Company registration is the process of filing documents with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) to formally set up a legal business entity. Most foreign and local founders choose a private limited company (Sdn. Bhd.), which has its own legal identity and limits each shareholder's liability to the amount they have invested.
Before filing for registration, you need to complete an SSM name search to confirm that your company name is available. Only once the name is approved can you move on to preparing and filing the registration documents.
What do you need to register a Sdn. Bhd.?
- At least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia
- At least one shareholder (the director and shareholder can be the same person)
- A company secretary appointed within 30 days of incorporation
- A registered office address in Malaysia
- Paid-up capital can be as low as RM1 (some foreign-owned or regulated industries have additional capital thresholds)
Most industries in Malaysia allow 100% foreign ownership, but a small number of restricted industries cap foreign shareholding or require approval from the relevant authority, so check the foreign equity rules for your industry before you register.
How long does registration take, and what does it cost?
Registration typically takes around 5–10 working days from name search to completion, depending on how complete your documents are and whether the industry needs special approval. The government registration fee for a private limited company is a fixed amount, with additional annual costs for services such as the company secretary and registered address. Exact fees are subject to SSM's latest official fee schedule.
What happens after company registration?
Once registration is complete and SSM has issued the notice of registration, you'll typically need to open a company bank account, apply for any licences your business needs, register for a tax number, and plan for annual statutory filings. Our team can take you from name search through registration, company secretary appointment and bank account opening, so your compliance is on a sound footing before you start trading.
This content is for general reference only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For your own situation, please book a consultation so that GXY's advisory team can advise on your actual circumstances. Last updated: 20 August 2026.
