MOTAC License Application Services
MOTAC License Application & Renewal
For tour & ticketing agencies
We handle all preparation, submissions, and renewals with SSM and MOTAC, ensuring you can begin operating as soon as possible.
Our Services
We help apply for / renew licenses from the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism & Culture for the following business activities:
- Inbound tour agency
- Outbound tour agency
- Inbound & outbound tour agency
- Ticketing services
- Umrah travel agency
- Tourist accommodation premises (TAP)
Inbound Tour Agency
For agencies exclusively offering tour packages for domestic destinations in Malaysia who may register to offer additional ticket sales services.
Paid-up capital requirements:
-
Local ownership & urban area: RM200,000
-
Local ownership & rural area: RM150,000
-
100% foreign company: RM1,500,000
-
Singapore & Cambodia ownership, max 70% equity: RM1,000,000
-
Other ASEAN countries, max 51% equity: RM1,000,000
-
Non-ASEAN, max 30% equity: RM500,000
*City vs non-city location determined by type of Local Council for area.
Outbound Tour Agency
For agencies exclusively offering tours for destinations outside Malaysia who may register to offer additional ticket sales services.
Paid-up capital requirements:
-
Local ownership urban & rural: RM200,000
-
Foreign-owned: Not allowed
*Foreign shareholding permitted but agency must be locally-owned
In & Outbound Tour Agency
For agencies offering both domestic and international tour packages, and who may register to offer additional ticket sales services.
Paid-up capital requirements:
-
Local ownership urban & rural: RM200,000
-
Foreign-owned: Not allowed
*Foreign ownership not prohibited but agency must be locally owned
Ticketing Agency
For agencies offering ticketing services such as the sale of plane and train tickets without operating tour packages.
Paid-up capital requirements:
-
Local ownership & urban: RM200,000
-
Local ownership & rural: RM100,000
-
Foreign-owned: Not allowed
*Foreign companies may do ticketing as part of an inbound tour agency but not standalone
Key Requirements
These are general criteria all travel & tour agencies must meet:
- Registered Sdn Bhd with description reflecting tour and travel services
- Company name clearly indicates the nature of the business
- Meet paid-up capital requirement for agency type / location (see above)
- Directors and shareholders not employed by MOTAC
- Physical premises minimum 100 square feet.
- Signboard in compliance with Local Council requirements
- At least one key member completed Travel & Tour Management course
- Register all personnel and assets (after company licensed)
For a full breakdown, see our guide to travel agency setup in Malaysia.
TAP Registraion
A Tourist Accommodation Premises (TAP) license is required for any premise that provides lodging for tourists or short-term visitors in Malaysia.
Besides registration, eligible premises must also undergo a grading process, which helps establish quality standards and market positioning.
Umrah Agency
An Umrah agency is an inbound & outbound travel agency with additional approval from MOTAC to offer Umrah packages by meeting these requirements:
- All directors and shareholders must be Malaysian Muslims
- All directors must complete the KPPU (Umrah Management Course)
- Existing travel licence must have at least 60 days validity remaining
License Renewal
We assist with the renewal of your MOTAC license for both headquarters and branch offices, ensuring full compliance with 2026 guidelines.
Key Requirements:
- Renewal must be submitted 30–60 days before licence expiry
- Late or incomplete submissions may result in penalties or rejection
- Renewal for HQ and branches must be submitted together
- Company must not be under suspension, blacklisted, or have ongoing legal cases and unpaid compounds
Note: Licenses expired for over 1 year may require a new application.
FAQs
You must:
- Incorporate a company
- Meet minimum paid-up capital requirements
- Have a suitable physical premise
- Ensure at least one key employee completes a certified travel course
- Register all tour guides, drivers, and vehicles
- Join a MOTAC-approved association
Yes.
Your company name must clearly reflect the nature of your business, typically including terms like:
- Travel
- Tours
- Holiday
- Vacation
- Adventure
You must include:
“To carry business in Tour Operating Business and / or Travel Agency Business”
It depends on your license type:
- Inbound (domestic): RM150,000 – RM200,000
- Outbound (international): RM150,000 – RM200,000
- Inbound & outbound: RM200,000
Higher requirements apply to foreign-owned companies.
- Inbound: Handles domestic tourism within Malaysia
- Outbound: Organises international travel packages
- Inbound & outbound: Can operate in both markets
Yes, but with restrictions:
- Only foreign companies (not individuals) can be shareholders
- Outbound travel services are not allowed
- Higher paid-up capital is required (up to RM1.5 million)
- Partnering with a local shareholder can reduce requirements
Yes:
- Shareholders must have at least 3 years of tourism industry experience
- Shareholders cannot hold shares in other tourism businesses
- Directors cannot be employees of MOTAC licensing departments
Yes. A physical premise is mandatory and will be inspected by both Local Authorities and MOTAC.
You will need:
- Company incorporation documents (SSM)
- Premise & signboard license (Local Authority)
- Travel agency license (MOTAC)
Typically 2 to 4 months, depending on:
- Document preparation
- Local authority approvals
- MOTAC premise inspection timeline
The general steps are:
- Incorporate your company (3–5 days)
- Apply for premise license (15–30 days)
- Apply via MOTAC’s TOURLIST portal (≈30 days)
- Undergo premise inspection (14–60 days)
- Submit required certificates
- Pay license fee and receive approval
Government fees include:
- Company incorporation: RM1,010
- MOTAC processing fee: RM100
- License fee: RM450 – RM950 annually
- Premise license: varies by municipality
You should also budget for minimum paid-up capital (up to RM200,000 or more).
Yes. At least one key employee must complete a Travel and Tour Management Course (TTMC) and hold a valid certificate.
Yes. Your agency must be a member of at least one MOTAC-approved association such as:
- MATTA
- BUMITRA
- MCTA
- MITTA
- MITA
- CRAM
- MSDA
- PAPUH
It depends on the state:
- Zone A: up to 60 working days
- Zone B: ~30 working days
- Zone C: ~14 working days
No.
Yes, it can be tedious but absolutely.
Got an URGENT question?
Contact us via [email protected] or WhatsApp +60-175159832