WRT License Application & Renewal

For foreign business participation in Malaysian distributive trade

We handle all preparation, submissions, and renewals with SSM and KPDNKK, ensuring you can begin operating as soon as possible.

Our Services

We help foreign-owned businesses apply for / renew the following licenses from the Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade & Cost of Living:

Wholesale, Retail, & Trade (WRT) license
Unregulated Services Sector (USS) license

For those yet to register a Malaysian business entity, we also help with PBT premise license & signboard license applications.

WRT vs USS Licenses

Both WRT and USS licenses apply to foreign-owned companies (50% or more foreign ownership) operating in Malaysia but:

WRT licenses are for trading businesses
USS licenses are for service-based companies

If a business does both trading and service-based activities, it only needs one license which will be based on where most of its revenue comes from.

If you apply for the wrong one, it may get rejected which requires starting the whole application process again.

WRT License

For foreign businesses to engage in trade and sale of products to Malaysian B2C and B2B markets.

Main requirements:

Registered Malaysian Sdn Bhd
Paid-up capital of RM1,000,000

*Specific trades have additional requirements such as higher paid-up capital, local shareholding, and zoning restrictions. For more, see our guide to WRT license requirements..

USS License

For foreign businesses to engage in provision of services to Malaysian B2C and B2B markets.

Main requirements:

Registered Malaysian Sdn Bhd
Paid-up capital of RM1,000,000

*Same steps, fees, and validity period as WRT licenses. For more, see our guide to USS licenses..

Foreign Restaurant

In addition to baseline requirements, foreign-owned F&B businesses must demonstrate their venture will not be in direct competition with small local food operators by introducing novel culinary items and experiences that don’t currently exist in the Malaysian market.

This is done through additional supporting documents which consist of:

A full menu
Photos of the premises and / or products
Documents certifying chef’s or key employee’s qualifications

In an ideal situation, the proposed F&B establishment will serve food from the applicant’s home country with decorations to match.

License Renewal

WRT licenses are valid for one to three years, and renewals must be submitted at least three months before they expire. Renewal is relatively straightforward if KPDN requirements are still met and the submission is made within the required time limit.

Upon renewal, the license is valid for a further one to three years depending on the discretion of the KPDN officer.

FAQs

What is a WRT license?

A Wholesale, Retail, and Trade (WRT) license is issued by the Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade allowing a specific foreign business that meets their requirements to operate within a defined distributive trade niche.

What is the definition of 'distributive trade' in Malaysia?

All activities that channel goods and services from the supply chain to intermediaries or final buyers through physical or electronic transactions. This includes wholesalers, retailers, franchises, direct sellers, and online businesses.

What is the definition of a 'foreign business'?

Any individual who is not a Malaysian citizen (including permanent residents):

Foreign companies or institutions
Local companies where foreign interests hold more than 50 percent of the voting rights

All the above are required to obtain approval from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) via a WRT license to operate legally.

Do foreign-owned restaurants need a WRT license?

Yes, in fact it needs additional supporting documents to satisfy KPDN that it will not directly compete with local F&B outlets.

What are requirements for foreign businesses to enter distributive trade sectors?

Regardless of specific activity, the business must incorporate a local company under the Companies Act 2016 and have a minimum paid up capital of RM1 million.

Depending on activity, businesses may be further required to:

• Have paid up capital of up to RM50 million

• Appoint Bumiputera directors

• Allocate shares for Bumiputeras

• Allocate shelf space for Bumiputera products

• Hire local personnel

• Limit percentage of low-skilled foreign workers

Are foreign businesses prohibited from any distributive sectors in Malaysia?

Foreign businesses are generally prohibited from participating in the following niches:

• Supermarkets and mini-market
• Provision shops and general vendor
• Fuel station
• Permanent wet market or pavement store
• Non-exclusive textile, food and beverage, or jewelry shop
• News agents and medical halls

How long is a WRT license valid for?

One to three years, with one year being most common for first time applicants.

How long does a WRT license application take?

In our experience, two months on the low end and up to four months depending on case complexity and application volume.

How much does a WRT application cost?

Currently KPDN does not impose an application or processing fee.

Third party providers do charge for assistance, and we welcome enquiries for a tailored quotation.