The simple way to

start your new business

in Malaysia

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. At SMI Corp, we can help you start your business on the right foot.

The steps to register company in Malaysia

We make company registration easy. Decide the company structure that is right for you. Quickly fill in your company details and let us take care of the rest.

STEP 1

Understand Malaysia's company registration requirements

The requirements for registering a company in Malaysia are simple and straightforward as below:

Company Name

A unique company name

The name cannot be identical or substantially similar to the name of an existing business in Malaysia.

Shareholder

At least 1 shareholder

They must be a foreign or local individual or corporate entity, with the maximum number of shareholders of 50.

Director

A resident director

At least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia.

Capital

At least RM1 in capital

You can increase the capital later by injecting additional funds and notifying the company registrar.

Company Secretary

A company secretary

They must be a qualified natural person living in Malaysia, for ensuring the company complies with its regulatory obligations and filings.

Address

Address in Malaysia

A local registered business address, where all statutory documents of the company must be kept at this address. 

STEP 2

Decide on company structure and prepare supporting documents

Next, it is to decide the company structure. Here are the questions to be considered:

  • Who will be the shareholders of the company?
  • What percentage of shares will each shareholder own?
  • Who will be the directors of the company?
  • Who will act as its Malaysia resident director?
  • Will you require our nominee director service?
  • What will be the initial share capital of the company?

We make it simple!

When the above are decided, you may start filling up our online registration form and attach a copy of passport/NRIC for each director and shareholders, our secretarial team will be revert to you within 1-2 days.

Note: When you incorporate your company through us, we will appoint a company secretary for your company and our address as your company’s registered address.

STEP 3

Confirm availability of your chosen company's name

After you have decided on a name, it's time to run a name check with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). You can register the name with the SSM, if it is available. Upon approval, the name will be reserved for your company.

The name approval is a quick procedure as long as you follow these guidelines:

The name shall use correct spelling and language.

If the name has words that are not in Malay or English, the meaning of the words must be given.

The mixture of Bahasa Malaysia and English is allowed if the use is to describe the type of business and must follow proper grammar.

Names that are not blasphemous or likely to be offensive to members of the public.

Refrain from using names which are too general such as Technology Sdn. Bhd or International Sdn. Bhd.

Names do not resemble elements of religion.

Only the names of directors who are specified at the application form for incorporation can be used as the company names.

The meaning of created or coined words must be given.

Symbols that are allowed to be used in the name of the company is limited to five symbols - &, . , – ,  ( ), and ‘

The name is not an acronym that can be confused with names that are associated with:

  • Names of institutions for higher learning
  • Name stands for federal government agencies or state and government-owned companies

We make it simple!

As soon as you appoint us to register your Malaysia company, we will apply for the approval of your chosen company name. In case your first choice name is not available, our team will apply for your other choices.

Curious if your chosen Malaysia company name still available?

*Registration is required to perform the name check. It's totally free!

STEP 4

Sign incorporation documents

After the name has been approved, it will be reserved for 30 days from the day of confirmation and can be extended for another 30 days at RM 50.00.

The following documents are required to incorporate your company.

Constitution

You can adopt the standard Malaysia company constitution that is recommended by SSM.

Declaration from Director(s)

and promoter(s) before appointment.

Declaration of compliance

from individuals responsible for incorporation.

We make it simple!

We will prepare all necessary documents, all you have to do is review and sign the documents.

STEP 5

Incorporate company and open bank account

The final step involves the requirements and obligations you must satisfy after you have successfully registered your company with the SSM.

This stage will mainly focus on opening the business bank account, learning which business licenses you will need, registering for the provident fund, appointing auditors and determining your tax liabilities.

SSM will issue the following official documents:

Business Registration Certificate

This is an official electronic document confirming the registration of a company in Malaysia. The certificate shows the name of the company, the date of the incorporation, and the business registration number.

Business Profile

A report which contains the latest information of a business (such as business name, registration number, registration da​te, registration expiry date, busines​​s form, business status, business address, business type , business branch information (if any)) ,information of the current and previous owner.

Upon registration, all official documents will be immediately available for you. As soon as your Malaysia company is registered, you can start conducting business under its name.

We make it simple!

We will give you advice and assist you with selecting a suitable bank for your company’s corporate bank account and make an introduction to the bank.

Everything you need to start your new business

We provide everything young entrepreneurs need to get their new business up and running, from a temporary mailing address to receive your incorporation documents, to assistance for tax registration and setting up your business bank account.

STARTUP

Perfect for new startup with fewer than 20 monthly transactions.

RM

598

per month billed annually

Price before 6% service tax.

Incorporation
12-Month Company Secretariat Services
12-Month Accounts & Bookkeeping Services
12-Month Use of Cloud Accounting Software for daily transactions
One-time Cloud Accounting user training
One-time Assistance for Tax Registration (Form E, EA & CP204)
GROWTH

Perfect for SME with fewer than 50 monthly transactions.

RM

838

per month billed annually

Price before 6% service tax.

Incorporation
Constitution
12-Month Company Secretariat Services
12-Month Accounts & Bookkeeping Services
12-Month Use of Cloud Accounting Software for daily transactions
One-time Cloud Accounting user training
One-time Assistance for Tax Registration (Form E, EA & CP204)
BUSINESS

Perfect for SME with fewer than 100 monthly transactions.

RM

1138

per month billed annually

Price before 6% service tax.

Incorporation
Constitution
12-Month Company Secretariat Services
12-Month Accounts & Bookkeeping Services
12-Month Use of Cloud Accounting Software for daily transactions
One-time Cloud Accounting user training
One-time Assistance for Tax Registration (Form E, EA & CP204)

Read service terms and conditions for the above package.

Terms of services:

  1. The package prices are subjected for 6% service tax.
  2. The package prices are based on monthly rates, billed annually.
  3. Monthly accounts transactions are sales invoices, purchases, expenses invoices, advances, loans repayments and etc.
  4. Invoices and bills to be uploaded via cloud accounting system by client, and training will be provided.
  5. Client will be entitled with cloud accounting user access license.
  6. Additional fees will be charged shall the number of transactions exceeding the above limit.
  7. Accounts services may defer starting by up to 3 months for cases whereby client is not able to start operation immediately. 
  8. Sales & services tax registration is excluded in the subscription plan.

MORE HELP

FAQs for registering a company in Malaysia

What is Company Constitution Malaysia?

A company constitution malaysia (previously referred to as Article and Memorandum of Association) is a legal document recognised by the Companies Act 2016 . It generally specifies the rules governing the relationship and activities of the corporate, its shareholders and directors.

When to adopt Company Constitution and is it mandatory?

Company Constitution Malaysia is not mandatory. At the point of incorporation, shareholders may choose to adopt a constitution either on or after company registration. It is best to adopt when there are more then one (1) shareholders in the Company.

What is the different of Company Constitution compared to Shareholders Agreement?

A constitution is a special form of contract as it binds the company, shareholders and directors who initially agreed to adopt a constitution and any future shareholders, unlike shareholders agreement which only binds those who are parties to it.

Why adopting Company Constitution Malaysia?

First of all, a constitution has similar effect as a contract between the company, shareholder, director and company secretary. The provision is to be complied or a decision may be voided. However, it usually does not create enforceable rights between the shareholders, directors and/or company secretary.

 

Usually the Companies Act 2016 will set out some rules governing the relationship between the company, its shareholders and directors. Company constitution may be adopted to exchange the provisions of the Companies Act 2016 that is applicable. If the Companies Act 2016 is silent on method to for decision making, the company constitution can be used to fill in the gap.

 

As an example, the Companies Act 2016 states that issuance of new shares requires ordinary resolution, which can be passed through majority vote. Shareholders may use Company Consitution to override this and state that issuance of new share must be decided with unanimous vote.

What are the 3 common types of business setup in Malaysia?
Business Types
Pros
Cons
Sole Proprietorship / Partnership
  • Easy and Cheap Registration (<rm100)<></rm100)<>
  • Lower Tax if taxable income is <rm200k<></rm200k<>
  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Unlimited personal liability – (Sole Proprietor)
  • Higher Tax if taxable income is >RM200k
  • No equity financing and limited financing options
Private Limited (Sdn Bhd
  • Limited Liability – Shareholders are only liable up to the paid up capital.
  • Separate Legal Entity which can own assets, property, sue or be sued in its own name.
  • Able to apply for Tax Incentives
  • Fixed Tax
  • Perpetual Succession – Company will remain in existence even if the founder(s) depart from Company
  • Allows Equity Financing and More Financing Options
  • Monthly Company Secretary Retainer Fee
  • Reporting Requirement and Strict Statutory Compliance
  • Non-Compliance may lead to penalty and imprisonment
  • Fixed Tax is not worthwhile if revenue is <rm200k<></rm200k<>
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
  • Limited Liability – liabilities of LLP borne by its assets.
  • Separate Legal Entity which can own assets, property, sue or be sued in its own name.
  • Flat Tax Rate of 20% on the First RM500k
  • Perpetual Succession – partners departure will not affect the life of LLP.
  • Requires appointment of Compliance Officer who is responsible for compliance with LLP Act.
  • Reporting and Strict Statutory Compliance Requirement
  • Non-Compliance may lead to penalty and imprisonment
  • No Equity Financing
Can I incorporate a company myself?

Yes. New Companies Act 2016 w.e.f 31 January 2017, the process for Company Registration Malaysia can be done online at RM1,060.00 by using only one (1) persons name.

What is the fee for company registration?

The fee charged by Company Commission Malaysia (CCM Malaysia) involved are as follows:

  • RM50 – Reservation of Name for 30 days 
  • RM1,010.00 – Incorporate Fees
What are the information required for company registration?
  • Name of proposed Company – get ready with 3 names just in case your first and second choices are taken.
  • Principal Business Activity (e.g. Software Development, Construction & Renovation, or Hotel, Engineering)
  • Identification Card or Passport of Shareholder/Director – at least of 1 person
  • Amount of paid up capital
  • Percentage of shareholding of each shareholders (if there are multiple shareholders).

**Note: CCM Malaysia reserves the right to reject your name reservation submission, which will require you to make another name reservation – each name reservation will cost you RM50.

Do I still need a company secretary if I register the company myself?

Yes, a company secretary is still needed for the following reasons:

  • CCM Malaysia requires that you must appoint a company secretary within 30 days from the date of incorporation and that the position must not be vacant for more then 30 days. Fees will be imposed for late appointment of company secretary.
  • As soon as your Company is incorporated you will most probably need to open your account, as a result a Company Secretary is required to prepare the resolutions and documents to that effect.
  • You will need a Company Secretary to lodge you annual returns and other relevant documents to SSM such as Company Constitution, Allotment of New Shares and Appointment of Directors and etc.

The latest news, updates and articles on for your small business

'}}
Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. It encompasses the practices, policies, and processes that guide a company's operations and ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency in its relationships with stakeholders. For new businesses, establishing robust corporate governance is crucial for several reasons. 1. Building Trust and Reputation New businesses often […]
'}}
KUALA LUMPUR: MSMEs earning under RM150,000 annually are exempt from issuing e-invoices, according to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. "Currently, traders with annual sales below RM150,000 do not have to issue e-invoices. Nonetheless, the government encourages small traders to participate in the e-invoicing initiative to promote business digitalization," Amir Hamzah stated during […]
'}}
In the dynamic world of business, the role of accountants is pivotal to the success and sustainability of any enterprise. Accountants do more than just crunch numbers; they are strategic advisors who guide businesses through financial complexities, regulatory landscapes, and growth opportunities. Their expertise is essential in ensuring that businesses remain financially healthy, compliant with […]