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

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.