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Sdn. Bhd. Company Incorporation in Malaysia

Register your Malaysian private limited company with SSM — from name search to Notice of Registration, statutory registers and your first board resolution.

Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) Issuing authorityCompanies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
Our feeRM 2,980per application
Government fees included Start on WhatsApp →
At a glance
AuthoritySSM · Companies Act 2016
Typical timeline3–5 working days
Foreign ownershipUp to 100% in most sectors
Minimum1 director · 1 shareholder
  1. 1Structure consultationDay 1
  2. 2Name searchDay 1–2
  3. 3Section 14 lodgementDay 2–3
  4. 4RegistrationDay 3–5
  5. 5Post-incorporation set-upDone
9documents to prepare
5steps, handled by us
4items delivered to you

Quick answer

A Sdn. Bhd. is incorporated with SSM under Section 14 of the Companies Act 2016 and is typically registered in 3–5 working days. It needs at least one director and one shareholder (they can be the same person), at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia (s.196), and a licensed company secretary appointed within 30 days. Foreigners can own 100% in most sectors.

Last reviewed： · Reviewed by：ONEKEY BIZ compliance team

01

Overview

A Sdn. Bhd. (Sendirian Berhad) is a private company limited by shares, incorporated with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) under Section 14 of the Companies Act 2016. It is a separate legal entity: the company owns its assets and contracts, and shareholders' liability is limited to the capital they put in.

It is the structure banks, landlords, government agencies and most clients expect. Nearly every licence you may need next — CIDB, business premise licences, the ESD account for work passes, WRT — is issued to a Sdn. Bhd.

The legal minimum is one director and one shareholder (they can be the same person), but at least one director must ordinarily reside in Malaysia under Section 196, and a licensed company secretary must be appointed under Sections 235–236. We guide foreign founders through both.

Who needs this

  • Foreign founders setting up their first Malaysian entity
  • Local entrepreneurs moving from an enterprise (Enterprise / PLT) to a Sdn. Bhd.
  • Groups creating a Malaysian subsidiary or a separate project company
  • Businesses that need CIDB, ESD or WRT — all require a Sdn. Bhd.

02

Documents you need to prepare

Company details

  • 1–3 proposed company names in order of preference
  • Nature of business and MSIC code(s)
  • Proposed paid-up capital and shareholding split
  • Registered office address, if you have one (we can provide one)

Every director & shareholder

  • IC (Malaysians) or passport (foreigners) copy
  • Residential address
  • Email address and mobile number
  • For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, constitution and board resolution

Beneficial ownership

  • Particulars of every natural person who ultimately owns or controls the company, for the register of beneficial owners
  • At least one director must ordinarily reside in Malaysia (Section 196). If none of your directors do, ask us about a compliance-appointed resident director.
  • The company name is subject to SSM availability and approval.

03

How to get it done with ONEKEY BIZ

  1. 1
    Structure consultation Day 1

    We confirm shareholding, directors, resident-director arrangement and business codes.

  2. 2
    Name search Day 1–2

    We check availability and reserve your preferred name with SSM.

  3. 3
    Section 14 lodgement Day 2–3

    We prepare the declarations and consents and lodge the incorporation through MyCoID.

  4. 4
    Registration Day 3–5

    SSM issues the Notice of Registration under Section 17.

  5. 5
    Post-incorporation set-up Done

    First board resolution, statutory registers, share allotment and bank-opening resolution.

You do

  • Choose names and business activity
  • Provide director and shareholder documents
  • Sign the consents and declarations

We do

  • Advise on structure and resident director
  • Run the name search and lodge the Section 14 application
  • Prepare the first board resolution and statutory registers
  • Act as company secretary from day one

04

What you receive

SSM Notice of Registration (Section 17)

Official confirmation that your company is incorporated, with its registration number.

Company profile (Section 14 information)

SSM record showing company details, directors, shareholders and registered address.

First Directors' Circular Resolution

Covers registered office, secretary appointment, financial year end, share allotment and bank-account opening.

Statutory registers & share certificates

Registers of members, directors, secretaries and beneficial owners, plus share certificates for each shareholder.

Sample issued to a real client (sensitive details redacted)
Sdn. Bhd. Company Incorporation in Malaysia — sample certificate

Rules and requirements in detail

How to Incorporate a Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia 2026Read the guide →Sdn Bhd vs sole prop, partnership, LLP and foreign branchRead the guide →Malaysia Tuition Centre Equity Rules & School Licences 2026Read the guide →

Real clients we've done this for

DINGLITECH →RASASOUL →KERON →

Official sources

  1. Companies Act 2016 — ss.14, 17, 196, 235 (SSM)
  2. SSM MyCoID / ezBiz portal

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Sdn. Bhd.?

Yes, in most sectors. Some regulated sectors (e.g. certain distributive trade) have extra conditions such as a WRT licence and higher capital.

What is the minimum paid-up capital?

The Companies Act has no general minimum — but licences you apply for later may require more (e.g. CIDB G3 RM50,000, WRT RM1 million).

Do I need a company secretary?

Yes. A licensed company secretary must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation under the Companies Act 2016.