Commissioner for Oaths in Malaysia: The Expat's Practical Guide

Commissioner for Oaths in Malaysia: The Expat's Practical Guide

Do you need a sworn declaration, a certified true copy, or a witnessed signature for your visa, your bank, or your paperwork in Malaysia? You will quickly run into an institution that is unique to the country: the Commissioner for Oaths. This professional — usually a lawyer or a sworn notary — has the power to administer your oath and authenticate documents, an essential step for any expat file.

The problem is that the process is poorly explained online for foreigners. Expats search "commissioner for oaths near me" without knowing what to expect, how much it costs, which documents to bring, or how the procedure works. This guide answers those questions, with real fees, concrete steps, and mistakes to avoid.

> 📋 Related procedures

> - [Visas and Immigration] → /en/procedures/visas-and-immigration

> - [Opening a bank account] → /en/procedures/opening-a-bank-account

> - [Registering with your Embassy] → /en/procedures/registering-with-your-embassy

What is a Commissioner for Oaths?

A Commissioner for Oaths is a person appointed by the Malaysian government — most often a lawyer admitted to the Bar, a notary, or an authorised public officer — to attest to the truth of a statement made under oath. Their role is defined by the Oaths Act 1949 and the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1959.

In practice, they do not validate the content of your document: they certify that you signed in their presence, that you took an oath where required, and that your identity matches that of the signatory. They are an official witness, not a judge of the merits.

Do not confuse three neighbouring professions:

• Commissioner for Oaths: receives oaths, affirmations and certifies true copies. This is the one you will usually need.
• Notary Public: limited international notarial competence in Malaysia; authenticates deeds and sometimes apostilles. Charges more.
• High Court notary / lawyer: handles documents intended for abroad, notably for the apostille via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra).

For 90% of an expat's needs, the Commissioner for Oaths is enough and costs a fraction of a notary's fee.

When does an expat need one?

Here are the situations where our team most often uses a Commissioner for Oaths. Almost every expat file passes through one:

• Income declaration under oath for the EPF, LHDN (tax office) or a bank loan file.
• Certified true copies of passports, degrees, birth or marriage certificates.
• Certified translations: you bring a translated document and the Commissioner attests that the translation matches the original.
• Invitation / sponsor letter for a visa or a Dependent Pass.
• Power of Attorney drafted in Malaysia.
• Probate or property files: sworn statements tied to buying a property.
• Court summons and affidavits in legal proceedings or a tenancy dispute.

The general rule is simple: whenever a Malaysian authority (LHDN, JPJ, Immigration, EPF, a bank, or a court) asks you for a Statutory Declaration or an affirmed document, you need a Commissioner for Oaths.

How to find a Commissioner for Oaths near you

The most effective method in 2026 remains a direct search. To find a commissioner for oaths near me and get help preparing your file from a French-speaking contact, see our [address book] → /en/address-book.

Three channels actually work:

1. Law firms: almost all offer the service. Business districts — KL Sentral, Bangsar, Mont'Kiara, Penang's George Town — concentrate the supply.
2. Police stations: some officers are Commissionners for Oaths, handy for a simple, cheap emergency.
3. Online services: Malaysian platforms let you book a slot and have a Commissioner for Oaths come to your home or office, for a surcharge.

In Kuala Lumpur, the most practical areas are KL Sentral (close to the banks and immigration), Jalan Ampang and Bangsar. In Penang, look around Beach Street and George Town, where the historic firms are located.

How much does it cost? Real fees (2026)

A Commissioner for Oaths' fees are capped by law: the official schedule sets modest amounts, generally 4 to 20 MYR per instrument depending on the document type (declaration, affidavit, certified copy). In practice, the total price depends largely on the service:

The total remains very affordable compared with Europe: expect a few ringgit for a simple oath up to a few dozen ringgit for a full file. Many firms also charge for drafting time — that is often where the real cost hides.

The step-by-step procedure

Here is how a visit to a Commissioner for Oaths in Malaysia actually works:

1. Prepare your documents: originals + copies, ID (passport), and a draft of your declaration if you have one.
2. Book an appointment if possible: KL Sentral firms get busy at month-end, during accounting close.
3. Attend in person. The Commissioner verifies your identity (passport or MyKad).
4. Sign in their presence. This is the key point: you must never sign in advance; the signature must be made before them.
5. Take the oath if the document is an affidavit. It may be religious or solemn, depending on your case.
6. Pay and collect your stamped, signed and dated document.

For documents intended for abroad, one more step is required: the apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra). As Malaysia is a signatory to the Hague Convention, the apostille is accepted in France and most European countries without further consular legalisation.

If your document has just come out of the firm, plan to go to Wisma Putra next, then possibly to the relevant embassy. Also check the steps tied to your [embassy registration] → /en/procedures/registering-with-your-embassy.

Oath or affirmation: what's the difference?

A Commissioner for Oaths can administer two forms of commitment, and the choice matters:

• The oath: you swear before God or according to your faith. It is required for certain affidavits and in court. Believers of any religion may take it; Malaysian authorities generally accept an oath adapted to your denomination.
• The solemn affirmation: a solemn declaration with no religious reference. It has exactly the same legal value as an oath and is often preferred by non-believers or those with no established religion.

In both cases the legal effect is identical: you expose yourself to prosecution for perjury if your statements prove false. That is precisely what gives the document its weight before the authorities.

How long does it take?

Most services are done the same day, without an appointment, in 15 to 30 minutes:

• Certifying copies: immediate, a few minutes per page.
• Affidavit or simple declaration: 15 to 45 minutes, to verify identity and receive the oath.
• Complex declaration to draft: allow half a day, or a separate appointment for review.
• Apostille at Wisma Putra: 1 to 3 working days, depending on the chosen service (standard or express).

If your file is urgent — for example before a visa submission — call the firm to confirm its hours. Expats passing through Kuala Lumpur for a single day often use an online service with a hotel visit: it costs more, but guarantees you leave with a signed document that evening.

Common mistakes to avoid

After dozens of files supported, here are the most frequent pitfalls:

• Signing before you arrive: the document becomes void. Never sign in advance, even out of habit.
• Confusing Commissioner for Oaths with Notary: paying 300 MYR for a service billed at 20 MYR elsewhere.
• Forgetting the apostille: a certified but non-apostilled document will be rejected abroad.
• Uncertified translation: having it translated professionally is not enough; the translation must be attested as true.
• Non-compliant copies: some firms require the words "certified true copy" to be written by hand.
• Expired passport: you cannot take an oath with invalid ID.

One tip: always ask the firm whether the apostille is included or whether you must go to Wisma Putra separately. The answer changes your whole schedule.

Documents to bring

A checklist to prepare so you avoid a wasted trip:

• Passport valid (+ copy).
• Original documents concerned (statements, contracts, degrees).
• Translation already done if needed.
• Draft declaration or the form provided by the requesting authority.
• Payment: cash or QR (DuitNow), rarely card.
• The exact name of the authority receiving the document.

Always bring extra copies: the price per certified page is small and it saves a second trip.

FAQ — Commissioner for Oaths in Malaysia

What is a Commissioner for Oaths?

A sworn person appointed by the Malaysian government — often a lawyer or notary — authorised to administer your oath and certify documents. They attest that you signed in their presence, not the truth of the content.

How much does a sworn declaration cost in Malaysia?

From 10 to 30 MYR for a simple affidavit, up to about 150 MYR if the firm must draft the declaration. A home visit adds 80 to 200 MYR.

Can I sign my document before arriving?

No. The signature must be made before the Commissioner for Oaths. A document signed in advance is considered void and must be redone.

Do I need an apostille after certification?

Yes, if the document is intended for abroad. The apostille is obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra). Malaysia recognises the Hague Convention.

Where can I find a Commissioner for Oaths near me?

In law firms in Kuala Lumpur's business districts (KL Sentral, Bangsar, Ampang) and in George Town, Penang. Some police officers are also Commissionners for Oaths for simple cases.

Can a foreigner use this service?

Yes — it is one of the most used services by expats. Just bring a valid passport and your originals.

👉 Need help preparing your documents or settling in Malaysia? [Contact us] → /en/contact/

or [Book a transfer] → /en/services/transports