Question 1

How long does incorporation take?

Accepted Answer

Typically 1–3 working days after all documents are submitted and the proposed name is approved by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, or SSM).

Question 2

Can I be the only director and shareholder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A private company limited by shares (Sdn Bhd) may be incorporated with one director and one shareholder, and the same person may hold both roles. The director must be at least 18 years old, not disqualified, and must ordinarily reside in Malaysia — that is, must have his or her principal place of residence in Malaysia.

Question 3

What information do I need?

Accepted Answer

You'll need your proposed company name (we recommend 2–3 options in priority order in case of rejection by SSM), the nature of business, full director and shareholder details, NRIC or passport copies, proof of residential address and intended share capital structure. UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) details are required under the Companies Act 2016 beneficial ownership reporting framework.

Question 4

What happens after I submit?

Accepted Answer

Our team reviews your submission, conducts the SSM name search, prepares the Section 14 incorporation application and Section 201 declarations by the directors and promoters, obtains electronic signatures, and lodges with SSM. On approval, SSM issues the Notice of Registration.

Question 5

What is paid-up capital, and what is the minimum for a Sdn Bhd?

Accepted Answer

Paid-up capital is the actual amount of money shareholders have paid into the company in exchange for shares. Certain regulated activities require higher paid-up capital. Foreign-owned companies in restricted sectors may also be subject to sector-specific minimums.

Question 6

Does a Sdn Bhd need a physical office address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every company must have a registered office in Malaysia where statutory records are kept and official correspondence can be served during business hours. This can be the registered address provided by your company secretary — it does not need to be your operating location.

Question 7

Can I use my home address as the business address?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your business is home-based or operated virtually, your residential address may be used as the business address. Note that the registered office address is a public record visible on SSM searches.

Question 8

Can the company's records be kept at an address other than the registered office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Statutory records may be kept at a place other than the registered office, but the company must lodge a notice with SSM informing the Registrar of the alternative address.

Question 9

What is a UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner)?

Accepted Answer

A UBO is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls the company, or who exercises ultimate effective control over the company. An individual is a beneficial owner if he or she meets one or more of six criteria, including holding not less than 20% of the ordinary shares, holding more than 20% of the voting shares, having the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors, or exercising significant control or influence over the company. Every Sdn Bhd must identify, verify, and maintain a register of its beneficial owners, and lodge beneficial ownership information with SSM.

Question 10

How much does it cost to incorporate a Sdn Bhd?

Accepted Answer

Our standard Sdn Bhd incorporation package is RM 1,988 for the new company incorporation plus the first year of company secretary retainer and registered address. SSM name search, Section 14 incorporation filing, Section 201 director declarations, and the SSM registration fee are all covered. Additional services such as LHDN tax file registration, and EPF/SOCSO employer registration are quoted separately.

Question 11

Is a company secretary mandatory, and what do they do?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Sdn Bhd must appoint a licensed company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. The company secretary must be a natural person who is a Malaysian resident and either a member of a prescribed professional body or licensed by SSM. Their duties include lodging statutory returns, maintaining statutory registers, advising the board on Companies Act 2016 compliance, and acting as the formal contact point for SSM correspondence.

Question 12

What are the ongoing compliance requirements after incorporation?

Accepted Answer

Every Sdn Bhd must lodge an Annual Return with SSM within 30 days of its incorporation anniversary, prepare audited financial statements (unless qualifying for the audit exemption), file a Form C corporate tax return with LHDN for each financial year-end, register for SST if annual taxable turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold, and contribute to EPF and SOCSO for any Malaysian employees. UBO information must also be kept current with SSM.

Question 13

Can foreigners incorporate a Sdn Bhd?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no nationality restriction on shareholders for most business activities. However, at least one director must ordinarily reside in Malaysia, by having a principal place of residence in Malaysia. In practice, this requirement is satisfied by Malaysian citizens, permanent residents, or foreigners who hold a long-term pass and who in fact principally reside in Malaysia. Holding such a pass is not, on its own, sufficient if the individual does not principally reside here.

Question 14

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Malaysian company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases a foreigner may own 100% of a Malaysian Sdn. Bhd. However, this is not universal. Foreign equity conditions may apply depending on the business activity, sector, licence, regulator, incentives, land/property rules, distributive trade requirements, or other regulatory approvals.

Question 15

Do foreigners need to be physically present in Malaysia to incorporate?

Accepted Answer

Not at the incorporation stage in most cases — directors and shareholders can sign incorporation documents electronically from overseas. Physical presence in Malaysia is typically required later for corporate bank account opening (most Malaysian banks require in-person KYC), and may be required for certain licence applications or work pass biometrics.

Question 16

Do foreigners need local support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Malaysian company must have a registered office in Malaysia and, appoint a company secretary within thirty (30) days of incorporation. The company secretary must be a member of a prescribed professional body or licensed by SSM.

Question 17

What is a nominee director, and do you provide nominee director services?

Accepted Answer

A nominee director is a Malaysian-resident individual appointed to satisfy the resident-director requirement on behalf of a foreign-owned company, while day-to-day control remains with the beneficial owners. Yes, we can advise on nominee director arrangements subject to our internal due diligence and the nature of your business. Note that all directors — nominee or otherwise — owe statutory duties under the Companies Act 2016 and must be disclosed to SSM.

Question 18

Can a foreigner open a corporate bank account in Malaysia remotely?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Malaysian banks generally require at least one director or authorised signatory to attend the branch in person for KYC and signature verification. We can pre-arrange bank introductions and prepare the board resolution for account opening.

Question 19

What visa or pass options exist for foreign founders relocating to Malaysia?

Accepted Answer

Common pathways include the Employment Pass (EP) sponsored by your Sdn Bhd once it is operational and meets minimum paid-up capital and salary thresholds set by the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department, the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) for highly qualified expatriates, the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) administered by MDEC for tech founders, and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme for longer-term residency. Each has different paid-up capital, revenue, and personal income requirements.

Incorporate your Sdn Bhd online in Malaysia — fast, guided, hassle-free

How It Works

Sdn Bhd Incorporation + One Year Company Secretary — RM 1,988

What You'll Need

Frequently Asked Questions