Here’s a simple seven-item checklist of all the information you’ll need to register a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia whether as a Malaysian or foreigner.
If you prefer having a list that works offline, make a copy of our Sdn Bhd registration checklist.
In case you need extra help with finding information, we’ve included links to detailed guides for each item on the checklist – sometimes we just can’t help ourselves from being so thoughtful!
At the end, we discuss your next steps once you’ve ticked all the boxes.
Let’s begin.
Checklist For Company Incorporation
1. Proposed company name(s)
Think of more than one unique name just in case your first choice has already been taken by another company or does not comply with SSM company naming guidelines.
If the name is not in Malay or English, please explain the meaning behind it.
2. Business details
Describe the nature of your business with:
- Up to three MSIC codes, and
- A long-form business description of up to 200 words
3. Business address
This is where your business will operate and must be a Malaysian address.
If you haven’t found premises or plan to operate from home, you can always use your Malaysian residential address (but it must be changed later to reflect where you do business).
If you’re a foreigner without a Malaysian address, get in touch with us about using MISHU’s address temporarily.
4. Local resident / nominee director
Sdn Bhds must have at least one director residing in Malaysia, though they may be a foreigner with a valid employment pass.
The following information about each director is required:
- full name
- Malaysian residential residence
- phone number
- email address
- scanned copy of MyKad / Passport
- (for foreigners) proof of residential address, e.g. latest utility bills / tenancy agreement / bank account statement header showing name and address
5. Shareholder details
Sdn Bhds must have at least one shareholder who may be a corporate body or foreigner (outside of certain industries which prohibit 100% foreign ownership).
The following information about each shareholder is required:
- full name
- residential address
- phone number
- email address
- scanned copy of MyKad / Passport
- (for foreigners) proof of residential address, e.g. latest utility bills / tenancy agreement / bank account statement header showing name and address
- (for corporate bodies) company profile and authorised representative’s name and MyKad / passport
6. Share structure details
Please prepare the following information about your company’s share structure:
- paid up share capital (standard practice is RM100)
- share price (standard practice is RM1/share)
- number of shares to be issued (with a share capital of RM100 and share price of RM1, standard practice is to issue 100 shares)
- number of shareholders and their shareholding proportions
7. Appoint a Company Secretary
Under Malaysia’s Company Act 2016, all Sdn Bhds must appoint a Company Secretary within 30 days of incorporating.
To grossly simplify things, a Company Secretary’s duties are mainly to do with advising the Director on matters of statutory compliance and directly handling mandatory annual submissions to SSM.
A summary of the checklist
That’s probably a lot to take in, so here’s a summary of everything in a simple table.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Company Name(s) | Think of more than one name. |
| Business Details | Up to three MSIC codes and a 200-word business description. |
| Business Address | Must be a Malaysian address. |
| Director | Can be local or foreign but at least one must reside in Malaysia. |
| Shareholder | At least one and can be corporation or foreigner, subject to industry restrictions. |
| 6. Share Structure Details | Paid-up share capital, share price, number of shares to be issued, and number of shareholders and their shareholding proportions. |
| 7. Appoint a Company Secretary | Must appoint a Company Secretary within 30 days of incorporating. |
Once you have all the information on hand, time to proceed with incorporating your company!
What to do next
All company incorporation applications are submitted to SSM via MyCoID, their registration portal.
If you’re based in Malaysia, you can choose between:
- handling the incorporation yourself, or
- engaging a consultant like MISHU to incorporate on your behalf
If cost-savings are a priority, our guide to DIY company incorporation in Malaysia walks you through the process but note you will need to physically visit an SSM branch and if SSM is unsatisfied with your application, they may reject it and delay your plans.
If you value convenience and expertise, we recommend engaging a business consultant (doesn’t have to be us, but we’ve been so helpful so why not?) to remove the burden of dealing with SSM for a small fee.
Either way, we wish you a merry incorporation and a happy Annual Returns!
Let MISHU help incorporate your Sdn Bhd
If you want to skip the hassle of incorporating yourself, MISHU’s team is here to help you every step of the way, freeing you to fully focus on growing your business from day one.