BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
A clear start for your Malaysian company.
A practical Sdn. Bhd. incorporation guide: decisions to make, information to prepare and responsibilities to plan for after registration.
Explore the guidePrepare these before we begin
Business & proposed names
Prepare a short description of what you will sell or do, proposed names and any relevant sector or licensing considerations.
People & ownership
Identify proposed shareholders, directors, ownership proportions and the individuals who ultimately own or control the company.
Addresses & contact details
Identify the business location and registered office arrangements. Provide reliable contact details for the people involved.
Capital & next steps
Discuss initial share capital, banking needs, hiring plans and the records you will need from day one. Supply identity documents through an agreed channel when requested.
Different roles. Clear responsibilities.
On smaller screens, scroll across to explore the full comparison.
| Topic | What it means | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Shareholder | Owns shares in the company | Ownership proportions and funding arrangements |
| Director | Manages and oversees company affairs | Eligibility, consent and statutory duties; at least one director must ordinarily reside in Malaysia |
| Registered office | Official address for statutory correspondence and records | A compliant arrangement and access to required records |
| Business address | Location where business is carried on | Premises, local authority and sector requirements |
One person may be both director and shareholder, but the roles carry different responsibilities. Incorporation does not itself approve a business licence, bank account or immigration permission.
From first discussion to handover
01 / Agree the scope
Review the activity, ownership and proposed structure. Confirm the work, required documents and quotation before proceeding.
02 / Review & prepare
Check the information, proposed name and incorporation documents; resolve questions and obtain the necessary confirmations.
03 / Submit & follow up
Submit the application and address any SSM queries. Completion depends on accurate information and the authority’s review.
04 / Organise the next stage
Review the registration notice and records covered by the engagement. Plan secretary appointment, accounting, banking and the compliance calendar.
Registration is the beginning
A company secretary must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation. Plan the ongoing work at the same time as registration.
Records & ownership
Maintain company records and current beneficial ownership information; notify your secretary when circumstances change.
Accounting & annual work
Agree the financial year end, bookkeeping arrangements and responsibilities for accounts, tax and annual submissions.
Operating readiness
Check applicable licences, banking documents and employer registrations. Confirm which items are included and which require a separate engagement.
SSM issues a registration notice. A certificate of incorporation is a separate application; confirm any additional documents you need.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
A little more clarity.
How long will incorporation take?
The timeline depends on complete information, name approval and any regulatory queries. We will discuss the expected sequence after reviewing your situation rather than promise a fixed approval date.
What will the quotation cover?
We will clarify the incorporation work, documents and ongoing arrangements included, together with government charges or additional professional work that apply. Request a scope tailored to your company.
Can a foreign investor start a company?
Foreign participation is possible, but resident director requirements, sector restrictions, licensing and immigration are separate considerations. Our foreign investor service page explains the matters to review.