Key Note

Incorporating a company in Malaysia? Leverage our expertise. We specialize in helping entrepreneurs and businesses establish their presence in Malaysia through seamless, omnichannel company incorporation services. Our expert and personalized team is here to guide you every step of the way, regardless of whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor looking to expand your business into Malaysia.

Why is Malaysia the Perfect Destination for Your Business Incorporation?

Malaysia’s robust economy and strategic Southeast Asian location make it an ideal destination for business incorporation. The nation reported $69.5 billion in approved investments and $39.7 billion in actual foreign investment in 2023, reflecting its strong investment climate. With a well-educated workforce and government incentives targeting key sectors like semiconductors, data centers, renewable energy, manufacturing, and biotechnology, Malaysia offers a conducive environment for business growth. The streamlined incorporation process further enhances its appeal, providing a cost-effective and promising platform for establishing and expanding businesses in Asia.

Related Read: Types of Business Opportunities in Malaysia

Requirements to Incorporate a Company in Malaysia

Here are the basic requirements to set up a company in Malaysia.

Company Name & Business Activity

1 Director with a Local Residential Address

At Least 1 Shareholder

Minimum Paid Up Capital of MYR 1

An Appointed Company Secretary

Registered Physical Office Address in Malaysia

Document Requirements in Malaysia

  • Locals generally have a simpler and smoother incorporation process with less documentation required.
  • There’s no minimum amount of money that needs to be initially invested in the company, the paid-up capital.
  • Locals with permanent resident status have the option of choosing a sole proprietorship structure. Which is simpler but offers no liability protection.
  • Foreigners typically need to meet a minimum paid-up capital requirement. Which can vary depending on the business type (e.g., RM1 million for import/export).
  • Certain business structures might be restricted for foreigners (e.g., sole proprietorships).
  • In some cases, at least one director might need to be a Malaysian resident or citizen.
  • More complex process, the incorporation process for foreigners may involve additional steps and documentation.
  • Visa requirements, foreigners might need to obtain a employment pass to be involved in running a company.

Tips: To avoid any hassle or uncertainty, foreigners need to engage to hire a corporate law firm. They can help clients with the whole incorporation process. Don’t worry we can guide you.

Use Our Company Name Availability Checker Tool

Please enter the full name you would like to use for your company — for example, ‘Singapore Airlines’ — and click on ‘Search Name’ below.

Unsure? Ask an Expert!

Company Incorporation Process in Malaysia

Now that you know the basic requirements to set up a company in Malaysia, see our step-by-step guide on incorporating your new company and use our free company name checker above!

Step 1: Choose Your Company Name

Finding a suitable and memorable company name is a crucial step of incorporating your company. And sets a strong foundation for business success.

In order to comply with Malaysian regulations, ensure your chosen company name has an appropriate meaning. In addition, any foreign words or abbreviations should also be clarified. As Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) requires this information in order to approve your proposed company name.

Check your company name in Malaysia using our free tool above.

Step 2: Your Malaysia Business Activity Code

The Department of Statistics in Malaysia created the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification (MSIC) system, which is a code-based system for organizing business activities.

This system assigns unique codes to different business activities, allowing for easy identification and classification.

In order to complete your company incorporation with SSM, you will need to search for the code that best describes your primary business activity.

Step 3: Apply for Business Licenses

Tap on our patented digital corporate services platform to fill up the information to generate filled-up company incorporation documents.

All processes are done online – from form submission to signing of all documents.

Step 4: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Ensure proper keepsake of your company’s finances by opening a corporate bank account.

For foreigners setting up a company in Malaysia, opening a bank account can be a tricky process. As it is often required that new back accounts openers be physically present (exceptions exist) in the accounts opening. And the biasedness banks can have against opening a bank account for a new company.

However, you can make this process easier by engaging in agencies who can help make this process a breeze. So engage in our bank account opening services to make your company incorporation a piece of cake! Contact us through our form or WhatsApp us now!

Step 5: Secure Your Malaysia Employment Pass

If you are a foreigner setting up a company in Malaysia, you will need to apply for a work visa to run your business operations.

Our recommendation is the Malaysia Employment Pass (EP). Reach out to us to increase your channces of EP approval, our Malaysia EP success rate for approvals is 93%.

Step 6: Adhere to annual reporting & compliance

After you’ve incorporated your company, you are bounded by the governmental regulations.

These include corporate secretary activities, corporate tax filing, and more. Leave all compliance work to us and never miss a deadline – penalties are involved if you miss!

Reach our Representatives

The best way for the foreigners who want to enter Malaysia’s market, is to engage a company incorporation service provider. That provides you one stop service, from registering a business all the way to post-incorporation.

Reach out our sale representative for register a company in Singapore

How Long Does It Take to Incorporate a Company in Malaysia?

The timeline for company incorporation in Malaysia is typically between 5 to 10 working days. However, the exact timeframe can depend on a few things. Firstly, if you have a company name readily approved by Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM), that shaves off valuable time. Secondly, ensuring all your documents are complete and submitted correctly avoids delays. Finally, using a service provider to help with the incorporation process, can streamline the process depending on their workflow.

In the best-case scenario, with all the paperwork approved, you could be up and running in just one day. It’s always best to consult a company registration specialist in Malaysia for the most accurate timeline though, as they can consider your specific situation and current processing times.

Happy Smile Clients with us for Company Register in Singapore with Employment Pass

Find the right service, we personalise it for you

With a wealth of experience in registering businesses across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, we know the ins and outs of the incorporation process. Our proven track record in facilitating successful company registrations speaks for itself. Let us guide you through a streamlined and hassle-free incorporation journey, helping you to complete company registration in no time.

Why Choose Paul Hype Page?

Extensive Experience and Proven Success

Streamlined Incorporation Process

Dedicated Support and Expert Assistance

Our Incorporation Services

Company Secretary

We provide comprehensive company secretarial services, managing statutory records, filing annual returns, and ensuring compliance with SSM regulations.

Name Reservation with SSM

Our team secures your preferred company name with SSM through thorough checks and efficient application processing.

Document Preparation

We handle all document preparation for company registration, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local requirements.

Certificate of Incorporation & Statutory Documents

We assist in obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation and statutory documents, ensuring your business is legally ready to operate.

Corporate Bank Account Opening

We streamline the corporate bank account setup by preparing documentation and coordinating with local banks.

Need more information on our services? today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a new company can be daunting – here are the top questions regarding Malaysia company incorporation that will clear your doubts!

After company incorporation, post-incorporation requirements include appointing a company secretary within 30 days, maintaining proper accounting records, filing annual returns and financial statements, and complying with tax obligations.

We offer a range of comprehensive post-incorporation services such as corporate services, financial services, employment & HR services, and advisory & consultancy services to ensure your business operates smoothly and remains compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

Yes, it is possible to change the company name after incorporation. However, the process involves certain legal procedures and requirements, including obtaining approval from the SSM.

A foreign individual has the option to establish a company as the sole shareholder. However, if they intend to be the sole director of the company as well, they must meet the requirement specified in section 196(4) of the Companies Act 2016.

This entails having a principal place of residence in Malaysia, indicating that they ordinarily reside in the country.

Yes, a physical office space is required for company incorporation in Malaysia. The registered office needs a physical address in Malaysia. In order to receive official documents and store the company’s statutory records.

There are several types of entities that are available for establishment in Malaysia, including:

M&A, or Memorandum and Articles of Association were documents that defines the relationship between the company and the outside. They also contain essential information about the company. It was mandatory for every company to have a Memorandum and Articles of Association, as encompassed in the prior Companies Act of 1965.

At present, the M&A are now collectively termed as the Constitution under the Companies Act of 2016.

Have more questions? today!

Malaysia Company Incorporation Articles

Supplement your existing knowledge with additional insightful readings that we’ve crafted based on our years of experience.

Malaysia Company Incorporation as a Foreigner

Incorporate a Malaysian Company as a Foreigner

Foreigner looking to incorporate a company in Malaysia? Understand the process, different business structures, and post-incorporation steps.

5 Types of Business Entities that can be Incorporated in Malaysia

5 Types of Malaysian Business Entities that can be Incorporated

Find out which type of business entity is right for you, between Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, SDN BHD, or Berhad.

Difference between SDN BHD, Sole-Proprietor and Partnership in Malaysia Company Incorporation

Incorporate in Malaysia, SDN BHD vs Sole-Proprietor vs Partnership

Clear your confusion on which business structure to choose when incorporating your company in Malaysia.

Corporate Bank Account Opening for Company Incorporation in Malaysia

Corporate Bank Account Opening for Malaysia Incorporation

Understand the process in opening a Corporate Bank Account for both local and foreign businesses.