F&B License Application Services
F&B License Application & Renewal Services
For local and foreign owned restaurants, cafes, kiosks and other food ventures
We handle all preparation, submissions, and renewals with SSM, MOH, Local Councils, KPDNKK, music licensing bodies and more so you can start operating as soon as possible.
Our Services
We provide end-to-end licensing support for businesses looking to set up F&B operations in Malaysia, including:
- Premise & signboard composite license
- MOH FoSIM Health Certificate
- Food Handling Certificate
- Alcohol licenses
- Entertainment licenses
- Music licenses
- HALAL certification
- WRT license
- Petak khas reservation
F&B Licenses
COMPOSITE PREMISE & SIGNBOARD LICENSE
Issued by: Local City Council (PBT)
This license allows a business to use a premise for F&B activities and display a signboard to advertise itself, making it essential for almost every F&B operation. Each Local Council has their own specific rules and fees, but all revolve around ensuring health and safety standards.
For details see our PBT license FAQ.
MOH FoSIM HEATH CERTIFICATE
Issued by: Ministry of Health
This license requires your premises to pass a physical inspection by MOH officers to confirm it meets government health and safety standards for food preparation and serving.
For details see the MOH guide.
FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATE
Issued by: Ministry of Health via accredited trainers
All food handlers including waiters, chefs, and other staff members must attend a certified food handling course and obtain typhoid vaccination. It can be delivered both online and in person but must be by a HRDC-certified food handling training provider.
For more details, see our FAQs on food handling training.
ALCOHOL LICENSES
Issued by: Malaysian Police / Local Authority
For restaurants that intend to sell alcoholic beverages. It is issued by the Local Council and requires coordinating with the local Police Department to obtain a letter of permission. There are two main types of alcohol licenses for restaurants:
- Retail alcohol license for sale of alcoholic beverages to be taken home
- Public house license for sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption
For more details, see our alcohol license FAQs.
MUSIC LICENSES
Issued by: Multiple regulatory bodies
These licences cover different rights holders and are mandatory for any public or live playback of copyrighted music. It is regulated by three bodies each representing a different stakeholder:
- Recording Performers Malaysia Berhad collects for recording performers
- Public Performance Malaysia collects for sound recording owners (record labels)
- Music Authors’ Copyright Protection collects for songwriters and music publishers
Fees are tailored to the premise and differ based on floor size, facilities available, number of seats, and more.
For more details, see our FAQs on music licenses.
HALAL CERTIFICATE
Issued by: Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)
This license certifies that every aspect of an F&B’s operations from logistics to ingredients and processes comply with Islamic dietary laws and requires implementing a Halal Management System (HMS) that passes strict inspection by JAKIM authorities.
There are two levels of HMS based on annual revenue:
- Internal Control Halal System for businesses with annual revenue < RM500,000
- Halal Assurance System for businesses with annual revenue RM500,000 and up
Each has their own requirements and for details, see our guide to Halal certificates for restaurants.
WHOLESALE, RETAIL & TRADE LICENSE
Issued by: Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN)
Required for any F&B business with foreign ownership or investment of 51% and above. It regulates foreign participation in Malaysia’s distributive trade sector and protects smaller local businesses from competition.
For details, see our guide to opening a foreign-owned restaurant in Malaysia.
PETAK KHAS RESERVATION
Issued by: Local Council
Allows restaurants to legally block a certain number of public parking spaces for their use (e.g. for customers or valet use) during business hours.
For details, see our FAQs on PBT petak khas reservations.
FAQs
You need:
- A registered business entity (SSM)
- Mandatory licenses (premise & signboard)
- Food handling certification
- Additional licenses depending on your concept (e.g. halal, alcohol, music
Yes. You must register a business with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) before applying for any restaurant licenses.
Typically 6–7 months, including:
- Company registration: 3–5 days
- Licensing: 1–2 months
- Setup (renovation, hiring, etc.): several months
Generally under RM10,000 for local owned restaurants and just over RM10,000 fore foreign owned operations due to WRT license requirements.
Yes, but they must:
- Use an LLP or Sdn Bhd
- Obtain a WRT license
- Have minimum RM1,000,000 paid-up capital
Generally yes. Most Local Authority licenses can be applied for simultaneously.
A Local Authority (e.g. DBKL, MBSJ) is responsible for:
- Premise licenses
- Signboards
- Alcohol permits
- Parking approvals
Yes, if you want a dedicated parking area, you need approval and inspection from your Local Authority.
The Wholesale, Retail & Trade (WRT) license is required for foreign-owned businesses with over 50% foreign equity.
Yes. You must obtain licenses from the following bodies:
- Recording Performers Malaysia Berhad – collects for recording performers
- Public Performance Malaysia – collects for record labels
- Music Authors’ Copyright Protection Berhad – collects for composers and songwriters
Yes. Live performances require an additional Public Performance License.
Only royalty-free music.
Only if you want to target Muslim customers
Yes. You need:
- Public House License (for on-site consumption)
- Retail License (for takeaway alcohol)
Both are issued by your Local Authority.
Yes.
Yes. You need:
- Public House License (for on-site consumption)
- Retail License (for takeaway alcohol)
Both are issued by your Local Authority.
Got an URGENT question?
Contact us via [email protected] or WhatsApp +60-175159832