Start New Business in Malaysia!
Any foreigner can register a company in Malaysia within 3 to 4 working days with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) Key notes for registering a business in Malaysia:
- Minimum 1 person (age 18 plus).
- Minimum share capital (Paid up) Ringgit 1 (one), but we advise to show RM 2000 to RM 4000 at the beginning.
- Additionally, Signboard (Fee start from 1200 to 2000), export import license (fee RM 3000), WRT license (RM 3500), Direct selling license (fee RM 3500) are required as business nature.
- Initial deposit Ringgit 3000 to RM 10000 depend on bank
- Passport copy, email, contact number, present and business address in Malaysia are needed for foreign directors.
- Registering a company fee Ringgit 2500 including government and professional services fee.
- Virtual business address is required to complete the registration process. Rent cost RM 600 for 6 months period, later either extend or move to other place.
There are 8 different business entities to choose from. Foreigners can register Sdn Bhd business and branch office. We will be going in-depth about the business registration process in Malaysia with all the guidelines you will need.
The Governing Body in Malaysia
Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia or SSM in short regulates all the companies and businesses in Malaysia. There are some strict guidelines you must follow to get your company registration in Malaysia. This statutory body was formed in a merge between the Act of Parliament and Business Affairs in Malaysia.
Register Your Business
SSM regulates the business models and following the guidelines you must submit the necessary documents to SSM. The main steps to register new companies in Malaysia are provided below:
- Be ready 3 propose business names
- Check the name for its availability
- Fill up the business registration Form A, with detailed information containing business name, commencement date, permanent address of business, information of partners and owners, and the nature of business.
- If you have multiple owners, every single owner must sign the completed form
- The additional documents required with this business registration form are the photocopies of individual identity cards, permits, licenses or any legal supporting document stating the nature of your business
- This application form, along with the necessary documents, must be submitted to SSM physically or you can submit using the online portal
Business Entities Available for Registration in Malaysia
We have briefly said about the entities in Malaysia before, there are 8 different types which you can register. Knowing the entity that best suits you can benefit you in the long run. Reading this article, you will have a clear idea about all the business entities available in Malaysia and which one suits you best. The business entities are provided below:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership business
- Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd)
- Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
- Unlimited Company (Sdn)
- Public Limited Company (Bhd)
- Foreign Company
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Among the business entities, foreigners can register a Private Limited Company and Foreign Company in Malaysia. Although registering a Private Limited Company is enough for a foreigner as they can hold 100% ownership of the company. These 8 business entities can be categorized into 3 types as we will elaborate in the table below:
| Business Categorized | Registration of Business (ROB) | Registration of Company (ROC) | Limited Liability of Partnership (LLP) |
| Entities | Enterprise & Partnership | Private Limited Company Company Limited by Guarantee Unlimited Company Public Limited Company Foreign Company | Limited Liability Partnership |
| Governing Act | Registration of Business Act 1956 | Companies Act 2016 | Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 |
| Liabilities | Unlimited liability of business owner | Company’s liability separates from Owner’s liability | Partnership and private Limited Company combined liabilities |
| Contributions | Own or partner | Share capital | Contribution from partner |
| Tax Category | Personal income tax | Corporate tax | Corporate tax |
Sole Proprietorship
As an entrepreneur, you might want to start a small to medium-size business in Malaysia. The sole proprietorship is one of the simplest and easiest forms of business. A single person can easily run this business. This business entity is the best for an entrepreneur who wants a startup with small to medium size business planning. The positive side is he/she can easily transform his sole proprietorship to a Private Limited Company when his/her business starts to grow. The conversion process is simple. Read the table below to see the advantages and disadvantages of a sole proprietorship in Malaysia:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Suggested Person |
| Cheaper to register Simple registration process compared to other business models fewer formalities to follow | Renewal time is annual All liabilities must be handled by a single person/owner Personal income tax can get expensive to bear | Permanent resident or citizen of Malaysia |
Partnership
As an entrepreneur, you might want to start a business with a partner. As the name suggests, a partnership requires at least 2 partners to register. The difference being the liabilities will be shared between the partners instead of a single person/owner like a sole proprietorship. The liabilities are divided so the risk is less compared to sole proprietorship. The minimum partners required is 2 and a maximum of 20. This type of business entity is common among lawyers, accountants, doctors, etc. The downside to this business entity is that not all foreigners can register this. If you are a citizen in Malaysia or hold a permanent residency, you are eligible to register a Partnership business in Malaysia. The Pros and cons are provided below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Suggested Person |
| Cheaper to register Simple process of registration Less formalities to follow | Renewal time is annual All liabilities must be handled by a single person/owner Personal income tax can get expensive to bear | Permanent resident or citizen of Malaysia |
Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd)
A private company limited by shares is called Sdn Bhd Company in Malaysia. This business model is registered as a separate legal entity that can own properties, able to earn revenue. As this is completely a separate entity, your personal capital is not at risk. You are able to incorporate Sdn Bhd being the only director and shareholder of the company without the necessity of a partner. The benefits are provided below with the disadvantages in the table:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Suggested Person |
| Relatively cheaper to incorporate Separated liabilities Scalability possible by increasing the paid-up capital Foreigner can hold 100% ownership | Limitation of 50 shareholders Not able to raise public funds Restrictions on share transfer At least 1 director must-have Malaysian residency | People looking to start a small to medium-size business in Malaysia |
Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
This is a public company. This company consists of guarantors with no shareholders. The members are not liable to contribute capital into the company. However, they are liable to pay debts if the company closes for any reason. The profits made in this type of company are strictly purposed for the activities stated in the constitution. The advantages, with some disadvantages, are provided below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Suggested Person |
| No capital contributions are required by the member’s Promotion of charity, religion, etc. is possible in this business entity Exemption from paying corporate tax is possible | Expensive and difficult to incorporate Strict rules and formalities Profits earned must be used for the purpose of the organization Inability to transform into other business entity Members are liable to pay the debt if the company faces loss or closes down | Non-Profit organizations (NGO) |
Unlimited Company (Sdn)
You can register an unlimited company for the formation of a mutual fund for holding assets for investment purposes. This business entity has unlimited liability among the shareholders. Like in Partnership, unlimited company has liabilities with the difference being that the shares are free to sell back to the company. Unlimited company has some advantages as well as disadvantages which we will show in the table below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Suggested Person |
| Ownership of share is flexible Choice of both private and publicly available | Expensive to setup and registration complications Strict laws to follow Shareholders are liable for the company’s debt | Mutual Funds |
Public Limited Company (Bhd)
This company is limited by shares just like Sdn Bhd company. The key difference being the shares can be offered to the public and there is no limit to shareholders. 2 directors are required as a minimum for a public limited company. It can easily take a long time to register this business entity because there are strict laws and formalities. The key advantages and disadvantages are provided below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Suggested Person |
| Easiest to raise funds from the mass public Flexible to shares for owners | Expensive and hard to register Strict laws and processes to follow | Anyone with large business plans |
Foreign Company
If you are a foreigner with an already established business in another country, then this business entity will best fit you. Through this business incorporation, you can set up a branch office in Malaysia without any permanent residency or citizenship. In Malaysia, foreigners are limited to Sdn Bhd Company and Foreign Company in Malaysia. There are advantages as well as disadvantages incorporating this type of company which we will provide below in the table:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Suggested Person |
| Can conduct business in Malaysia without a permanent residency or citizenship | Can be expensive and difficult to register Strict laws and formalities to follow Not possible to raise public fund | Already established business owners planning to expand business in Malaysia |
Limited Liability Partnership
This business entity is overseen by the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012. This business entity is comparatively new. As a result, the registration of this company is not common. This business entity is a combination of Sdn Bhd and Partnership. The differences are there must be 2 partners minimum and has no limit of the maximum number. The advantages and disadvantages are provided below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Suggested Person |
| No limit on the number of partners Comparatively cheap to incorporate Flexibility among partners | Public fundraising is not possible As this business entity is overseen by a comparatively new law, it can be confusing to understand | Citizen or permanent residency holders with small business plan in mind and want to start with partners |
Registration of Company in Malaysia
Reading this article should give you the knowledge of the companies available for you to register and choose the entity that best suits you. Now, knowing all the differences and benefits of the business entities, you want to incorporate your company in Malaysia. There are certain processes and requirements to register a company in Malaysia. These requirements must be met for successful company registration.
Conclusion
With continuous economic growth in Malaysia, entrepreneurs are choosing Malaysia as their new business startup. Even the already established companies are registering companies in Malaysia to expand into the Malaysian market. Team of S & F Consulting Firm are experts in company registration, business licensing, tax and accounting services. Please feel free to contact us regarding any issue or consultancy regarding business registration in Malaysia.
FAQ
Yes can, non-residents can register 100 percent shareholding company. No local, Malaysian need unless the nature of business is timber. There are some advantages, speak with a secretary, if local partner holds majority shares. Foreigners can not do some business unless a local person holds company shares.
Name approval: 1-2 days. Incorporation: 2 days. Sometimes takes longer when proposed names reject as no available. So, we suggest proposing 3-4 names to check in SSM.
Government fees:
1) Name submission and approval and Incorporation: RM 1010/-.
2) Signboard and Premise Licenses fees RM 2000.
3). EPF and SOCSO- RM 200-400 (anyone can submit online and collect PIN).
To register a company if shareholder is foreigner is suggested to keep capital Ringgit two thousand at least.
Yes, can. But never try to a local bank for wasting time. You can try HSBC, Standard Chartered, OCBC, and UOB Bank.
If the foreign ownership companies register Sdn Bhd and later, apply for work permit said amount equity investment in the company is required. This is a complete guideline by ESD department of Malaysia where company’s are registered to apply for work permit.
About company
Since 2012 S & F Consulting Firm, sister concern SFM CONSULTING FIRM SDN. BHD. (Company No. 1179732-P).
Address: A-08-09 Tropicana Avenue, No 12 Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort PJU3, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia,
Contact: +601151177141 (Available WhatsApp) , Email: info at sfconsultingbd dot com
Call Us For Following Licenses:
1). Company Incorporation
2). Signboard & Premise License
3). WRT License
4). Export and Import
5). EPF and SOCSO
6). Long Time Visa and MM2H