Registering a company with SSM can take just a few working days. Setting it up properly, with the right structure, bank account, tax registration and compliance calendar, is where most new owners lose weeks.
This guide walks you through forming a company in Malaysia from start to finish: choosing the right structure, what SSM needs from you, what it costs, how long it takes, and the deadlines that start the day your company is born. It's written for local founders and foreign investors alike.
Before forming a company in Malaysia, decide whether a company is the right vehicle at all. The three common options:
| Sole proprietorship / partnership | LLP | Sdn Bhd | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owners | 1 owner, or 2 to 20 partners | At least 2 partners | 1 to 50 shareholders |
| Liability | Unlimited | Limited, with exceptions | Limited to your shares |
| Separate legal entity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tax | Personal income tax rates | Taxed at LLP level | Corporate rates, with lower SME rates |
| Audit | Not required | No statutory audit | Required unless exempt |
| Best for | Testing an idea, freelancers | Professional partnerships | Growth, investors, tenders, hiring foreign staff |
The rest of this guide focuses on the Sdn Bhd, the structure most people mean when they talk about forming a company.
At least one, aged 18 or above, who ordinarily resides in Malaysia and isn't bankrupt or disqualified.
Between 1 and 50. A shareholder can also be a director. Foreigners can own up to 100% in most sectors.
The legal minimum is RM1, but banks, licensing and immigration often expect more.
A licensed secretary must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation.
A Malaysian address for statutory records and official correspondence.
Companies must keep and report details of the individuals who ultimately own or control them.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSM name reservation | RM50 | Government fee |
| SSM incorporation | RM1,010 | Government fee for a Sdn Bhd |
| Company secretary | Varies | Usually an annual retainer |
| Registered office address | Varies | Optional if you use your own business address |
| Business premise licence | Varies by council | Only if you operate from a premise |
| Accounting, tax and audit | Varies | Ongoing yearly costs |
When comparing quotes for forming a company in Malaysia, check what's included after incorporation. A cheap registration package that leaves out the secretary, bank account support and first-year compliance often costs more in the end.
Pick the date you plan to submit your name search. We'll estimate your milestones and your first legal deadlines.
Forming the company is the start, not the finish. These obligations begin straight away:
| Obligation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Appoint a company secretary | Within 30 days of incorporation |
| Notify SSM of changes to directors, address or owners | Within 14 days of the change |
| Annual return | Within 30 days of each incorporation anniversary |
| Circulate financial statements | Within 6 months of your financial year end |
| Lodge financial statements with SSM | Within 30 days of circulation |
| Income tax return (Form C) | Within 7 months of your financial year end |
Small companies may qualify for audit exemption under SSM's newer rules, but they must still file unaudited accounts. E-invoicing applies once annual turnover passes RM1 million. Our company secretary retainer service tracks all of these dates for you.
Foreigners can own 100% of a Sdn Bhd in most sectors, but there are extra points to plan for:
See our work permit and Employment Pass guide for the 2026 salary thresholds.
Starting as a sole proprietor when you'll need investors or foreign staff soon.
Fine for SSM, but not for bank loans, licences or Employment Passes.
Co-founders without written terms often fall out over exits and decisions.
It's a legal requirement from day one.
The council may not license your activity at that address.
It complicates tax, audit and director loan balances.
It's due within 30 days of your first incorporation anniversary.
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Marie J & Co (MJCO) handles the name search, SSM incorporation, company secretary, bank account support and first-year compliance, with a fixed quote and SSM fees shown separately.
See our company formation services WhatsApp usName approval usually takes 1 to 2 working days and incorporation 1 to 3 working days once SSM has a complete application. Allow two to four weeks to also open a bank account and register for tax.
SSM charges RM50 for name reservation and RM1,010 for incorporation. Company secretary, registered office and accounting fees are extra.
Yes. One person can be both the sole director and the sole shareholder, as long as they ordinarily reside in Malaysia and are 18 or older.
The legal minimum is RM1. In practice, many companies start with more, especially if they need bank financing, certain licences or Employment Passes for foreign staff.
Yes, in most sectors, but at least one director must ordinarily reside in Malaysia. Some sectors have ownership limits or need extra licences.
Yes. Every Sdn Bhd must appoint a licensed company secretary within 30 days of incorporation.
Generally yes, unless it qualifies for audit exemption under SSM's criteria on revenue, total assets and employees. Exempt companies still file unaudited accounts.
Forming a company in Malaysia is straightforward when you plan the structure, paperwork and first-year deadlines together. If you'd like it done right the first time, our team can handle it for you. For your next step after incorporation, read our guide to getting a business license in Malaysia.