A Full Guide To MBJB Business License Applications
If you’re looking to set up a business in Johor Bahru, this guide provides an overview of business license applications from Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB).

Here’s how we’ve broken it down:
- What an MBJB ‘business license’ consists of
- Required documents, and
- Where to apply
Note: As license fees vary based on business type and size, it simply wouldn’t be practical to list them here, but you are most welcome to contact us for specific enquiries!
Otherwise, let’s begin.
What is an MBJB business license?

When we say MBJB business license, we really mean two separate licenses:
- MBJB premise license (lesen perniagaan)
- MBJB signboard license (lesen iklan)
Together, these licenses acknowledge that a business’ premises and signboard comply with MBJB guidelines.
Premise requirements

Upon submitting an application, MBJB officers will inspect the premises to ensure compliance with the following requirements:
- Complies with MBJB advertisement guidelines
- A piped water supply for employees and customers
- Enough bathrooms with separate facilities for men and women
- Adequate lighting
- Proper ventilation
- Complete and functional fire prevention equipment
- Premises are not used for residential purposes unless designated
Once received, the Business Premise License must be clearly displayed on premises, and can be renewed from 1st November to 31st December each year.
Signboard requirements

The business signboard must comply with MBJB Advertisement By-Laws as follows:
- Bahasa Malaysia must be used in all signs (in addition to other languages)
- The Bahsa Melayu font size must be no smaller than other languages
- The Bahasa Malaysia text should be more prominently displayed
- Cannot obstruct window airflow or natural light
Required documents

There are two types:
- general documents required for all applications, and
- supporting documents which are industry specific
General documents
Regardless of what business you want to start, all applications must include these documents:
- Business or company registration documents
- Property tax receipt
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Lease agreement (if renting business premises)
- Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs of applicant, and
- A sample design of the business premise signboard
This means you need to first:
- Register an SSM Enterprise / incorporate a Sdn Bhd
- Find and secure suitable premises
Supporting documents
Supporting documents come from government / technical agencies that handle industries or activities related to the sector your business belongs to.
Some have a fixed annual application window during which they review all applications for that year, while others are more flexible and allow continuous submissions.
Business Type | Relevant Departments |
Food processing (non-F&B) | – Fire and Rescue Department – Department of Occupational Safety and Health – Department of Health – Department of Veterinary Services (if applicable) |
Materials processing | – Fire and Rescue Department – Department of Occupational Safety and Health – Department of Environment |
Light industry | – Fire and Rescue Department – Department of Occupational Safety and Health (if using heavy machinery) |
Chemical/pesticide processing | – Fire and Rescue Department – Department of Occupational Safety and Health – Department of Health – Department of Chemistry |
Printing | – Fire and Rescue Department – Department of Occupational Safety and Health – Department of Environment – Ministry of Home Affairs |
F&B | – Food Handling Course Certificate – Original Receipt for Oil Trap Installation |
Cinemas | – FINAS – Johor Bahru District Office |
Pharmacies | – Pharmacy Department |
Massage centres | – Department of Health |
Beauty centres | – Department of Health |
Tourism centres | – Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) |
Employment agencies | – Department of Human Resources |
Sales of used vehicles / second-hand goods | – Royal Malaysia Police |
Tuition centres / private schools | – Department of Education |
Kindergartens | – Temporary Planning Permission – Department of Social Welfare |
Old folk’s homes | – Temporary Planning Permission – Approval for Changes from MBJB Building Control Division |
Petrol stations | – Fire and Rescue Department |
Outdoor businesses | – Temporary Planning Permission |
Entertainment centres, pubs / bars, karaoke centres | – Johor Bahru District Office – Fire and Rescue Department |
Vehicle workshops and storage | – Fire and Rescue Department |
Vehicle workshops with spray painting | – Fire and Rescue Department – Department of Environment |
Security guard agencies | – Ministry of Home Affairs |
Foreign labour agencies | – Department of Human Resources – Ministry of Human Resources |
If this feels overwhelming, the MISHU team has years of experience dealing with government agencies and we’d be happy to engage them on your behalf.
Where to submit your application

You have two choices:
- Physically at one of MBJB’s counters
- Digitally via MBJB’s web or mobile eKhidmat portals
Personally, we’d recommend a physical submission, as both the online portals can be rather finicky.

That’s pretty much everything you need to know for now!
Pre-application checklist
For a smooth license application, ensure you’ve done the following five things:
- Registered a Sole Proprietorship or incorporated a Sdn Bhd
- Found a suitable premise
- Secured the right supporting documents
- Designed a signboard that complies with MBJB guidelines, and
- Prepared floor plans and take photos of your premises
Here are links to official MBJB documents you can fill in once you’re ready:
- Application checklist
- A full list of supporting documents based on business type
- An MBJB business license application to fill in and print out
All the best with your application, and you know we’re here if you need help, right?
Let MISHU help with your license application
The MISHU business license team has helped both local and foreign business owners across multiple industries with their MBJB business license applications, and we’d love to add you to the list!