How to Register a Sdn. Bhd. Company in Malaysia: Step-by-Step Guide
malaysia registration of company Steps to Register a Sdn. Bhd. Company in Malaysia: Malaysia registration of company incorporation vary depending on the type of company you intend to set up. Generally, there are two main types of companies: Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) Public Limited Company (Berhad) Among these, the Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) is the most commonly chosen structure due to its flexibility and legal protection. Below are the key requirements to set up a Sdn. Bhd. company in Malaysia. Requirements to Register a Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) in Malaysia 1. Paid-Up Capital A Sdn. Bhd. company in Malaysia can be incorporated with a minimum paid-up capital of RM1 only, making it highly accessible for startups and small businesses. 2. Shareholders A minimum of one (1) shareholder is required There is no maximum limit on the number of shareholders 3. Directors At least one (1) director is required The director must be 18 years old or above Must be ordinarily residing in Malaysia Must not be bankrupt and not convicted or imprisoned within the past five (5) years 4. Company Secretary Every Sdn. Bhd. company must appoint a qualified Company Secretary, who must be: A member of a prescribed professional body or Licensed by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) 5. Registered Office Address The company must have a registered office in Malaysia where all official communications and notices can be sent.In most cases, the company secretary’s office is used as the registered address. Information Required to Register a Sdn. Bhd. Company in Malaysia To proceed with the registration of a Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.), the following information is required: Copy of Director’s and Shareholder’s IC or Passport Residential address of Director and Shareholder Race of Director and Shareholder Email address of Director and Shareholder Business address (if applicable) Paid-up capital amount Shareholding structure and percentage (if more than one shareholder) Nature of business of the proposed company Proposed company name Advantages of a Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) in Malaysia A Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) is the preferred business entity in Malaysia due to its separate legal identity and long-term business advantages. 1. Separate Legal Entity The company is legally separate from its owners Shareholders’ liability is limited to their capital contribution Personal assets of the owners are protected Creditors cannot claim shareholders’ personal assets if the company faces financial difficulties 2. Ability to Own Property A Sdn. Bhd. company can legally own assets such as: Land and buildings Vehicles Machinery and other business assetsAll assets are registered under the company’s name. 3. Easy Transfer of Ownership Shares can be easily transferred between shareholders New shares can be issued to attract investors Ownership changes do not disrupt business operations 4. Perpetual Succession The company continues to exist until it is legally dissolved Changes in shareholders do not affect the company’s existence 5. Strong Borrowing Capacity The company can open a corporate bank account Eligible to apply for business loans and financing under the company’s name 6. Lower Corporate Income Tax Sdn. Bhd. companies enjoy lower corporate tax rates Eligible for various government incentives and grants, such as: Investment Tax Allowance SME Digitalisation Grant Automation and Industry-related grants 📌 Important:If you own multiple businesses, the total combined turnover must be used to determine eligibility. Mandatory & Optional Services for Sdn. Bhd. Companies in Malaysia After incorporating a Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) in Malaysia, companies are required to engage certain mandatory statutory services and may also consider optional professional services to ensure ongoing compliance and smooth business operations. 1. Company Secretary Services (Mandatory) Under the Companies Act 2016, every Sdn. Bhd. company must appoint and retain a qualified Company Secretary at all times. The Company Secretary is responsible for: Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2016 Maintaining statutory registers and company records Preparing and filing annual returns with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) Preparing board resolutions and company documentation Advising directors on corporate governance matters 2. Audit Services (Mandatory, Subject to Exemption) Most Sdn. Bhd. companies in Malaysia are required to appoint an independent external auditor to conduct an annual statutory audit. Audit services typically include: Annual statutory audit of financial statements Verification of financial records and disclosures Compliance with applicable financial reporting standards Certain small or dormant companies may qualify for audit exemption, subject to prevailing regulations. 3. Accounting and Bookkeeping Services (Mandatory for Compliance) Sdn. Bhd. companies are required to maintain proper accounting records, even if the services are not outsourced. Accounting and bookkeeping services usually cover: Recording of financial transactions Preparation of financial statements Management accounts for internal review Supporting documents for audit and tax purposes Accurate accounting records are essential for audit, tax filing, and regulatory compliance. 4. Tax Compliance Services (Mandatory) All Sdn. Bhd. companies must comply with Malaysian tax regulations. Tax compliance services include: Corporate income tax computation Submission of annual tax returns (Form C) Tax estimation and instalment submissions SST or service tax filing, where applicable Proper tax compliance helps avoid penalties and ensures smooth dealings with tax authorities. 5. Payroll and HR Compliance Services (Optional) For companies with employees, payroll and HR compliance services may be required. These services may include: Payroll processing and salary computation EPF, SOCSO, and EIS submissions Employment-related statutory compliance 6. Other Optional Business Support Services Depending on the nature and size of the business, Sdn. Bhd. companies may also engage additional services such as: Corporate advisory and business structuring Company amendments and restructuring Business licence applications and renewals Looking for company secretary & compliance services? Meet Quason Business Solutions Quason Business Solutions is a professional accounting and business advisory firm providing reliable and compliant financial services to businesses in Malaysia and beyond. We support startups, SMEs, and growing companies by handling their accounting and compliance needs—so business owners can focus on growth, strategy, and profitability. Our Core Services Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Payroll Processing & Compliance Company Secretary Services Audit & Assurance Services Taxation & Tax Compliance Services Helping

