For those interested in setting up a spa in Malaysia, this guide fully covers the requirements, processes and timelines involved (and a pitch at the end to let MISHU handle it for you).
Here’s how we’ll break it down:
- We’ll begin with the list of mandatory requirements
- We’ll cover what a typical registration process looks like (timeline included)
- We’ll provide fees when available so you can budget accordingly
But first, a word of warning!
Are you sure about this?
We don’t often ask this of potential clients, but in this case, we feel it wouldn’t be right of us to NOT ask you if you’re certain about setting up a spa.
As of January 2024 there are only 82 active spas in MOTAC’s database, so the market is nowhere near saturated. However, spas in Malaysia were among the hardest hit by Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown in 2020, with news reports that over half the centres in Malaysia had been wiped out by Q3 2021!
As consultants, we urge you to consider the risks of a business fully reliant on in-person service.
Alright, no need to get testy – let’s begin.
Mandatory requirements for a spa
Spas fall under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism (MOTAC), who have set out the following mandatory requirements:
- Qualify for at least one of five spa classifications
- Valid premise and signboard licenses from the Local Authorities
- A list of products used with Notification of Product approval from Ministry of Health
- Staff with correct qualifications, work permits, and of legal working age
- Meet hygeine standards by the Ministry of Health and Local Authorities
- Meet fire and safety standards by Fire and Rescue Department
- Be a member of a spa association recognised by MOTAC (links at the end)
Honestly, compared to other businesses, these are pretty easy to satisfy!
Let’s elaborate on some of them.
Spa classifications
MOTAC uses a star-based system to classify spas, with one star as the lowest and five stars being the higest classification. The rating is determined by assessing a spa based on six criteria with different weightage:
Criteria | Points | Weightage (%) |
---|---|---|
Statutory requirements | 90 | 10 |
Facilities & equipment | 90 | 25 |
Products, treatments, & programs | 70 | 30 |
Standard operating procedures | 80 | 20 |
Staff | 90 | 10 |
Aesthetics | 20 | 5 |
The scores are then adjusted for weightage and tallied based on a maximum score of 100. For your convenience, we’ll just share the requirements to achieve a one-star rating.
Criteria | 1 Star Requirements |
---|---|
Statutory requirements |
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Facilities & equipment |
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Products, treatments, & programs |
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Standard operating procedures |
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Staff |
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Aesthetics |
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Provided you can satisfy these requirements, you’re all good!
If you’re curious, click here to see MOTAC’s official scoring requirements to achieve higher ratings (warning: it’s a long read).
Therapist qualifications
Local therapists have two ways to qualify:
- Certification from a massaging / beauty treatment field from an institution recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources.
- Minimum one year experience in the massaging / beauty treatment industry with a verification letter from the previous employer.
Foreign therapists have only one way to qualify:
- Certifications from a massaging / beauty treatment field recognised by the government of their country of origin and verified by the association party.
It should also go without saying that foreigners need a passport and valid work permit.
Therapist health screenings
For health screenings, local therapists can be screened at any government or private clinic, while foreign therapists must receive a screening from the Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency (FOMEMA).
MOTAC-recognised spa associations
As of Janaury 2024, there are only two such associations:
- Malaysian Association Of Wellness & Spa (MAWSPA)
- Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA)
There is no real difference between them, so feel free to apply for both so that you can satisfy MOTAC’s requirement as soon as possible.
Process & Timeline
While there may be slight variances, consider the following steps, respective timelines, and the documents/fees required.
Fortunately, MOTAC has digitalised their document submissions and license application process via their online portal TOURLIST.
Step | Time Taken | Necessary Documents / Fees |
---|---|---|
1. Company Incorporation | 3 – 5 working days |
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2. Apply for Premise and Signboard License | 15 – 30 working days |
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3. Apply for Spa Certificate of Rating | 30 working days |
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4. Premise Inspection by MOTAC Officers | 10 – 21 working days based on application backlog |
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5. Final Review by Panel and Certificate of Rating | 7 working days after panel decision |
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Spa Certificate of Rating renewal
As mentioned in the table above, a Spa Certiicate of Rating is valid for three years, after which your spa must submit itself for reclassification.
The reclassification application must be submitted three months before the current Certificate of Rating expires. Here are relevant links for a reclassification:
Is that everything you need to know?
Look, we’re big believers in just-in-time learning, and a spa isn’t meant to be rocket science, so take it one step at a time, and whenever you get too stressed, treat yourself to a facial!
Keep in mind that this is a guide to opening a spa in Malaysia.
Successfully running your spa is another matter, and In that sense, no, you probably don’t know everything you need to know.
Worry about that later – let’s get your spa up and running first!
Let MISHU help open your spa
MISHU’s team of business license experts can help make setting up a spa effortless for you. Tell us what you need and we will do our best to assist you – so get in touch!
Hi I sharon here interesting to open baby spa can I know enquire about this business.
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for getting in touch.
Our Client Servicing team will be getting in touch with you, and we wish you all the best with the baby spa!
Sincerely,
The MISHU Editorial Team
I want to know more how to convert my existing business to become spa
Hi Lim,
Thanks for getting in touch – our Client Servicing team will be getting in touch with you asap!
All the best with your spa.
Sincerely,
The MISHU Editorial Team