Incorporation of Company in Malaysia

Sdn Bhd Incorporation FAQs

Quick answer: A Malaysian Sdn Bhd normally needs at least one shareholder, at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia, a registered office and a qualified company secretary appointed within 30 days after incorporation.

How much does it cost to incorporate a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia?

The MyCoID/SSM online payment is normally RM1,010 for direct incorporation: RM1,000 prescribed registration fee plus RM10 integration cost. A separate name reservation costs RM50 for each 30-day period. Professional fees, company-secretarial services, registered-office services, certified documents and licence applications are separate.

What should a Sdn Bhd incorporation package include?

The scope should state whether it covers name and structure planning, the SSM submission, first company-secretary appointment, registered office, statutory records, certified documents, beneficial-ownership setup and post-incorporation accounting and tax onboarding. Compare inclusions, not only the headline price.

How long does Sdn Bhd incorporation take?

A straightforward application may be completed within a few working days when the proposed name and information are accepted. Timing is not guaranteed and depends on SSM review, document completeness, name issues and whether the proposed business is regulated.

What information is required to incorporate a Sdn Bhd?

Typical information includes the proposed company name, business activities, registered-office and business addresses, shareholding and capital details, and complete particulars and declarations for directors and shareholders. Regulated activities or corporate shareholders may require additional documents.

Can a Singaporean or foreigner own a Malaysian Sdn Bhd?

Foreign ownership is permitted in many activities, but regulated sectors may impose licence, approval, equity or capital conditions. The company must still satisfy Malaysian incorporation requirements, including having at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia.

Does every Sdn Bhd need a resident director?

Yes. A Malaysian private company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia by having a principal place of residence in Malaysia. The suitable arrangement should be decided before the incorporation submission.

How much paid-up capital should a Sdn Bhd have?

There is no single practical amount suitable for every company. Banking, tenders, licences, foreign-owned business requirements, work-pass planning and operating costs may require more capital. The amount should be planned around the company’s actual activity before filing.

Why must a Sdn Bhd appoint a company secretary?

SSM requires the first qualified company secretary to be appointed within 30 days after incorporation. The secretary supports statutory registers, resolutions, annual returns, ownership and officer changes and beneficial-ownership compliance; accounting, tax and independent audit remain separate functions.

What should I do immediately after incorporating a Sdn Bhd?

Appoint the first company secretary within 30 days, confirm the registered office and business licences, open a company bank account, verify the company TIN and MyTax access, and start accounting records from the first transaction. If the company hires staff, set up payroll, EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB and employee notifications before deadlines arise. See HTL’s new Sdn Bhd compliance checklist.

How do I open a corporate bank account for a new Sdn Bhd?

The bank normally asks for the company’s incorporation documents, constitution if any, beneficial-owner information, directors’ and authorised signatories’ identification, board approval and evidence of the intended business. Requirements and approval differ by bank. Prepare a clear ownership structure, business explanation and source-of-funds documents before applying.

Does every new Sdn Bhd need a business licence?

SSM incorporation does not by itself authorise every activity or premises. Depending on the location and business, the company may need a local-authority premises or signboard licence and sector-specific approvals before trading. Licence, foreign-equity and paid-up-capital conditions should be checked before signing a lease or commencing operations.

Is a new company’s TIN created automatically through MyCoID?

HASiL states that a TIN for a newly incorporated local company registered online through SSM MyCoID is generally registered automatically. The company should still verify the TIN, arrange the correct MyTax access and representative roles, and confirm its address, financial year end and business-commencement details.

Official references: SSM — Starting a Company · SSM — Table of Fees · HASiL — Company Tax Registration · MBJB — Licensing