Thinking of expanding your business or starting fresh in Malaysia? You’re not alone. With its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and growing digital economy, Malaysia has become a hotspot for foreign entrepreneurs. But the process of company registration in Malaysia for foreigners involves more than just paperwork.

 

As experienced company secretaries in Malaysia, we’ve helped countless foreign investors successfully set up a Sdn Bhd and start operations seamlessly. Here’s how you can do the same.

 

Can a Foreigner Register a Company in Malaysia?

 

Yes, and it’s 100% legal. A foreigner can own 100% equity in a private limited company (Sdn Bhd) in most sectors. However, some industries (like logistics, education, or agriculture) may require local shareholding or approvals.

 

Common Structures for Foreign-Owned Businesses:

 

Entity Type

Description

Suitable For

Sdn Bhd (Private Limited)

Local entity, allows 100% foreign ownership

Most business types

Foreign Branch Office

Extension of foreign company

Short-term presence

Representative Office

No revenue, for research & liaison

Market exploration only

 

Step-by-Step: Incorporating a Sdn Bhd as a Foreigner: –

 

1.     Engage a Licensed Company Secretary

 

You’ll need a licensed company secretary Malaysia to handle your company incorporation in Malaysia and file with SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia).

 

2.     Prepare These Essentials:

 

§  Passport (certified)

§  Residential address

§  Proposed business nature

§  Company name preferences

§  Minimum 1 director (must have a Malaysia-resident director, or use nominee director service)

 

3.     e-KYC & e-Sign

 

With digital company secretary services, identity verification and signing are fully remote using e-KYC and digital signatures.

 

4.     Obtain SSM Approval & Company Registration No

Once approved, you’ll get your official SSM business registration number and your company is now live!

 

5.     Apply for Business Licenses

 

Depending on your business, apply for relevant business license Malaysia, such as:

 

§  Business premise license

§  Halal license

§  Import/export permits

 

Post-Incorporation: What’s Next?

 

Task

Who Handles It

Frequency

Annual Return Filing

Company Secretary

Yearly

Financial Statements

Auditor

Yearly

Tax Return form submission

Tax Agent

Yearly

Management Accounts

Accountant

Monthly / Quarterly

License Renewals

Secretary

Based on license type

SSM Updates

Secretary

As needed

 

Your company secretary services provider will guide you through ongoing statutory compliance, filings, and changes.

 

💡 Pro Tip: Go Digital with Your Company Secretary

 

Running a business is already hectic—your company secretarial work shouldn’t be. That’s where a digital company secretary in Malaysia comes in.

 

What Makes It Better?

 

Digital Feature

What You Get

e-KYC

Verify directors/shareholders online—no office visit needed

e-Signature

Sign documents anytime, anywhere

Online Incorporation

Register your Sdn Bhd company in Malaysia fully online

Cloud Access

All company docs stored securely, 24/7

Auto Reminders

Never miss compliance deadlines again

 

Why It Works:

 

§  Saves time & cost

§  Great for foreign company in Malaysia setups

§  Perfect for busy entrepreneurs

§  100% compliant & fully remote

 

Smart, fast, and fuss-free. That’s the power of going digital with your company secretary services

 

Final Thoughts: Your Secret to Smarter Business Setup

 

Setting up a Sdn Bhd company in Malaysia is more than just ticking boxes—it’s about building your business right from day one. A trusted, licensed company secretary doesn’t just handle your paperwork—they become your long-term business ally.

 

And if you’re serious about speed, efficiency, and peace of mind, go digital. A digital company secretary Malaysia gives you the freedom to incorporate a company, sign documents, track compliance, and access all your corporate records—anytime, anywhere.

 

Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreigner registering a company in Malaysia, the right corporate secretarial services will save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches.

 

So don’t just hire a company secretary. Partner with one who grows with your business—digitally, strategically, and seamlessly.

 

Ready to register your Sdn Bhd in Malaysia? Let’s get started.