Register Company in Malaysia

Fionza Consultants offers comprehensive support to help you register your company in Malaysia seamlessly. Our service package encompasses Malaysia company formation, the provision of local nominee directors, assistance with opening corporate bank accounts in Malaysia, visa application support, and license application guidance. Fionza Consultants serves as your ultimate one-stop solution to kickstart your business operations in Malaysia in full legal compliance.

Malaysia

Company Registration – 2 Week
Local Director? – Yes
Bank Account Opening – 4 Weeks
Travel Required – No

Register company in Malaysia

If you’re considering registering a company in Malaysia, you may encounter a complex and time-consuming procedure. However, entrusting Fionza Consultants with this task allows you to allocate your time and resources to more critical aspects of your business.

With our efficient and focused approach, you can depend on our team of experts to guide you through the entire Malaysia company registration process seamlessly. Our ultimate objective is to ensure that your new Malaysian company is operationally ready within the specified time frame.

Our comprehensive service package covers all the essentials you need to establish your business in Malaysia:

Malaysia company registration with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).
Malaysia resident director (nominee).
Company secretary and registered address.
Corporate bank account opening.
License applications (if necessary).
Annual accounting and tax services.

Malaysia resident director service

As per the Malaysia Companies Act 2016, it is mandatory for a Malaysian company to have a local resident director at all times. Fionza Consultants offers a convenient solution with our Malaysia resident director service.

If you’re wondering about the process of opening a company in Malaysia with a resident director, Fionza Consultants is here to assist you. Our skilled legal team will meticulously prepare all the necessary legal documents and nominee director agreements, ensuring that our nominee director holds no authority in your business affairs. If you prefer to be appointed as the local resident director for your new company, Fionza Consultants can facilitate the acquisition of a Malaysia work permit for you. This streamlined approach ensures compliance with legal requirements while simplifying the process of establishing your business in Malaysia.

When can I expect to register company in Malaysia?

Fionza Consultants promptly initiates a search for the availability of your preferred company names. When they are confirmed as available, our team takes immediate action to reserve them with Malaysia SSM. Subsequently, Fionza Consultants proceeds with the Malaysia business registration application with the Commission of Malaysia SSM.

On average, SSM grants approval for new company formations within a swift 7-day timeframe following the receipt of all required due diligence documents from directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners. Our proficient legal team takes care of all necessary documentation, including incorporation forms, the Statutory Declaration, nominee director agreements, and Constitution.

The Statutory Declaration, in compliance with Section 201 of the Malaysia Companies Act 2016, is to be signed by all directors and shareholders. Unlike the former Malaysia Companies Act 1965, the new Malaysia Companies Act 2016 replaces the need for a memorandum and articles of association (M&AA) with the Constitution.

Throughout the business registration process, Malaysia SSM does not necessitate business owners to undertake any travel. The entire process can be accomplished conveniently online and remotely. Within just 4 weeks following company registration, Fionza Consultants facilitates the opening of a corporate bank account with a local Malaysian bank. Our team collaborates with reputable banks such as CIMB Bank, RHB Bank, and Maybank.

In summary, you can anticipate commencing your business operations within a swift 5-week period when you engage Fionza Consultants. For those seeking further information on the process of setting up a business in Malaysia, Fionza Consultants has prepared a comprehensive step-by-step guide. Additionally, if needed, Fionza Consultants can secure a Wholesale Retail Trade License within 3 months after the company’s incorporation.

What types of companies are there?

Prior to commencing our engagement, Fionza Consultants conducts a thorough assessment of your business model, considering key factors such as the nature of your business activities, tax obligations, and potential personal liability. Based on these considerations, we recommend the most suitable business entity for your Malaysia company registration.

Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd):
- This is the most common business entity in Malaysia, equivalent to a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in other countries.
- Sdn Bhd is a separate legal entity, shielding shareholders and members from company debts. Their liability is limited to the number of shares they own.
- Minimum requirements according to the Companies Commission of Malaysia include 1 shareholder of any nationality, 1 Malaysia resident director, 1 Malaysia company secretary, a Malaysia registered office address, and no minimum paid-up capital. Additional licenses may necessitate an increased minimum paid-up capital.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP):
- An LLP combines aspects of a limited liability company and a traditional partnership.
- Members of an LLP enjoy limited liability, akin to an LLC.
- Typically preferred by professionals such as Accountants, Lawyers, or Corporate Service Providers.
Joint Venture:
- Foreign businesses can enter the Malaysian market by forming a joint venture with a local Malaysian company, with the local partner holding at least 50% ownership.
- Joint ventures are eligible for government grants and can engage in various business activities.
Branch Office:
- Ideal for businesses aiming to expand into the Malaysian market while operating as an extension of the parent company.
- The parent company is fully liable for the branch office’s debts and is subject to corporate tax only on income earned in Malaysia.
Representative Office:
- Restricted to market research and marketing activities, with no income generation or contract signing allowed.
- Suitable for foreign companies exploring the Malaysian market before establishing a stronger presence.
Sole Proprietorship:
- Reserved for Malaysian citizens or permanent residents, not open to foreigners.
- Sole proprietors have unlimited liability, meaning they are personally responsible for all business debts in the event of bankruptcy.

How to register a company in Malaysia?

To successfully register your business in Malaysia, it’s essential to follow these structured steps:

Step 1: Optimal Business Structure Selection There are various business structures in Malaysia, including Sole Trader, Partnership, Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd), Public Limited Company (Bhd), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Branch Office, and Representative Office. Fionza Consultants will analyze your business activities, requirements, and long-term goals to recommend the most suitable legal entity.

Step 2: Fulfill Pre-Registration Requirements Depending on your chosen business structure, specific pre-registration prerequisites must be met. These may include:

Appointing one local resident director.
Providing a registered local office address.
Preparing essential documents like Articles of Incorporation, Business Plan, Company Constitution, and personal information of directors and shareholders. Fionza Consultants will guide you through these requirements and assist in meeting them.

Step 3: Reserve Your Business Name You must verify the availability of your desired business name through the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) online system. Once confirmed, you’ll need to reserve the selected name with the SSM Registrar of Companies.

Step 4: Business Registration Submit all prepared documents to the SSM Registrar of Companies to initiate the business registration process. Upon completion, Fionza Consultants will obtain the Certificate of Incorporation and other relevant incorporation documents and have them couriered to your preferred address.

Step 5: Corporate Bank Account Opening After your business is incorporated, it’s crucial to establish a corporate bank account with a reputable financial institution. Fionza Consultants leverages its extensive banking network to facilitate this process, having worked with banks such as Maybank, RHB Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank.

Step 6: Fulfilling Post-Registration Requirements To conduct business in Malaysia, you must secure relevant business licenses. Additionally, you need to register your business for taxation with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia.

Step 7: Ensuring Ongoing Compliance Fionza Consultants remains committed to maintaining your business’s compliance with government policies. We will provide assistance in preparing timely tax returns, financial statements, and other necessary compliance-related tasks.

By following these structured steps and leveraging Fionza Consultants’ expertise, you can navigate the business registration process in Malaysia smoothly and efficiently while ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.

Advantages of registering company in Malaysia

Before embarking on the process of company registration in Malaysia, it’s crucial to gain an understanding of the local business landscape. This ensures that your newly established entity can conduct business safely, legally, and align with your long-term business objectives.

Political Landscape:

Malaysia is ranked 51st on the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, signifying relatively low corruption levels.
Situated in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a member of ASEAN, making it an ideal hub for businesses looking to expand into the ASEAN region.
The country has diversified its economy from commodities into financial services, information technology, and logistics, making it attractive to foreign investors targeting the Southeast Asian market.

Economic Environment:

Malaysia ranks 27th in global competitiveness according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report.
In 2019, Malaysia’s GDP was approximately US$370 billion, contributing 0.31% to the global economy according to the World Bank.

Social Factors:

The official language in Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu, which means corporate documents are typically in Malay. Fionza Consultants can facilitate certified translations if needed.
Malaysia ranks third in Asia for English proficiency, as per the EF English Proficiency Index. Effective communication with local authorities and banks is not a concern.
Malaysia has a population of approximately 32 million, with a labor force participation rate of 67%.

Technological Landscape:

Malaysia’s strategic location has attracted numerous international tech companies such as IBM, HP, Intel, Google, Amazon, and Cisco.
The Malaysian government has ambitious plans to transform the country into an Asian tech hub by 2025. Collaborations with firms like Microsoft, through entities like the Malaysia Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS), are driving this initiative.
However, there is a limited number of highly skilled workers in the labor force.

Legal Environment:

Malaysia ranks 12th on the World Bank’s ease of doing business report, making it a preferred choice for foreign investors establishing manufacturing companies or offshore companies in Labuan.
Prior to registering a Malaysia company, you must appoint a local resident director and have a local company secretary and registered office address.

Environmental Considerations:

Malaysia ranks 75th on the Environmental Performance Index.
The country is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 25 million tourists annually. This makes Malaysia an appealing choice for foreign investors seeking to tap into the robust domestic market and tourism industry.

Find out more!

Contact us to find out more about Malaysia company registration. Our team of experts will revert within the next 24 hours.

FAQ

Can a foreigner set up a company in Malaysia?

Yes, a foreigner is able to set up a company in Malaysia with 100% foreign ownership. However, a foreign business owner is required to appoint a local resident director in Malaysia.

Generally, Fionza Consultants recommends our clients to set up a Malaysia Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd), which is the equivalent of a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

How can I check if a company is registered in Malaysia?

You can check if a company is registered in Malaysia via the SSM (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia), which is also known as the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

If required, Fionza Consultants is happy to assist with searching for the availability of your preferred company name.

How can I register a company in Malaysia?

Please refer to this page for specific steps with regards to Malaysia company formation, corporate bank account opening and accounting/tax.

How much does it cost to register a company in Malaysia?

This depends on the exact services required from Fionza Consultants. Our fees are inclusive of government fees and all fees are transparently reflected on our website. Check out our fees here.

Can a director be a company secretary in Malaysia?

According to SSM, yes this is doable. A person who is a single director (who is also the single member) can act as the secretary of the company.

However, the Companies Act 2016 prohibits acts in dual capacity i.e. where the act is required to be done by both a director and a secretary, that act must be executed by two different persons.

How to register a Malaysia company online?

If using a trading name as opposed to a personal name, prior approval must also be obtained from the Registrar of Business using Form PNA.42. Online registration can be done through the Ezbiz Online services portal on the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) website. The signed and completed Business Registration Form (Form A), as well as any supporting permit and licenses for selected businesses, are to be attached to the application.

How to check company registration number in Malaysia?

Company registration number can be checked through the SSM e-Info website. Creation of a free account will allow search of company registration number using the company or business name.

Who should register the company as Sdn Bhd?

Due to eligibility requirements for private company incorporation in Malaysia, a director with a primary place of residence as Malaysia. This director should also not be an undischarged bankrupt or committed any offences relating to the promotion, formation or management of a corporation, or any offences involving bribery, fraud or dishonesty.

What documents required for company registration in Malaysia?

Documents for personal identification
Certificate of Qualification
Address of registered office and business address
Consent leader if corporate body is named as the member of the company
Any other relevant authorization letters or permits

What are the company registration fees in Malaysia?

The cost for a company limited by shares is RM1050 in total, comprising RM1000 for the incorporation fee and RM50 for name incorporation (exclusive of 10% VAT). The cost for a company limited by guarantee is higher, at RM3000.

How to open a company bank account in Malaysia?

Fionza Consultants will assist you to prepare a comprehensive business plan including your intended business activity, corporate structure and expected banking transactions. Thereafter, our banking team will speak to multiple reputable Malaysia banks to negotiate with them to onboard your Malaysian entity as a customer. On average, the corporate bank account opening process can be completed within 5 weeks. For most scenarios, no travel will be required for the business bank account opening.

Fionza Consultants will prepare the required documents including a resolution from the Board of Directors to open the account, Form 24, Form 44 and Form 49. The company’s constitution, rubber stamp and certificate of incorporation are also needed.

Do I need to be in Malaysia for the company registration?

No travel will be required for Malaysia company formation. Fionza Consultants will complete the process remotely.

Can Malaysia sole proprietorship have 2 owners?

In Malaysia, sole proprietorships can only have 1 owner. Businesses that have 2 owners may wish to opt for a partnership instead.

Register Company in Malaysia