Register Company in Malaysia 2026

• Before starting your business in Malaysia, it is important to determine which business structure best suits your business activities, ownership requirements, and long-term expansion plans. There are different business structures in Malaysia, which include:  
  • Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd) 
  • Public Limited Company (Bhd) 
  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) 
  • Branch Office 
  • Representative Office 
  • Sole Trader 
  • Partnership 

• Out of these business structures, the most favoured business type for foreign entrepreneurs in Malaysia is a Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd). These entities are mainly regulated by the Companies Act 2016 (as amended by the Companies (Amendment) Act 2024), which specifies the regulatory and compliance guidelines for companies doing business in Malaysia. 
• Based on your business objectives and operational requirements, you can determine the most suitable business structure for your company in Malaysia. 
• Additionally, the appropriate MSIC Codes (Malaysian Standard Industrial Classification) can be selected to accurately reflect your intended business activities. 

• Before proceeding with company incorporation, you will need to fulfil several pre-registration requirements, including: 
  • Appointment of at least one resident director in Malaysia (Malaysia nominee director services can be arranged if required)  
  • Registered office address in Malaysia 
  • Preparation of incorporation documents and business plans 
  • Personal details of shareholders/directors 

• These requirements will also be aligned with FATF (Financial Action Task Force) Standards and anti-money laundering requirements. Further, directors and officers shall also comply with Section 17A of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act (Section 17A MACC Act), which introduces corporate liability for corruption-related offenses. 

• If you plan to relocate to Malaysia and act as the resident director, you can also obtain the relevant work permit before commencing business operations. 

• Once the preliminary requirements are completed, you can conduct a company name availability search through the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) using the MyCoID Portal and the e-Business Online System (e-BOS). 

• After the proposed company name is approved, your company name can be reserved to proceed with the incorporation process. 

• After all the required documents have been prepared, your company incorporation application can be submitted to the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). The incorporation process will be carried out in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements, including Practice Directive No. 9/2024 and other relevant regulations. 

• Once your company is successfully incorporated, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation, company constitution, and other relevant corporate documents. These documents can then be couriered to your preferred address for your records

• Once your company has been incorporated, you can proceed with corporate bank account opening to support your business operations in Malaysia. 

• You can complete the corporate bank account opening process with reputable banks such as Maybank, RHB Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank, subject to the bank’s internal requirements and approval procedures. During this process, banks may also conduct compliance checks in accordance with FATF (Financial Action Task Force) Standards and Malaysian banking regulations. 

• Before commencing business operations, your company may be required to obtain the relevant business licenses, depending on the nature of your activities. You can also complete the necessary tax registrations to ensure your business operates in compliance with Malaysian regulations. 

• If your company provides taxable goods or services, your business may also need to register for Sales and Service Tax (SST) purposes. Where applicable, companies will also need to comply with E-Invoicing (LHDN) requirements, which are being gradually implemented across Malaysia. 

• Once your company has been incorporated, you will need to comply with Malaysia’s accounting and financial reporting requirements to maintain good corporate standing. 

• Companies incorporated in Malaysia are required to prepare financial statements within 18 months from the date of incorporation. Your company will also be required to submit these financial statements to the Companies Commission of Malaysia and the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia. 

• Furthermore, you will need to maintain proper books of account, determine your company’s financial year, and comply with the applicable Malaysian accounting standards, including MPERS for private companies and MFRS for listed companies. 

• Additionally, your company will need to file XBRL reports through the Malaysian Business Reporting System (MBRS), and your company will also need to file its annual returns within the prescribed statutory timeline. 

• Tetra Consultants’ accounting and tax specialists will guide your business in meeting Malaysia’s tax compliance requirements. Malaysia has a 24% corporate income tax rate, while eligible SMEs are entitled to a 17% tax rate on their first RM600,000 of chargeable income. 

• Our accounting and tax specialists will guide your business in meeting Malaysia’s tax residency requirements, withholding taxes on cross-border transactions, Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT), and SST obligations. Our specialists will also guide your business on meeting employer obligations, such as SOCSO and Employees Provident Fund (EPF). 

• Our experts will also assist your business in compliance with employers’ responsibilities such as Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) / Employees’ Insurance Scheme (EIS) and Social Security (SIP / SOCSO). 

• Companies may also be required to contribute to HRD Corp / PSMB Act 2001 (Human Resources Development Corporation Act), depending on the number of employees and industry classification. 

Timeline to register company in Malaysia in 2026

• Malaysia company registration: 1 week 

• Corporate bank account opening: 4 weeks  

• Overall timeline: 5 weeks 

Cost to register company in Malaysia in 2026

• The government fee for incorporating a private limited company (Sdn Bhd) in Malaysia with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is approximately RM50 for name reservation and RM1,000 for company incorporation.  

• Tetra Consultants will submit a detailed proposal outlining the exact costs involved in incorporating a company in Malaysia, including the cost of resident director services (if applicable), corporate bank account opening, and other compliance costs.   

• Tetra Consultants charges are transparent. We will explain in detail all costs involved in incorporating a company in Malaysia, including government charges, professional charges, and other charges

How can we help to register company in Malaysia?

• Tetra Consultants works as your advisor and trusted partner in your business expansion and company registration in Malaysia. With our own team of lawyers, incorporation specialists, compliance team, and accountants, we provide clients with clear, practical guidance to ensure compliance and success. Most importantly, we are known for being a one-stop solution for our valued clients. 
• Contact us to find out more about Malaysia company registration. Our team of specialists will respond within the next 24 hours. 

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