How to Start a Company in Malaysia as a Foreigner?

12 min read|Last Updated: April 14, 2023|

Most entrepreneurial-minded small business owners who are looking to expand their business to foreign countries often see Malaysia as a great place to start a company. Its bustling commercial environment and low cost of living make it an attractive destination for foreigners to live and work in the country.

Can a foreigner own a business in Malaysia?

The answer is a big yes. According to the Company Act 2016, a foreigner is allowed to incorporate a certain type of business entity and solely the entity so long as they have a legitimate residential address in Malaysia.

Malaysia Corporate Secretary Eric

Which type of business structure is best suited for foreigners starting a company in Malaysia?

The recommended business structure for foreigners starting a company in Malaysia is a private limited company, which is also termed as Sdn. Bhd.

Here are some comparisons between private limited company and other business structures in Malaysia to highlight why private limited company is the best option.

Sole Proprietorship and Partnership VS Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.)

As many might know, most Malaysian prefer to incorporate a sole proprietorship or partnership compared to a private limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) due to the cheap cost to incorporate and maintain, and easy registration. However, such option is not opened for foreigner as only Malaysian citizen or Permanent Resident (PR) is allowed to operate such business structure.

Other drawbacks that these two business structures are:

  • Owner/Partners are liable towards all the debts accumulated by the business

  • Creditors have the power to sue owners/partners if they filed for bankruptcy in order to claim the debt owed

  • It is not so easy to encourage third party investors or bankers to fund the business

The cost and annual compliance to maintain a sole proprietorship and partnership might be less compared to private limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.), however, the risk of the owner/partners facing bankruptcy is higher.

Subsidiary VS Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.)

A subsidiary and a private limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) are quite similar. However, setting up a subsidiary can be difficult and rigorous compared to incorporating a private limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.). More documents are needed such as:

  • Company particulars of parent Company certified by the appointed Company Secretary

  • Board of resolution from parent Company to approve the incorporation of a subsidiary Company

  • Memorandum of appointment or power of attorney authorising the person residing in Malaysia to accept the notices on behalf of the parent Company

  • Statutory declaration by the agent of the parent Company

The price of to incorporate a subsidiary is depending on the authorised share capital unlike incorporating a private limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.). For example, the authorised share capital is MYR 400,000, the incorporation fee is only MYR 1,000. The higher the authorised share capital is, the higher the fees chargeable.

As for tax treatment, branches are not given the opportunity to enjoy local corporate tax benefits. They are treated as a non-resident entity whereby the corporate tax rate will be 24% flat.

Branch VS Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.)

As for a branch office, it is considered an extension for a parent Company. Meaning to say, they are not allowed to:

  • Use different name from parent Company

  • Use different business activities from parent Company

  • Use for long-term

Normally, a branch is used in order for the parent Company to test the market in a foreign land. The branch will be 100% owned by the parent Company. Similar to subsidiary, a branch office has a more complex annual compliance that they need to meet. They are required to file annual return, audited financial statement for branch as well as the audited financial statement of parent Company.

As for tax treatment, branches are not given the opportunity to enjoy local corporate tax benefits. They are treated as a non-resident entity whereby the corporate tax rate will be 24% flat.

Best Industries for Foreign Investments in Malaysia

Based on the information above, potential foreign investors might re-think of their strategy to expand their business from their home country into Malaysia. Worry not as Malaysia still offers many other industries available for you to venture into. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has also listed some incentives for new investments.

Some of the industries are:

1. Manufacturing sector

Pioneer Status

A Company will be granted a Pioneer Status (PS) to enjoy five years partial exemption from the payment of income tax. They are only taxable on 30% of its statutory income with the exemption period commencing from its Production Day. 

Unabsorbed capital allowances incurred during the pioneer period can be carried forward and deducted from the post pioneer income of the Company. Accumulated losses incurred during the pioneer period can be carried forward and deducted from the post pioneer income of the Company for a period of 7 consecutive years. 

Investment Tax Allowance

A Company granted with Investment Tax Allowance (ITA) is entitled to an allowance of 60% on its qualifying capital expenditure (factory, plant and machinery approved for the project) incurred within 5 years from the date of first qualifying capital expenditure is incurred. 

The Company may also offset this allowance against 70% of its statutory income for each year of assessment. Any unutilised allowance can be carried forward to subsequent years until fully utilised. The remaining 30% of its statutory income will be taxed at the prevailing company tax rate (between 17% to 24%).

2. Agricultural sector

Incentive for food production

Specific incentives are introduced to attract investment into food projects both at farm level as well as at production/processing level. These will enhance the supply of raw material for the food processing sector, thus reducing reliance on imports of such raw materials.  

  • A Company which invests in its subsidiary company engaged in food production activities can be considered for tax deduction equivalent to the amount of investment made in that subsidiary for that year of assessment 
  • The subsidiary Company undertaking food production activities can be considered for full tax exemption on its statutory income for 10 years of assessment for new project or 5 years of assessment for expansion projects 

Incentive for Production of Halal Product

The government is also encouraging new investments in halal food production and to increase the use of modern and state-of-the-art machinery and equipment in producing high quality halal food that comply with international standards.,
Ccompanies which invest in halal food production and has already obtained halal certification from JAKIM are eligible for the investment tax allowance (ITA) of 100% of qualifying capital expenditure incurred within a period of 5 years.

3. Biotechnology industry

  • An exemption of 100% statutory income derived from a new business or an expansion project that is equivalent to an allowance of 100% qualifying capital expenditure incurred for 5 years 
  • Concessionary tax rate of 20% on statutory income from qualifying activities for 10 years upon expiry of tax exemption period 
  • Exemption from import duty and sales tax on raw materials/components/machineries/equipment 
  • Double deduction on expenditure incurred for R&D 
  • Double deduction on expenditure incurred for promotion of exports

Malaysia is a country moving towards high-income country by the year 2030. One of the approaches moving towards that goal is by granting direct tax incentives partially or total relief from income tax payment for a specified period for foreign investments venturing into specific industries.

Company Types for Foreigners

The most popular type of business structure for foreigners looking to set up a company in Malaysia is Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd).  You can find out more about the requirements to set up a Sdn Bhd here.

Below are also other options that they are allowed to set up:

What to do after setting up a company in Malaysia as a foreigner?

After starting a company in Malaysia as a foreigner, you will need to adhere to the local regulations that you may not be familiar with. Here, you will find the things that you will need to do to be fully operational.

Opening a Corporate bank account

Once a Company is incorporated, you can proceed to open a corporate bank account. Due to the restriction of travelling since the pandemic, most banks have opted to communicate online with most of their clients.

Bankers normally tap into their international database to ensure the foreign clients have a clean background. Aside from that, there are some nationalities where Malaysia bank policy does not allow to open a bank account. Some of them are:

  • Israel

  • Iran

  • Iraq

  • Serbia

Business license

It is common knowledge that once a Company is incorporated, you will need to apply for business licenses before they can start operating their business. Most Companies who wish to rent an office to operate will need to apply business premise license and signboard license from the respective state authorities.

However, there is a distinct difference in paid-up capital if a Company ventures into sector/industry specific businesses. For example, the Company ventures into wholesale business. A local owned Company can apply the Wholesale, Retail and Trade (WRT) license with only paid-up capital of MYR 250,000. For a 100% foreign owned Company, in order for them to apply the WRT license, they need a MYR 1,000,000 paid-up capital.

This shows that even though the Company need to apply a sector/industry specific business license, they still do not need to appoint a local nominee director within the Company, unless stated otherwise by the local authority.

Registration of EPF and SOCSO

After setting up a company in Malaysia as a foreigner, you may look to hire local employees. The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) profile must be registered by a Company within 7 days when Company first hires an employee at any available counter or online via the official website.

Registering the EPF is mandatory for employers to make the required contribution to employee retirement benefit scheme based on their monthly wages.

Once EPF is registered, the Company is also liable to register Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) profile. This must be done within 30 days when Company first hires an employee via email application to idportalperkeso.gov.my.

The SOCSO profile is also mandatory as it was founded to provide the employees in private sector with social security protection in accordance with the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969.

You can read more about EPF, SOCSO, and other employee contributions in our article here.

Registration with Inland Revenue Board (LHDN)

Next, you will need to register your Company profile with Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). Not only it is crucial for a Company to complete its annual tax filing, but the Company is also compulsory to perform the monthly tax deduction (MTD) against the employees’ salaries.

A MTD is an income tax deduction mechanism where a certain amount is deducted from the employee’s current remuneration package. Purpose of these deductions is to minimize the financial burden on employees of paying lump sum when the actual tax amount has been determined by end of the year.

Annual Business Reporting

Currently, the Company Act 2016 has eased the annual business reporting requirement for private limited companies. Some of the filings to do include:

  • File annual return according to the Company anniversary date – date of when the Company was initially incorporatedExample: The Company was incorporated in 21.07.2018, the first annual return must be filed by 21.07.2019 or before 20.08.2019 (30 days). Late filing penalty may be imposed if the filing is done after 30 days.

  • Lodge unaudited financial statement with the Companies Commission of Malaysia – Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). This type of business entity is exempted from preparing an audited report if they meet one of the criteria:

    • Dormant companies
    • Zero-revenue companies
    • Threshold-qualified companies – Revenue < MYR 100,000, total assets < MYR 300,000 and employee < 5 people
  • File the annual tax return filing with Inland Revenue Board – Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) even though the Company was deemed dormant for the annual period 

Application of work visa – Employment Pass

In Malaysia, the Malaysian Development Investment Authority (MIDA) has mapped out several work visas depending on the circumstances. The most common is the Malaysia Employment Pass.

If you are planning a long-term stay in Malaysia, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme is a great option. They are allowed to stay and invest in Malaysia for a long period of time. However, these participants are not allowed to work/be employed while staying in Malaysia except those who were issued with special work passes.

Depending on the type of job and skills, different working passes are issued when obtaining a work permit.

  • Employment Pass: This pass is issued to employees with specific skills, usually for technical or managerial jobs. The minimum period is usually 2 years. 

  • Temporary Employment Pass: Issued for employment for less than 2 years or for jobs with a monthly salary less than MYR 5,000

  • Professional Visit Pass: Issued to foreign nationals who remain employed by the company in the home country but are required by a Malaysian company to provide certain services for a period up to 6 months.

Any private limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.), local and foreign alike is able to apply an Employment Pass for their foreign candidates. You only need to apply for a business license if the authority deems the business is listed for such licenses. The estimate duration to apply an Employment Pass can be 6 months or more.

Tax Structure in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the tax structure is territorial. Residents and non-residents alike are taxed on their Malaysian-sourced income while any foreign-sourced income is normally not taxable. This is applicable to both local and foreign owned Companies alike.

Based on the year assessment (YA) 2020, the corporate tax rate is as follows:

  • Company with paid-up capital < than MYR 2.5 million

  • On the first MYR 600,000 profit is taxed at 17%

  • Subsequent balance will be taxed at 24%

However, for Company with paid-up capital > than MYR 2.5 million, the tax rate is flat at 24%.

Our thoughts

The requirements, annual compliance as well as the cost is the same for both local and foreigners alike. Even the tax structure is beneficial for a private limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) because it uses a territorial tax structure where all Malaysian sourced income is taxable while foreign sourced income is not.

This not only shows the transparency of the Malaysia government agencies to ensure the incorporation process for both local and foreigners are similar but also shows they are welcome in the country.

READY TO INCORPORATE YOUR COMPANY IN MALAYSIA AS A FOREIGNER?

Come down to our office or connect with us virtually for an incorporation assessment today.

FAQs

Is there anyway to accelerate the process of Opening a Corporate Bank Account in Malaysia?2020-04-28T12:34:57+08:00

All the steps of opening a corporate bank account must be completed. All other requirements must also be followed, should they be applicable. Therefore, there is no way to accelerate the process of opening a corporate bank account in Malaysia. 

Do certain Sdn Bhd Companies require more Licenses than others?2020-04-28T12:34:17+08:00

The licenses required by any Sdn Bhd company depend on what business activities are conducted by the company in question. Therefore, the number of licenses required will vary from company to company. 

Why was the Companies Act Updated?2020-04-28T12:33:20+08:00

The original version of Malaysia’s Companies Act became official in 1965. Since then, the economy and corporate scene of both Malaysia and the world alike have changed tremendously. These changes rendered much information in the original version of the Companies Act irrelevant. Thus, the Companies Act was updated in 2016 to better reflect modern-day economic and corporate realities. 

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  1. Justus May 10, 2022 at 10:58 pm - Reply

    Hello, My name is Justus,
    I will like to ask what document and licenses do u need to start a car rental business in Malaysia.

    • Paul Hype Page May 17, 2022 at 9:57 am

      Hi Justus, to better advise on the licenses and documents to start your company, we would appreciate if we can do a call instead. This is to have a better understanding of your business and provide the necessary information more accurately.

      You can schedule a time via our contact form here:
      https://www.paulhypepage.com/contact/

      Alternatively, you can leave us a message on WhatsApp and we will respond soonest: https://wa.me/6584833084

      Thanks!

  2. Mandasari August 16, 2021 at 11:33 am - Reply

    Hi, my name is Manda,
    My company is in Korea and Indonesia, and we have a plan to open a company in Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu). Since we didn’t have a team in Malaysia we need a consultant to guide us for the step by step how to open a company in Malaysia (such as what the document we need, how to get the employee, and many more). For the basic first, can you give me a hint of what document or what we have to do to open a company in Malaysia?

  3. Eskulin March 24, 2021 at 10:24 pm - Reply

    Hi there!
    Is it possible to open a business (small restaurant, bistro/café or food truck) as a foreigner in Malaysia?
    I’m confused because I found this article

    https://www.jspartners.com.my/post/types-of-industries-in-malaysia-foreigners-not-permitted

    Now I’m not sure about it. Need more information regarding this

    Thank you

  4. Kian Seng March 17, 2021 at 11:36 am - Reply

    Hi, I’m Kian Seng. I’m planning to set up a cosmetic factory in Malaysia and partnership with Foreigner. What do I need to prepare? Do we need to apply for a special license to set up a factory? How about the partnership with Foreigner?

    • Paul Hype Page March 26, 2021 at 9:38 am

      Hi Kian Seng,

      Feel free to interact with us in the forum if you need further clarification. We will be happy to assist.

      Best Regards,
      Paul

  5. neha March 12, 2021 at 4:47 pm - Reply

    Hi

    as a foreigner looking to start a contracting + renovation business in KL. Our head office is in SG.
    – is SDN BHD is the best structure
    – Do i need the wrt license or any other licenses or just incorporation will help me start

  6. Awadhesh Kumar March 11, 2021 at 1:13 am - Reply

    Dear Sir,
    i Am Very Excited To Know That If i Am Worker In A Malaysian Retails Company, Is It Possible To Have Any Chances To Register A Company/Business And Do Side Business Under My Own Company Name ?
    Looking Forward For Your Answer.

    Thank You So Much For Have This Types Of Services And I Hope Best Wished For You All Guys.

    Thanks & Regards
    Kumar

  7. Kate February 1, 2021 at 3:12 pm - Reply

    Hi, we are planning to open a private limited company and its home-based bakery. How much is the paid-up capital?

  8. Chong November 30, 2020 at 10:35 pm - Reply

    Hello, I’m Chong. We would like to set up a company in Malaysia with 100% shareholder will be a singapore registered company, 1 foreigner director and 1 local malaysian director, carry out IT consultancy business in Malaysia.

    – Will our company needs to apply a WRT licence? If yes, is the WRT licence needed whether the business office location is in peninsula malaysia / sabah or sarawak?
    – What is the minimum paid up capital for the sdn. bhd. to apply an employment pass for the foreigner director?

    Thank you.

    • Tiwi December 4, 2020 at 1:40 pm

      Hi Chong,
      To set up a 100% IT consultancy company in Malaysia, you do not need to apply for a WRT license regardless your office is based in the peninsular or Malaysia’s Borneo. The minimum paid-up capital for a Sdn. Bhd to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) for a foreign director is RM500, 000.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
      Thanks

  9. Crystal November 17, 2020 at 10:05 am - Reply

    Hi, our company has 2 directors, both of them are Singaporean.
    Previously, we have 1 Malaysian director, but she already resigned in 2018. We try to renew business license as MPSJ business license still shows her name on the license. Is there any penalty for the late update in MPSJ?
    If update in MPSJ, need to fill in the Lampiran A. Lampiran A is required Visa for foreigner, but Singaporean no need Visa. How should I do?
    Please advise. Thanks.

    • Tiwi November 18, 2020 at 8:57 am

      Hi, you should make necessary changes to company profile before renewing license as your ex-director no longer represents your company.
      As for the penalty, it will depend on MPSJ. Please approach them for clarification.
      There should not be a need for visas for foreigners if you are not physically living and working in Malaysia.
      Do contact us via WhatsApp at +65 8483 3084 or email us at sales@php-cpa.com.sg for further assistance.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
      Thanks

  10. Wael November 13, 2020 at 6:06 pm - Reply

    What is the minimum capital requirements for a limited liability company fully owned by a foreigner?

    • Tiwi November 17, 2020 at 10:28 am

      Hi Wael,
      We are sorry we cannot advise you since we do not provide limited liability company incorporation. We are happy to assist you with a private limited company incorporation

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  11. CH November 9, 2020 at 4:21 pm - Reply

    Hi,
    What is the min requirement to set up a 100% foreigner owned company and a company that has both foreigner and local?

    • Tiwi November 13, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      Hi CH, minimum requirements regardless of foreign or local owned company is that you must have one secretary, one registered office address, and a local residence.
      If it is 100% foreign owned company, our incorporation package is RM2,548.
      If the company has both foreigner and local, it is RM2,048.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  12. Jane October 25, 2020 at 11:25 pm - Reply

    Hello, I have an employment pass for a company in KL. Can I run a side business? Thinking of starting one in gift hampers. I’m British.
    What capital is required?
    What’s the cost of setting up a business here?
    My husband doesn’t have a degree but is a graphic designer. Is there a way of him getting a work visa?

    • Tiwi November 6, 2020 at 11:50 am

      Hi Jane,

      Yes, you can run a business in Malaysia and the company can be 100% foreign owned. Our service fee is RM2,048.
      We can assist your husband to get employment pass in Malaysia.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  13. Meheruna Alam October 23, 2020 at 11:19 pm - Reply

    Hello,

    Hello, this is Meheruna, Im expat here. We have a online home food delivery app setup at Bangladesh. We want to expand or start our home food delivery service here through our app. As being a foreigner, is this possible? If its possible, then what would be the best option? A. Register company here? B. Have a branch/francise of Banladesh registered company here? Can you please give us some idea?

    • Tiwi November 6, 2020 at 11:49 am

      Hi,
      Yes, you can open a company here. The company can be 100% foreign owned. We can assist you to set up a private limited.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
      Thanks

  14. Alavi August 23, 2020 at 6:55 pm - Reply

    Hello, I am interested to register an IT consultancy business in KL. I would also like to know if it’s possible to get a employment visa under my registered company in KL and what is total cost to get everything setup. Also how much paid up capital is required for IT consultancy. Thank you

    • Tiwi September 10, 2020 at 9:39 am

      Dear Alavi,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      We are happy to assist you with your company incorporation and employment pass application. The minimum paid up capital is RM500,000. Please refer to the cost details below.
      Package for foreign entrepreneurs relocating to Malaysia: Company Incorporation with Employment Pass

      Company Registration: RM100
      Registration Fee (Government Fee): RM1060
      Appointment of Company Secretary (for 1 year): RM600
      Employment Pass: RM6600
      Registered Office Address (for 1 year): RM288

      Total
      RM8,648

      Additional services (Optional)
      – Bank Account opening RM2,500 (NO NEED TO TRAVEL TO MALAYSIA)
      – Malaysia residential address (for Directors/Shareholders) RM500
      – Corporate shareholders
      – Additional Company Secretary services
      – Dependant Pass applications

      *Kindly note that a residential address is required by law for all Directors and Shareholders.
      * To apply for EP, registered company must have corresponding business licenses

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  15. Soud Sk Minhajul Islam August 14, 2020 at 12:29 am - Reply

    Hi Sir
    ASSALAMULAIKUM
    I want to open a restaurant i KL .So what are the process i need to do .
    And how i get business visa to do my restaurant business.

    • Tiwi September 10, 2020 at 9:32 am

      Dear Soud,
      Thank you for contacting us.
      Please be informed that to open a restaurant you must first incorporate your company. We are happy to assist you with the incorporation of the company. The company can be 100% foreign-owned and you’re not required to be physically present in Malaysia.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  16. Omar Al Abri August 9, 2020 at 4:42 am - Reply

    Hi
    I’m planning to open treading company ( export and import) and I’m from Oman
    So how much will cost me to open and run the company

    • Tiwi September 4, 2020 at 10:26 am

      Hi Omar,

      We can assist you to open a company in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Which company you’re interested to?

      Soud:

      Thank you for contacting us.

      We are happy to assist you with your incorporation of Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia.

      Please be informed that the company can be 100% foreign owned and you are not required to be physically present in Malaysia as it can be done online using our in-house system – iBizfile. 😊

      To understand what is required for incorporation/to START your incorporation, please find the link below.
      https://my.ibizfile.com/auth/signup

      To understand what is required for your employment pass/to START your employment pass, please find the link below.
      https://ibizfile.com/employement-pass-form/

      Here is a Demo Video to show you what our process looks like:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=679s_ekkINc – MSIA INCORP

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  17. Brian August 8, 2020 at 4:49 pm - Reply

    Hi. I run a cafe (sole proprietor) and would like to convert this into a Sdn Bhd with three foreign partners who currently hold work permits in Malaysia (in an unrelated industry). Is this possible, and if so, can they then obtain employment passes? If yes, is this something you can do?

    Thanks

    • Tiwi September 4, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Hi Brian,

      We can assist to apply the employment pass category I

      Kindly note the following requirements for an Employment Pass application:

      Individual requirements:
      – Have a job offer in Malaysia OR incorporate your own company in Malaysia.

      – Work in a managerial, executive or specialised job.

      – Have acceptable qualifications, usually a good university degree, professional qualifications or specialist skills.

      The below are the different categories of an Employment Pass. Kindly note that we only provide services for a category 1 EP.
      Category I (EPI) – for applicants who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least RM10,000 and a valid employment contract for a minimum of 5 years.

      Category II (EPII) – for applicants who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least RM5,000 up to RM9,999 and a valid employment contract of 2 years.

      Category III (EPIII) – for applicants who earn a fixed monthly salary of between RM3,000 to 4,999 and a valid employment contract period not exceeding 12 months.

      Company requirements:
      – The company must have the relevant business licenses
      – The company should be operational for a recommended period of 3 to 6 months
      – The company must have the minimum paid up capital in the bank account

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  18. Lyssya lily July 4, 2020 at 2:00 am - Reply

    How much is the minimum paid up capital for a foreigner to open a hair salon biz in Malaysia.

    • Tiwi July 15, 2020 at 9:35 am

      Hi Lyssya Lily
      The minimum paid up capital varies based on your business and other factors. In order to give you the most relevant advice, we would need to understand more on your business plans. To discuss further, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.

      Thank you for your comment.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  19. Lyssya lily July 4, 2020 at 1:51 am - Reply

    I have a friend from manila who would like to open a hair salon in Johor Malaysia. What procedure or document requirements does he need to do.

    • Tiwi July 15, 2020 at 9:34 am

      Hi Lyssya Lily
      In order to open a hair salon in Johor, your friend needs to first incorporate a company in Malaysia. We are able to help with that.
      Our package for locals is as follows:

      Malaysia Company Registration RM 100
      Registration Fee (Government Fee) RM 1060
      Appointment of Company Secretary (for 1 year) RM 600
      Registered Office Address (for 1 year) RM 288
      (Additional RM500/annual for shareholder/director that need the use of Malaysia resident address)
      Total RM 2,048
      After incorporation, your friend would require a number of licenses, depending on his specific business requirements. We are also able to assist with that. To discuss further, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.

      Thank you for your comment.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  20. MUHANAD BADER June 21, 2020 at 2:54 am - Reply

    hi
    i wondering if i can open branch in Malaysia my company head office in united kingdom UK ?
    the branch in Malaysia just office do Consults and online marketing can be hire worker from out Malaysia to work inside ?
    what the capital require from Malaysia government to start business .
    kind regards

    • Tiwi July 6, 2020 at 11:37 am

      Hi Muhanad Bader
      If you open a branch office in Malaysia, you will not be able to conduct and sales activities or make private purchases. For your needs, it would be best to incorporate a Sdn Bhd. This allows your Malaysian office to conduct any and all business activities it will be required to perform.
      Our fees for such a package would be
      Incorporation with Employment Pass
      Malaysia Company Registration RM100
      Registration Fee (Government Fee) RM1060
      Appointment of Company Secretary (for 1 year) RM600
      Application for Employment Pass (EP) RM6600
      (Do not include Government Fees)
      Registered Office Address (for 1 year) RM288
      Total RM 8,648
      This package includes the application for employment pass, which will allow you to hire an employee from outside of Malaysia.
      The minimum paid up capital is RM1.
      To facilitate further discussion, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.

      Thank you for your comment.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  21. Li Fong June 20, 2020 at 3:17 pm - Reply

    Hi Paul,
    My company is a Renovation Contractor in Singapore and is thinking of setting up a manufacturing factory in Johor for manufacturing furniture & fixtures of wood (including upholstery).

    Can a foreign company set up this type of factory in Malaysia?
    Can this factory by 100% owned by foreigner?
    If not, What is the % shareholdings between foreigners & Malaysians?
    Must the Director be a local Malaysians (Malay)?
    What is the minimum investment?

    Thanks

    • Tiwi July 6, 2020 at 11:10 am

      Hi Li Fong
      Yes it is possible to set up a 100% foreign owned company in Malaysia, as a Sdn Bhd. If your directors are not residing in Malaysia however, you will need a Malaysian resident to be a director as well.
      The minimum paid-up capital is RM1. This amount can be changed later.
      To facilitate further discussion, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.

      Thank you for your comment.

      Warm regards
      Paul

  22. Supantha June 18, 2020 at 3:16 am - Reply

    Is the Sdn Bhd 100% foreign ownership limited to those few categories ? Mentioned –
    Education
    Petroleum, Oil and Gas
    Banking and Finance
    Tourism Outbound and Ticketing
    Agriculture

    Can it be applied for trading and retailing sector too ? Import and Export as well as domestic retail

    • Tiwi June 26, 2020 at 9:39 am

      Hi Supantha

      All Sdn Bhd’s can be 100% foreign owned. However, if you will be partaking in industries such as Petroleum, Oil and Gas, Banking and Finance etc., and you’d like to apply for licenses under the relevant authorities, you are likely to require local shares and local directors.
      If you are operating on a smaller scale in industries like Education (for example, a tuition centre), or Tourism (for example, a travel consulting agency), you may have 100% foreign owned shares and directorship.
      If you would like our assistance in that matter, or you have further questions, please contact us.
      Thank you for your question and hope to hear from you soon.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  23. Syed Md Musfique February 24, 2020 at 9:54 pm - Reply

    Hi im Syed Md Musfique.
    would like to invest in runnining resturant in kualampur, i get a visa for one month should i elligible.
    please get me advise.

    • Tiwiyah Kumaran March 20, 2020 at 9:40 am

      Hello Syed,

      It is possible for a person who holds a work visa which is valid in Malaysia to start a restaurant there. However, certain licenses which will depend on the nature of the restaurant will be required before it may be established.
      Contact us at any time if you would like to know more about this topic.

  24. sumit January 31, 2020 at 5:07 pm - Reply

    Hi

    We would like to set up a company in malaysia and shall do the business of scrap metal import and sell locally or will do export to other countries

    • Tiwiyah Kumaran February 12, 2020 at 10:44 am

      Hello Sumit,

      Could you please provide us with further information? We are interested in finding out more about your plans.

      Thank you.
      Paul

  25. Mohammed Raees November 17, 2019 at 9:13 pm - Reply

    Hi. I am an Indian and specifically looking for buy and run car wash and detailing centres in and around KL. I saw already running businesses for sale. I am foreigner to Malaysia only visited this month as tourist. How I can start a company for this specific business, is it allowed to foreigners. And how about me getting a visa so that I can come there and handle this business on my own. Kindly provide the as much details as possible. Thanks.

    • Tiwiyah Kumaran November 25, 2019 at 9:52 am

      Hello Mohammed,

      As a foreigner who would like to start a business in Malaysia, you will need to first obtain an Employment Pass. Once you have done so, you may begin with the incorporation of any business of your choice.

      Please contact us for further information on incorporation in Malaysia or the Employment Pass.

      Thank you.
      Paul

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