Business Licenses in Malaysia

Having your company incorporated in Malaysia does not mean that you have the right to commence your business right away.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain the requisite licenses, consents, permits, registrations and/or authorisations from the relevant governmental, statutory, or regulatory bodies, authorities or agencies before you are permitted to run your business.

Did you know?
There are more than 300 types of business licenses in Malaysia and we can assist you to apply for these licenses.

Business License cover

Business Premise License

Lesen Premis

What it is: Permission from the Local Authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan) for a business to operate on physical premises within the jurisdiction of said authority. To be displayed on the premises at all times. There are some of the samples.

Business-Premise-License
Business-Premise-License

Types Of Business Premise License

There are different types of business premise license in Malaysia. The business premise license that your business requires will depend on the nature of your business. 

 

For certain types of business activities that are not as straightforward, the relevant town council will assess and determine whether a business falls under the relevant license category where an application has been made.

 

Certain businesses are also required to obtain supporting documents from the appropriate ministry and/or other relevant governmental body before it is permitted to make an application for the business premise license.

These are some the most common and straightforward business premise licenses in Malaysia

Office License

Pejabat Urusan

Shoe Store License

Kedai Kasut

Flower Shop License

Kedai Bunga

Barber Shop License

Kedai Gunting Rambut

F&B Restaurant License

Kedai Makanan

Place To Submit The Application

The application for the business premise license is to be made to the relevant town council where your premises is located.

 

To determine which town council has an authority over your premises, you are advised to provide us with a copy of an Assessment Receipt (Cukai Taksiran/Pintu) issued by the town council in respect of your premises.

 

While your address may indicate that your premises is located in Kuala Lumpur, the town council regulating your premises may not necessary be Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), but rather, it could be other local authority.

What you need to know

 

1. There are different types of Business Premise Licenses in Malaysia, and the specific license you need depends on the nature of your business.

 

2. For certain business activities that are more tightly regulated, the Local Authorities will assess and determine whether a business falls under the license category applied for.

 

3. Certain businesses are required to obtain supporting documents from the relevant Government Ministry and/or other relevant regulatory bodies before it is permitted to apply for a Business Premise License.

 

4. The fees for a Business Premise License will depend on the nature of a business as well as the floor area of the premises (for certain businesses).

 

5. Business Premise Licenses are typically valid for one (1) year from the date of approval/renewal. Such license can be renewed every year by just paying the prescribed renewal fee.

Fees Payable to Local Authority

The fees payable to the local authority for the business premise license will also depend on the nature of your business, and for certain businesses, it will also be subject to the floor area of the premises.

License Period

Typically, a business license granted by the local authority is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of application approval/ renewal approval. Such license can be renewed every year by just paying the prescribed renewal fee.

We can help deal with the Local Authorities and secure the necessary licenses for business owners.

We Require The Following Documents From You:

1. A copy of complete set of SSM documents

2. A copy of the Sale and Purchase Agreement OR Tenancy Agreement

3. A copy of the applicant’s identity card OR passport photo

4. A copy of your office layout plan

5. Photographs of the business premises

6. A copy of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) OR Certificate of Fitness (CF)

7. Quit Rent (Cukai Tanah) and Assessment (Cukai Taksiran/ Pintu) receipts

8. A copy of the Fire Department’s support letter/ Bomba Certificate

9. Photographs of the outer part of your premises showing where the signboard will be displayed

10. A colour visual of the signboard indicating design, colours and physical measurement

MISHU Has Wealth Of Experience Applying The Following Licenses:

  • Business Premise License Signboard License
  • Wholesale and Retail Distribution Trade (WRT) License
  • Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) License
  • Liquor License
  • Music License
  • Malaysia Digital (MD) Status
  • Labour (JTK) License
  • Ministry of Education (MoE) License
  • Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) License
  • National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) License
  • Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) License

Signage Advertisement License

Lesen Iklan Papan Tanda

What it is: Permission from the Local Authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan) for a business to display a signboard outside its premises or kiosk (such as in a mall).

We normally encourage our clients to apply for business premise and signage advertisement license together to save costs. It is also to be noted that certain town councils have made it mandatory to apply for both business and signage advertisement license at the same time.

What you need to know

1. The nature of your business must be clearly stated on the signboard in Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia), together with your company name and business license number.

 

2. The Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia) portion to be displayed must be approved by the Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka). It typically takes about one (1) to three (3) days to obtain the approval from the Institute.

 

3.The signboard must not be mounted over any glass structure, window, façade or obstruct any view or walkway.

 

4. Any visuals related to alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and indecent acts are prohibited.

 

5. Signage Advertisement Licenses are typically valid for one (1) year from the date of approval/renewal. Such license can be renewed every year by just paying the prescribed renewal fee.

Requirement Of A Signboard

The nature of your business must be clearly set out in Malay Language (Bahasa Malaysia) on the signboard, together with your company name and business license number.

 

Further, for the town council to approve the placement of the signboard on your premises, you must also ensure that the signboard will not be mounted over any glass structure, window, façade or obstruct any view or walkway.

 

Any visuals related to alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, indecent photographs are also prohibited to be displayed on the signboard.

Sample:

sample of signboard illustration for license application with mbpj

Additional Process and Duration

The Malay Language (Bahasa Malaysia) to be displayed on the signboard must be approved by the Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka). It typically takes about one (1) to three (3) days to obtain the approval from the Institute.

License Period

Typically, a signboard license granted by the local authority is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of application approval/ renewal approval. Such license can be renewed every year by just paying the prescribed renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of business licenses?

At a high level, there are three (3) types:

*General business licenses applicable to most businesses

*Industry-specific licenses

*Activity-specific licenses that cover two or more industries

What are the most common types of business licenses?

That would be general business licenses, which consist of a Business Premise License allowing a business to operate on a physical premise within a certain jurisdiction, and a Signboard License, permitting a business to display a signboard outside its premises or kiosk.

How long does it take to secure all business licenses?

It depends, though on average most businesses should be able to secure their necessary licenses within 14 days.

How much does it cost on average to secure all necessary licenses?

A composite license typically starts from RM650, but an accurate estimate depends on business details including geographic location and premise size. For a tailored estimate, get in touch!

How can MISHU help?

Our team is experienced with the details and nuances surrounding applying for and securing various business licenses in Malaysia. By engaging us, the application process is completed significantly faster, allowing business owners to begin operating sooner.

 

In short, whatever you need, we can get it for you much faster.

Which body of authority issues business licenses?

General licenses are issued by the local authority of a certain area, while activity and industry-specific licences are issued by the relevant government ministry.

Do you need a business license to incorporate?

No, but the business licenses are needed to operate legally.

What happens if you're running a business and don't have a business license?

You may run the risk of getting fine and compound by the local authorities. Certain licenses may even impose jail punishment for non-compliance.

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