A Complete Guide To MBMB Business License Applications

To those looking to set up a business in Melaka, this guide provides an overview of business license applications from Majlis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah (MBMB).

Here’s how we’ve broken it down:

• types of MBMB ‘business licenses’
• required documents
• where to apply
• validity periods and renewals

Note: As license fees vary significantly by business activity and size, it’s simply not practical to list them all, so please contact us for specific enquiries!

Otherwise, let’s begin.

MBMB premise, signboard, and composite licenses

As a Local Authority, MBMB issues many licenses, but the two most common are:

1. Premise license, and
2. Signboard license

These two licenses allow you to operate on a premise and advertise via a signboard in Melaka, making them necessary for basically all businesses regardless of activity. 

As they are so common, both licenses can be applied for simultaneously under an MBMB composite license or lesen komposit, where applicants must demonstrate they meet MBMB’s premise and signboard requirements.  

Signboard requirements

Signboards within MBMB jurisdiction must follow three types of requirements:

• language
• size
• content

Language

• signboard must contain Malay language approved by Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka
• Malay can be used alone or alongside other languages, and
• if other languages are used, their text must be smaller than Malay text

Size

• signboard must not cover the entire glass, windows, or building façade.
• signboards that project outwards are only allowed from the second floor and above.

Content

• cannot contain offensive or suggestive content
• must include company or business name.
• business activity must be stated in Bahasa Malaysia in upper left corner.
• if brand name is focus, company and SSM details must be in the lower left corner.
• the brand name must be more prominent than the business activity text.
• business license number must be displayed in the lower right corner

Required documents

You’ll need to submit copies of the following:

• a cope of MyKad / Passport
• business registration documents
• front photo of the premises
• location map
• a copy of the floor plan
• two coloured design sketches for each signboard
• a copy of land title / Sale & Purchase Agreement / Tenancy Agreement 
• a copy of Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) / Renovation Completion 
• a copy of latest MBMB assessment tax payment
• a copy of authorisation letter from the company
• customer Personal Data Protection form

This means if you don’t already have a business entity, you’ll need to register an Enterprise or incorporate a Sdn Bhd before applying to MBMB.

Validity period and renewals

MBMB composite licenses are valid for one year from date of issuance, and if there are no issues, must be renewed on the 15th of November each year.

Where to submit your application

Most businesses can choose between a physical and virtual submission.

Option 1: Physical submission

You can visit the MBMB Department of Licensing and Health at MBMB headquarters where you can get all the relevant application forms and submit it with your supporting documents:

For those who value convenience, we recommend the digital option.

Option 2: Virtual submission 

Most businesses can submit their license applications online via MBMB’s eLesen platform.

From here, you can do everything, including renewing your licenses once the time comes. 

As it’s your first time, you’ll need to register a new account and if you’re comfortable with Bahasa Melayu, you’ll likely find the eLesen user manual handy.

And that’s pretty much all you need to know for now!

Pre-application checklist

For a smooth license application, ensure you’ve done the following five things:

• Registered an SSM Enterprise or Sdn Bhd
• Found a suitable premise
• Secured the right supporting documents
• Designed a signboard that complies with MBPP guidelines, and
• Prepared floor plans and taken photos of your premises

All the best, and you know we’re here if you need help, right?

Let MISHU assist your MBMB license application

MISHU’s business license team has helped many businesses across multiple industries with their MBMB business license applications, and we’d love to help you too!