
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.
HOW FOREIGNERS CAN REGISTER A COMPANY IN MALAYSIA: A PRACTICAL GUIDE
