Can foreigners own a company in Malaysia?
Mia Phillips
Updated on February 26, 2026
Foreign investors can set up a company, also known as a Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd), with 100% foreign ownership. This is a private company that is limited by shareholding. You do not have to be physically present in Malaysia as long as the director and shareholder requirements are fulfilled.
How can I start a company in Malaysia?
9 Key Steps to Setting Up Business in Malaysia
- #1. Seek Local Professionals & Advice.
- #2. Determine Industry Specific Licences & Requirements.
- #3. Open a Bank Account.
- #4. Incorporate a Company / Business Entity.
- #5. Secure a Business Address & Premises.
- #6. Secure Immigration Permits & Visas (Only if applicable)
- #7.
- #8.
Can foreigner set up sole proprietorship in Malaysia?
You must be a Malaysian Citizen or a Permanent Resident. Foreigners are not allowed to register sole proprietorship or partnership in Malaysia. Go the business registration counter at any SSM office & follow the application procedures, within one hour or two, you can start your business immediately!
How much do you need to start a business in Malaysia?
Deposit for office/shop space (usually amounts to 2 months of rental and 1-month utility fee) Office/Shop renovation costs, types of furniture and fittings Starting a Business in Malaysia As a Foreigner. Initial deposit on opening a bank account. The minimum required ranges from RM1,000 to RM5,000 (varies with banks)
Is it easy to start a business in Malaysia?
And it is important to know that although it is relatively easy to start a business in Malaysia, especially a small one, it’s nevertheless vital for a foreigner to know first the preliminaries, advantages, limitations, and legalities involved in starting a business in this country.
What are the 5 types of business entity in Malaysia?
Generally, there are 5 main types of business entities in Malaysia.
- Sole proprietorship.
- Partnership.
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.)
- Public Limited Company (Berhad)
How can a foreigner start a small business in Malaysia?
You will need to submit a completed Business Registration Form (Form A). You will also need a copy of your identification card (or passport for foreigners), and prepare the necessary payment. The Malaysia company registration documents you will be required to prepare include: The proposed name(s) of your company.
How long does it take to register a sole proprietorship in Malaysia?
Registration of a new business to be done within 30 days from the date of commencement of the business. Registration can be done at any SSM counter or through online via Ezbiz Online services at ezbiz.ssm.com.my.
How to register a company in Malaysia as a foreigner?
Malaysia Company Registration for a Foreigner A foreigner can register a corporation in Malaysia with 100% foreign ownership. This is called a Sdn Bhd. In order to have complete foreign ownership, the company must be in specific industries as dictated by the government.
How to set up a business in Malaysia?
If you are a local entrepreneur: You can opt to register your company as either a Sole Proprietor, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or General Partnership and Company as they are the common business entities available in Malaysia.
How are non-resident companies taxed in Malaysia?
Residence status is a question of fact and it is one of the main criteria that determines the tax treatment and tax consequences of a company or body of persons. A resident and a non-resident company in Malaysia is taxed in the same manner in respect of any gains or profits accrued in or derived from Malaysia.
What does it mean to be resident individual in Malaysia?
Resident Individuals is defined as an individual resident in Malaysia for the basis year for a Year of Assessment (YA) as determined under Section 7 and subsection 7(1B) of the Act.