Companies Act 2016 · SSM / MyCoID
Sdn Bhd Registration: Your Gateway to ASEAN
Fast, compliant, and highly strategic. Fixed-fee incorporation handled end-to-end by licensed MAICSA secretaries. Expand your business footprint with 100% foreign ownership capabilities.
- SSM Filing Included
- Licensed Secretary
- Local & Foreign Structures
- Published, Transparent Fees
- SSM RegisteredLicensed Secretary
- Companies Act 2016100% Compliant
- 100% OwnershipForeigner Eligible
- Corporate BankingAccount Assistance
Strategic Hub
Why Incorporate a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia?
Malaysia stands as a premier destination for business expansion in ASEAN. A Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) is a private company limited by shares — the standard, most trusted vehicle for anyone running a real business here.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Permitted in most sectors under liberalized equity rules.
- Pro-Business Tax Regime: Access to reduced SME corporate tax rates and DTAs with 70+ countries.
- Asset Protection: Separates personal assets from company liabilities.
- Credibility: Essential for corporate bank accounts, B2B contracts, and securing investors.
The Basics
Key Requirements for a Sdn Bhd
Under the Companies Act 2016, setting up is highly streamlined, whether you are a local founder or a foreign investor.
Directors & Shareholders
Minimum 1 Director who must ordinarily reside in Malaysia. Minimum 1 Shareholder (can be the same person or a corporate entity).
Share Capital
The legal minimum paid-up capital is just RM 1.00. Higher capital is required if applying for expatriate Employment Passes.
Corporate Compliance
A registered office address in Malaysia and a qualified Company Secretary must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation.
Pricing & Structures
Published fees, no hidden extras
Every package includes the SSM statutory incorporation fee. Providers quoting below the statutory fee are excluding it and will invoice you later.
Local vs. Foreign Ownership
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| Feature | Local Entrepreneurs (100% Local) | Foreign Investors (Up to 100% Foreign) |
|---|---|---|
| Director Residency | Easily fulfilled by local founders | Requires 1 resident director (Nominee service available) |
| Base Timeline | 3 – 5 working days | 5 – 10 working days (extended KYC) |
| Capital Requirement | RM 1 to RM 1,000 typically | Varies (RM 500k+ if requiring Employment Pass) |
Incorporation Packages
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| Deliverables | Essential | Standard | Foreign Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-time fee | RM 1,499 | RM 1,999 | Custom Quote |
| SSM Incorporation Fee | Included | Included | Included |
| Name Search & Reservation | Included | Included | Included |
| Company Secretary (12 mos) | — | Included | Included |
| Registered Office (12 mos) | — | Included | Included |
| Corporate Bank Intro | — | Included | Included |
| Resident Nominee Director | — | — | Included |
| WRT License Advisory | — | — | Included |
The Process
Our 5-Step Incorporation Process
We eliminate red tape. Our process ensures compliance, speed, and clarity from first call to bank account setup.
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Consultation & Structuring
We assess your goals, advise on optimal paid-up capital, equity structure, and required licenses.
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Name Reservation
We conduct a name search and reserve your proposed company name with SSM (1–2 working days).
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Document Preparation
We prepare the Superform (Section 14) and secure digital signatures from all directors and shareholders.
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SSM Submission & Approval
Once lodged, you receive the Notice of Registration (Section 17) upon SSM approval.
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Post-Incorporation Setup
We assist with opening your corporate bank account and required employer registrations (EPF/SOCSO).
What lands on you after incorporation
Scroll →Company secretary appointed
Within 30 days of incorporation
Annual return
30 days from anniversary
Financial statements
Within 30 days of circulation
CP204 tax estimate
Within 3 months of commencing
Form C tax return
7 months after Financial Year End
Employer registration
Upon hiring first employee
Questions
Sdn Bhd Registration, Answered
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Malaysian company?
Yes. Foreign investors can hold 100% of the shares in a private limited company (Sdn Bhd) for most non-regulated business sectors. Specific sectors (e.g., oil & gas, education) may require partial local equity. We will verify your MSIC code before you commit.
Do I need to live in Malaysia to register?
The incorporation process can be done digitally. However, Section 196(4) of the Companies Act 2016 requires at least one director whose principal place of residence is in Malaysia. If you do not have one, we can provide a Nominee Resident Director service.
How long does Sdn Bhd registration take?
Typically 3 to 5 working days from the point we hold complete, signed documents. The variable is nearly always how quickly directors return digital signatures, particularly when they are overseas.
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
Legally, just RM 1.00. Practically, we recommend at least RM 1,000 for local companies to satisfy bank compliance. For foreign-owned entities or anyone applying for Employment Passes or a WRT licence, immigration guidelines usually require RM 500,000 to RM 1,000,000.
Is a company secretary mandatory?
Yes. Every Sdn Bhd must appoint a company secretary who is licensed by SSM (MAICSA/MACS) within 30 days of incorporation. Our Standard and Complete packages include the first 12 months of this service.
Will my company need an audit?
Not necessarily. SSM allows audit exemption for certain private companies meeting dormancy, zero-revenue, or specific size criteria. We assess your eligibility during onboarding to ensure you don't pay for an audit you don't legally need.
Ready to Launch in Malaysia?
Contact our corporate advisory team today for a confidential consultation. A short call is usually enough to settle your structure, paid-up capital, and licensing needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Regulations under the Companies Act 2016 and SSM guidelines are subject to change.
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