Before Covid-19, Malaysia’s hotel and tourism industry can be said as one of the most thriving sectors amongst ASEAN countries. Its reputation as one of the world’s leading tourism countries was proved by thousands of tourists flocking to its shores each year. To start a hotel business in Malaysia, the entrepreneur is required to apply its relevant hotel licenses.
Process to acquire Hotel License in Malaysia
The regulating authority which is responsible for the implementation of provisions and enforcement in the tourism sector is the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. They ensure that the requirements of the Tourism Industry Act and Tourism Vehicles Licensing Act are adhered to.
To start the business, there are four (4) stages the entrepreneur need to go through:
In terms of the legal aspect to start up a hotel business in Malaysia (assuming the building is completed and ready to be occupied), the Company is required to have at least a minimum of 12 approvals to start up the business smoothly. However, depending on the business activities the hotel provides, there may be up to 22 license approvals the Company is required to have.
Any entrepreneur who intends to operate a hotel establishment in Malaysia will be required by the law to have their business registered and licensed. This must be done before operations can commence. The types of licensing that will be required include:
Things to consider before operating hotels in Malaysia
Hotel operators who intend to hire foreign workers in their hotel establishment will need to get the necessary Malaysian work permit visas. The hotel management industry is all about providing great customer service and experience to your guests, so hiring the right staff makes a difference!
Hi,
I’m thinking of opening a combination of simple cafe (1st floor) + guest house (2nd floor)
Which licences should apply?
Hi Jan,
You will need to register your company before licensing. We’ll be glad to help in your company incorporation and advising with your application for licenses.
Do drop us a text on WhatsApp and our sales team will advise you further: https://wa.me/6584833084
Thank you!
Best Regards,
Paul
Hi,
I would like to ask does a boutique hotel in Malaysia need a license to operate a small gym and which license is it? Also, does the hotel need to pay copyright music or royalty to play any song for the gym?
Hi,
Your question has been answered under our forum.
https://www.paulhypepage.my/forums/business-forums-malaysia/do-i-need-a-license-to-operate-a-small-gym/
Feel free to interact with us in the forum if you need further clarification. We will be happy to assist.
Best Regards,
Paul
Hi,
is Malaysia hotel need to have license for storage of cleaning chemical for housekeeping and laundry?
Hi,
Your question has been answered under our forum.
https://www.paulhypepage.my/php-forums/malaysia/license-for-storage-of-cleaning-chemical-for-housekeeping-and-laundry/
Feel free to interact with us in the forum if you need further clarification. We will be happy to assist.
Best Regards,
Paul
what is it required to open a cafe in a hotel?
Hello Isaac,
You will require certain licenses before you may set up a café in a Malaysian hotel. Depending on the products to be sold, these include but are not limited to the Signboard License, Halal License, and Wholesale Retail Trade License, among others.
If you would like to know more about Malaysian business licenses, contact us at any time.
Thank you.
Paul