How to register a company in Malaysia
Registering a company in Malaysia is faster and cheaper than most first-time founders expect. This guide explains the standard vehicle — the Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) — what you need, the exact SSM process, the documents, capital, costs, timeline, and the compliance steps that come after you're registered.
On this page
Why register a company (Sdn Bhd)? Which structure is right for you What you need to register Step-by-step: the SSM process Documents & information required Costs & timeline After registration — your first duties FAQsWhy register a company (Sdn Bhd)?
A Sdn Bhd is a private limited company — a separate legal entity from the people who own it. That separation is the whole point: it gives you limited liability (your personal assets are shielded from business debts), a structure that banks, suppliers and clients take seriously, and the ability to raise capital and bring in shareholders cleanly.
It is the natural step up from a sole proprietorship or partnership (an "Enterprise" registered under the Registration of Businesses Act), where the owner is personally liable for everything the business owes. If you are trading seriously, hiring, signing contracts or seeking investment, the Sdn Bhd is almost always the right home for it.
Which structure is right for you?
Malaysia offers several vehicles, but for an operating business it usually comes down to two:
| Feature | Sole proprietorship / Enterprise | Sdn Bhd (Private Limited) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Not separate from owner | Separate legal entity |
| Liability | Unlimited — personal assets at risk | Limited to shareholders' capital |
| Registered with | SSM (business registration) | SSM (incorporation, Companies Act 2016) |
| Owners | Malaysian / PR individuals only | Local or 100% foreign; 1–50 shareholders |
| Tax | Personal income tax rates | Corporate tax; SME preferential rate |
| Company secretary | Not required | Required (licensed) |
| Best for | Small, low-risk, single-owner trades | Growing, hiring, contracting, raising funds |
For a full comparison including the public company (Bhd), company limited by guarantee (CLBG) and LLP/PLT, see our business-structures guide. Registering as a foreign owner? Read how to register a company in Malaysia as a foreigner.
What you need to register a Sdn Bhd
- At least one director aged 18+ who ordinarily resides in Malaysia, is not an undischarged bankrupt and has not been disqualified under the Companies Act 2016.
- At least one shareholder (an individual or a corporate body). One person may be both the sole director and sole shareholder.
- A licensed company secretary, appointed within 30 days of incorporation.
- A registered office in Malaysia where statutory records are kept — commonly the company secretary's office.
- Paid-up capital — no legal minimum (from RM1), though a higher figure is often needed for licences, work passes or banking.
- A proposed company name, searched and reserved with SSM before incorporation.
Good to know: a constitution (formerly Memorandum & Articles) is optional for most companies under the Companies Act 2016 — the Act's default provisions apply if you don't adopt one.
Step-by-step: the SSM registration process
Name search & reservation
Check your proposed name and reserve it with SSM through the MyCoID portal (RM50 per name). An approved name is held for 30 days.
Prepare the application
Compile directors, shareholders, share structure, registered office and business nature. Your company secretary drafts the incorporation documents for e-signing.
Lodge incorporation
The application is submitted to SSM with the RM1,000 fee. On approval, SSM issues the Notice of Registration — your company now legally exists.
Set up & operate
Appoint the company secretary, open the statutory registers, apply for the Certificate of Incorporation if needed, open a bank account and register for tax.
Almost everyone lodges through a licensed company secretary rather than filing alone: the secretary structures the shareholding correctly, prepares the resolutions and registers, and takes responsibility for the statutory filings that begin the moment the company is registered.
Documents & information required
- For each director and shareholder: full name, identity card or passport copy, residential address, contact details and occupation.
- Company details: proposed name, nature of business (with the relevant business codes), and financial year end.
- Share structure: the number of shares and how they are split between shareholders, and the paid-up capital.
- Registered office address in Malaysia (usually provided by your company secretary).
- KYC: we complete a one-time know-your-client check before acting — a standard requirement for licensed secretarial firms.
Costs & timeline
The SSM statutory fees are fixed: RM50 to reserve a name and RM1,000 to incorporate a company limited by shares. Beyond that, most founders engage a company secretary to handle incorporation and the ongoing compliance the law requires.
Ghinex incorporates a Sdn Bhd on a fixed, published fee that already includes the SSM charges, documents and stamping, with a named company secretary from RM200/month and the registered office included. See the full breakdown on our Market Entry page.
Timeline: once the name is reserved and documents are signed, incorporation itself is usually 1–3 working days. Opening a corporate bank account and completing tax registrations typically adds one to three weeks.
After registration: your first compliance duties
Registration is the start, not the finish. A Sdn Bhd carries continuing obligations under the Companies Act 2016 — miss them and SSM can impose penalties. The essentials:
- Appoint a company secretary within 30 days, and keep the statutory registers and minute books.
- Open a corporate bank account in the company's name.
- Register for tax with LHDN (Inland Revenue) for corporate income tax; resident SMEs enjoy a preferential rate on the first RM600,000 of chargeable income. Register for SST if your taxable turnover crosses the threshold.
- Register as an employer — EPF (KWSP), SOCSO (PERKESO) and EIS — once you hire staff.
- Lodge the Annual Return each year within 30 days of the incorporation anniversary, and lodge audited (or exempt) financial statements within the statutory deadlines.
This is exactly what a company secretary is for. Ghinex keeps your filings, deadlines and registers in order so nothing slips — see our secretarial & compliance services and the detailed setup & compliance guide.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I register a company in Malaysia?
- Reserve your company name on SSM's MyCoID portal, then lodge the incorporation application with the director, shareholder and share details. Once SSM approves it, you receive a Notice of Registration. Most founders appoint a licensed company secretary to prepare and lodge everything.
- How much does it cost to register a Sdn Bhd?
- SSM charges RM50 to reserve a name and RM1,000 to incorporate a company limited by shares. Most founders also engage a company secretary. Ghinex handles it on a fixed fee that includes the SSM charges, documents and stamping.
- What is the minimum paid-up capital?
- There's no legal minimum — a Sdn Bhd can start with RM1. A higher figure is often needed in practice for licences, work passes or banking.
- How long does registration take?
- Incorporation typically completes within 1–3 working days of approval once the name is reserved and documents are signed. Bank account and tax registrations add a further one to three weeks.
- Can one person own a Sdn Bhd?
- Yes — one person can be both the sole director and sole shareholder, as long as that director ordinarily resides in Malaysia. A company secretary must still be appointed.
- Do I need to appoint a company secretary?
- Yes. Every Sdn Bhd must appoint at least one licensed company secretary within 30 days of incorporation to maintain the statutory records and handle SSM filings.
Ready to register your company? Tell us your plans and we'll confirm the structure, name, timeline and exact fees — usually within one business day. Request a free consultation →
This guide is general information current as at September 2026 and is not legal or tax advice. SSM fees, tax rates and requirements are subject to change and to our Letter of Engagement — contact us for advice on your specific case.