How to Get Business Registration Number in Malaysia?

4 min read|Last Updated: February 15, 2023|

Every company in Malaysia will obtain a business registration number when they have successfully incorporated with the Companies Commission of Malaysia – Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). This number will be valid for the entirety of the company’s lifetime.

This guide will share more about you can obtain and find your business registration number.

What is the Business Registration Number?

To differentiate the companies, every country has a set of numerical values to identify the companies that operate in the jurisdiction – Malaysia is no different.

Previously, a Malaysia-registered company was issued a 7 digit number with an alphabet. However, starting from October 2019, SSM has decided to change the format to 12 digits, starting from the year of incorporation without any alphabets included.

Here are the examples of the current and past business registration number:

  • Past: ABCD Sdn. Bhd. – Company No.: 1234567-A

  • New: ABCD Sdn. Bhd. – Company No. 202201234565

The new format follows the following breakdown to derive the 12 digits:

  • First 4 digits – represents the year of the entity is registered (E.g. 2022)

  • Next 2 digits – represents the type of business activity (E.g. 01)

  • Last 6 digits – represents the unique entity number (E.g. 234565)

The type of business entity is listed below:

  • 01 – is a local owned Private/Public limited Company

  • 02 – is a foreign owned Private/Public limited Company

  • 03 – is business registration such as sole proprietorship/partnership

  • 04 – is a local owned Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

  • 05 – is a foreign owned Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

  • 06 – is for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) specifically for professional practice

When is the Business Registration Number Issued?

A business registration number is unique and is normally generated once an entity is successfully incorporated.
Every registration number will initially be seen in Section 15 – Notice of Registration furnished by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) once an incorporation is successful. Then, all Company related documents printed via the official Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) website will also state the company registration number.

What is the Purpose of the Business Registration Number?

Aside from identifying the different businesses in Malaysia, the business registration number is important when carrying out formal applications with the government and other administrative matters.
For instance, this number will be used in the following scenarios:

  • Opening a corporate bank account in Malaysia
  • Register for licenses and permits
  • Register the company profile with government agencies like Employee Provident Fund (EPF)

In order for an entity to register such profiles, a registration number is always required for the agency to identify the Company in government official website to ensure its legitimacy.

Even though an entity is running an online business, according to the Malaysia Consumer Protection Regulations 2012, the entity must indicate the Company’s business registration number in its official website to avoid the consumers being scammed.

How Does an Entity Have a Business Registration Number?

To obtain this business registration number, the first step is to register your company. There are few steps involved and after completing all steps, only then you will acquire the business registration number and you may kick start your business thereafter.

Here are the steps to get your business registration number:

1. Name reservation

An entity must have a unique proposed name with specific definition which is required to be submitted for the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) to approve. This stage cost MYR 50 for each application made.

2. Incorporation

Once the proposed name is approved, an entity can then proceed with the next step which is completing the incorporation form within the next 30 days. In this stage, each stakeholder passport/identification card must be uploaded for the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) to assess.

Each application made for this stage will cost MYR 1,010. The SSM will require 3 to 5 working days to assess the application made before they finalise the status.

3. Post incorporation

Once the incorporation application is approved, the appointed Company Secretary have the documents listed below:

  • Company profile
  • Section 14 – Superform [Application for registration of a Company]
  • Section 15 – Notice of Registration [Certificate issued by SSM to confirm the Company is successfully incorporated]
  • Section 17 – Certificate of Incorporation
  • Section 46 – Particular of registered address
  • Section 58 – Particular of directors
  • Section 58 & 236 (2) – Appointment of first Company Secretary
  • Section 78 – Particular of shareholders and shares

These documents are where the Company unique registration number will appear and can be used for the Company to initiate any official tasks.

KICKSTART YOUR COMPANY REGISTRATION PROCESS TODAY

Get in touch with us virtually or come down to our office for an incorporation and corporate services assessment.

FAQs

What are the benefits of the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF)?2020-10-19T17:01:30+08:00

This fund is beneficial to employees as it offers certification in skills training and enables them to apply for grants for training purposes. 

What are the benefits of choosing Malaysia as your investment destination?2020-10-19T17:01:06+08:00
  • Low rates for rents and wages   
  • Free from double taxation.  Malaysia is a member of 68 tax-related treaties. 
  • Your dividends will not attract Withholding Tax. 
  • The Malaysian government offers strong incentives that encourage investment of capital and registration of businesses. 
What type of company a foreigner can register in Malaysia?2020-10-19T17:00:48+08:00

A foreign investor can have full ownership by registering as a Private Limited Company (PLC) in Malaysia as long as it falls under the permitted industries such as agriculture, finance and banking, gas and petroleum-related products, tourism, as well as education. 

Must I register both company names and trade names?2020-10-19T17:00:17+08:00

You must register the company name, but not a trading nameHowever, SSM must approve your trading name. A trade name can be registered by filing it on the second form known as BORANG A and attaching it to the first form BORANG PNA 42.  

Is a trading name different from a business name?2020-10-19T16:59:58+08:00

Yes. The business name appears on government forms and company registration certificates, while the trade name is what the company chooses to go by in the public eye for sales and advertisement purposes like on billboards and online stores. It is not official, but it sells the company’s brand.  

What are the benefits of registering your company with SSM?2020-10-19T16:57:36+08:00
  • Users can verify your business information and the legality of your business dealings. 
  • It enables the company to apply for gateways of payment like iPay88 and eGHL. 
  • It provides details that enable the Malaysian government to carry out business community development and prospects. 

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