🇲🇾 Malaysia · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
Quick answer
Companies register with the Companies Commission (SSM); a private limited company (Sdn Bhd) is standard and can be foreign-owned in most sectors. A company secretary and registered office are required.
Companies in Malaysia register with the Companies Commission (SSM); a private limited company (Sdn Bhd) is common. Foreigners can own companies subject to sector rules.
- Companies register with SSM; the Sdn Bhd is the usual private form.
- Foreign ownership is generally allowed, with sector-specific conditions.
- A company secretary and registered office are required.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose the company type
The private limited company (Sdn Bhd, Sendirian Berhad) is the standard form; under the Companies Act 2016, one director ordinarily resident in Malaysia and one shareholder suffice.
- 2
Search and reserve the name
Run a name search and reserve the company name with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) through the MyCoID / e-services portal.
- 3
Prepare the incorporation details
Prepare the incorporation application (Section 14) with the directors, shareholders, share capital and a registered office in Malaysia.
- 4
Incorporate through SSM (MyCoID)
Submit the incorporation via MyCoID and pay the fee; SSM issues a registration number and a notice of registration (a certificate can be requested).
- 5
Appoint a company secretary
Appoint a licensed company secretary within 30 days of incorporation.
- 6
Register for tax and open banking
Register the company for income tax with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and for SST if liable, enrol employees with EPF and SOCSO, and open a corporate bank account.
Checklist
- Company type chosen (Sdn Bhd)
- At least one Malaysia-resident director + one shareholder
- Name reserved via SSM MyCoID
- Section 14 incorporation details + registered office
- SSM incorporation → registration number / notice
- Licensed company secretary within 30 days
- Income-tax registration (LHDN) + SST if liable
- EPF/SOCSO + corporate bank account
Official authorities
- Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
Company registration authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners fully own a Malaysian company?
In most sectors yes — a Sdn Bhd can be 100% foreign-owned, though some regulated sectors have equity conditions.
What is a Sdn Bhd?
Sendirian Berhad is the standard Malaysian private limited company, offering limited liability.
Do I need a local director?
A Sdn Bhd needs at least one director resident in Malaysia; nominee-director services are commonly used.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- MyGovernment Portal — Malaysia government services portal
- Immigration Department of Malaysia — Visas, passes (Employment / DE Rantau) and MM2H
- Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) — Income tax and tax-number registration
- Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) — Foreign investment and manufacturing/services licensing