s proof of Canadian Citizenship
- Proof of parentage
- The required fees
- Proof of legal guardianship (if applicable)
- All documents that refer to custody of, mobility of, or access to the child (if applicable)
The High Commission of Canada in Malaysia is located at 17th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak, KL. Contact 03-2718 3333 for more info.
France
French citizens with a child born abroad can report directly to the closest French Embassy or High Commission for Passport applications. Citizenship application can be filed through post prior to passport application as well. More information here.
Documents required:
- Birth certificate
- Evidence of current residential address
- Evidence of citizenship of parents
- Marriage certificate of parents
- Copy of one parents birth certificate
- Identification card of one or both parents
- Passport photos
The Embassy of France in Malaysia is located at 192-196, Jalan Ampang, KL. Contact 03-2053 5500.
Germany
For German citizens, applications cannot be filed by mail and must be handed in to the nearest German Mission. A Statement of Consent must also be filled out with verification from both parents along with a notary public. More information here.
Documents required:
- Existing birth certificate of child
- Birth certificate of parents
- Photocopy of passports of parents
- Marriage certificate of parents
- Proof of acknowledge of paternity (if applicable)
- Permanent residence card of German parents
- Evidence of residency
- Passport photos
The German Embassy Kuala Lumpur is located at 207, Jalan Tun Razak, KL. Contact 03-2170 9666 for more info.
India
Similar to other countries, children of parents with Indian citizenship are eligible for Citizenship by descent. This can be filed directly to the Indian High Commission within one year of birth along with the passport application. Processing time will vary on situation though most applications should not take longer than 2 months. More information here.
Documents required:
- Birth certificate
- Photocopy of passports of both parents
- Marriage certificate of parents
- Declaration that child does not hold passport of any other country
- Four passport photos with one pasted directly onto application form
The High Commission of India in Malaysia is located at Level 28, Menara 1 Mon’t Kiara,
No.1, Jalan Mon’t Kiara, KL. Contact 03-6205 2350 for more info.
Indonesia
Indonesian parents can follow a similar process to other countries by registering the birth of the child to receive Citizenship. Passport application can be filed together with the appropriate documents to the Indonesian Embassy. More information here.
Documents required:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate of parents
- Identification cards of parents
- Evidence of residency
- Passport photocopy of parents
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Kuala Lumpur is located at 233, Jalan Tun Razak, KL. Contact 03-2116 4016/4017 for more info.
New Zealand
Passport application and the Citizenship by descent application can be filed together at the closest New Zealand Mission. A witness that holds a New Zealand citizenship is required to verify the likeness and the identity of the child. More information here.
Documents required:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate of parents
- State-issued identification of parents
- Adoption order (if applicable)
- Photocopy of passport of parents
- Proof of citizenship of parents
- Deeds of paternity (if applicable)
- Total of 6 passport photos
The New Zealand High Commission Kuala Lumpur is located at Level 21, Menara IMC, 8 Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL. Contact 03-2078 2533 for more info.
Singapore
For Singaporeans with a child born in Malaysia, it would be easiest to the submit the application for Citizenship by descent and passport in Singapore. An interview will be arranged once an officer has determined that the child is eligible. More information here.
Documents required:
- Birth certificate
- Identity card of parents
- Marriage certificate of parents
The High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Malaysia is located at 209, Jalan Tun Razak, KL. Contact 03-2161 6277 for more info.
United Kingdom
Registration of the child’s birth can be filed together with the passport application assuming that the child meets all requirements. An interview might also be required. The application itself can be filed online but the documents need to be sent directly to the Passport Office in the UK. Processing will take approximately 8 weeks from the time the application is received.
Documents required:
- Birth certificate
- Evidence of current residential address
- Identity declaration with photo
- Evidence of citizenship of parents
- Marriage certificate
- Passport photo
The British High Commission Kuala Lumpur is located at Level 27, Menara Binjai, 2 Jalan Binjai, KL. Contact 03-2170 2200 for more info.
United States of America
Parents with US citizenship should contact the nearest consulate or embassy for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). Upon approval this will allow the child to be eligible for a US passport. More information here.
Documents required:
- Birth certificate
- Evidence of current residential address
- Evidence of citizenship of parents
- Marriage certificate
- Passport photo
The Embassy of the United States in Malaysia is located at 376, Jalan Tun Razak, KL. Contact 03-2168 5000 for more info.
