Foreigners who are planning to set up a restaurant in Malaysia have to introduce something unique yet relatable to the cuisines of the people living in Malaysia. The restaurant business provides 100% ownership to foreigners, making it a lucrative business opportunity. Many foreign restaurants owners are relatively established in the country. The first step to be taken is the registration of the restaurant in Malaysia. The following are the relevant requirements:

  • Selection of business type: as a foreigner, the only choices available are those of registering as a Sdn Bhd or a private limited company. 
  • The foreigners need to obtain the following licenses depending on what they sell in the restaurant: 
  • Halal certification if the restaurant is Muslim-friendly 
  • Alcohol license if alcohol is being sold in the restaurant 
  • Import License for imported ingredients 
  • MACP and PPM licenses for restaurant owners who want entertainment options in their restaurant 
  • Wholesale and Retail Trade license. One point worth noting is that this license is only given if the restaurant serves ethnic food such as French or Middle Eastern cuisine and has a minimum space of nearly 140 square meters. 

The location of the restaurant should have high traffic, easy access, and visibility from a distance.

The owner must take note of the modern food trends of Malaysia and opt for the menu according to the target market so as to attract more customers and earn revenue. Foreign restaurant owners can also acquire the DP10 visa that grants them a two-year  work permit for their family and themselves.