A Complete Guide To MBSJ Business License Applications
To entrepreneurs planning to operate within the jurisdiction of Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), this guide explains how to apply for a business license from them.
Here’s how we’ve broken it down:
- areas under MBSJ jurisdiction
- what an ‘MBSJ business licenses’ means
- the three license categories
- required documents
- license fees, validity periods, renewals, and
- where to apply
Note: Our guide to MBSJ signboard licenses offers a more concise read for those seeking signage information, while we take a much broader look at MBSJ business licensing here.
Also, we write these guides to provide a convenient source of information, but MBSJ is amazing at documentation, so feel free to browse their licensing section–we make money from helping you apply 😛
Otherwise, let’s begin.
Areas under MBSJ jurisdiction
Funnily enough, Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya manages a lot more more than Subang Jaya!
Its territory spans over 160 square kilometres across 24 zones; too many to list here but if your premises are located in:
- Subang Jaya city
- USJ
- Bandar Sunway
- Putra Heights
- Seri Kembangan, or
- Southern parts of Puchong
It falls under MBSJ jurisdiction!
You can see a full list of areas managed by MBSJ here.
What’s an MBSJ business license?
MBSJ issues several types of business licenses and ‘applying for an MBSJ business license’ really means applying for all the ones you need.
This will differ depending on business, but the two most common are:
- Premise license, and
- Signboard license
These allow you to operate and advertise within MBSJ jurisdiction, making them essential for nearly all businesses, and they are applied for together under an MBSJ composite license.
When you apply, you must show you meet their premise and signboard requirements.
Note: MBSJ also issues licenses for alcohol sales, entertainment, and many other activities–get in touch if you need clarification on your needs.
License categories
MBSJ separates license applications into three categories based on the risk of a business activity and their corresponding requirements.
Category A
These are for businesses with a higher risk of engaging in illegal activities and require a proposal paper to be submitted before you can proceed with the application.
There are three types of businesses under Category A:
- beauty centres
- cyber cafes
- entertainment venues like pubs
Ah, how long since we’ve seen an actual cyber cafe anywhere in Malaysia!
Category B
Businesses in this tier don’t really have a high risk of doing illegal stuff, but require additional supporting documents from other government agencies.
There are 41 types of businesses under Category B and here’s a full list.
Category C
Businesses in this tier can receive immediate approval if the application is complete, and a six-month permit is issued that allows successful applicants to operate right away.
MBSJ officers will conduct an inspection around a month from the date of submission and if the business satisfies all premise and signboard requirements, it receives the full annual license.
As there are 453 types of businesses under Category C, chances are your business is too.
Signboard requirements
Here’s a sample of a signboard that complies with MBSJ’s requirements.
There are three main categories of requirements to keep in mind::
- content
- language, and
- technical specs
Content
- cannot contain offensive or suggestive content
- business activity must be stated in Bahasa Malaysia in upper left corner.
- company name and SSM number must be stated at bottom left corner
- MBSJ, account number, and approval year must be stated at the bottom right corner
Language
- must contain Malay language approved by Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka
- Malay can be used alone or alongside other languages, and
- if other languages are used, Malay text must be at least 30% larger
Technical specs
- must not cover entire windows or building façades
- signboards projecting outwards are only allowed from the 2nd floor and above
- no flashing lights
Premise requirements
Certain businesses have additional premise restrictions, for example:
- entertainment businesses cannot be near religious institutions or residential areas
- business dealing with live animals cannot be next to restaurants or clinics and vice versa
- car and motorcycle workshops must be in light industrial areas
The list goes on and on, and for the most part, regardless of business type, all premises will be inspected for cleanliness and safety.
Required documents
All businesses will need to submit the following documents:
- copy of MyKad / Passport
- business registration documents
- front photo of the premises
- location map
- a copy of the floor plan
- coloured design of signboard with measurements
- copy of land title / Sale & Purchase Agreement / Tenancy Agreement
- copy of Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) / Renovation Completion
- copy of latest assessment tax payment
Depending on your business types, you’ll need to submit additional supporting documents from your respective governing bodies.
Validity period, fees, and renewals
MBSJ composite licenses are valid for one year from date of issuance.
Premise license fees vary by business type and size, but in our experience, expect around:
- RM200 – RM500 for office / retail outlets
- RM500 for F&B outlets
- RM1,000 for businesses operating in factories and industrial sectors
Meanwhile, the annual fee for a signboard license depends on its size and whether it’s illuminated.
In our experience, an MBSJ signboard license averages RM100 – RM300 annually.
Where to submit your application
Most businesses can choose between a physical and virtual submission.
Option 1: Physical submission
You can visit the MBSJ headquarters in USJ 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
MBSJ business licenses can applied for and renewed online via their Elesen portal.
First time visitors need to create an account–here’s MBSJ’s official user guide.
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
- secured the right supporting documents
- found a suitable premise
- designed a suitable signboard, 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 help with your MBSJ license application
We’d love to help you prepare documents for your MBSJ business license application and apply on your behalf. Get in touch and we’ll help where possible!