Question 1

Do documents from abroad need to be legalised for a Malaysian company?

Accepted Answer

For individual founders, certified passport and address copies are usually enough. Documents of a foreign corporate shareholder, such as its certificate of incorporation, often need to be notarised and legalised. Malaysia is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so an apostille alone may not be accepted; we confirm the route for your country first.

Question 2

What must my Malaysian company name include?

Accepted Answer

A private company name ends with “Sendirian Berhad” or “Sdn. Bhd.”. SSM rejects names that are identical to existing ones or that it considers undesirable, and some words need approval from another authority. We search your three choices on SSM's system before filing.

Question 3

Why is the Malaysian resident director quoted separately?

Accepted Answer

Because the fee depends on the role you need and the risk of your activity. The director is a real officer with legal duties, is recorded with SSM and has to be comfortable with the business. If you or a colleague already live in Malaysia, you do not need this service at all.

Question 4

Which company documents will a Malaysian bank ask for?

Accepted Answer

Typically the SSM company profile, the constitution if you adopted one, a board resolution naming the account signatories, and identity documents for directors and main shareholders. Many banks also want a business plan and to meet the signatories. We prepare the pack; the bank decides and sets its own list.

Question 5

Will I have to fly to Malaysia to open the company's bank account?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Several Malaysian banks ask account signatories to attend a branch meeting, although some accept a resident director as signatory or run video checks. Plan the trip for after the company is registered and the documents are ready, so one visit is enough.

Question 6

When does my new Malaysian company first deal with the tax office?

Accepted Answer

Within 3 months of starting business, it submits an estimate of its tax payable (form CP204) to HASiL. Instalments then start from the sixth month of the basis period. A company that has not started operating does not need to submit an estimate.

Question 7

When is the Malaysian company tax return due?

Accepted Answer

Form C, the company income tax return, is due within 7 months after the end of the accounting period, and any balance of tax is paid by the same date. It is based on the company's accounts, which are audited unless the company is exempt. We plan the audit so it finishes in time.

Question 8

Does my Malaysian company need to register for sales and service tax?

Accepted Answer

Only if it makes taxable goods or provides taxable services above the registration threshold, which for most businesses is MYR 500,000 of taxable sales in 12 months (confirm with your specialist). Some services have a different threshold. We check your activity against the current rules at the planning stage.

Question 9

How do I change a director of my Malaysian company?

Accepted Answer

The company updates its register and notifies SSM through MyCoID within 14 days of the change. At least one director must still ordinarily reside in Malaysia after the change, or SSM will not accept it. The licensed secretary prepares the resolution and lodges the notice.

Question 10

How do I close a Malaysian company I no longer use?

Accepted Answer

If it has stopped business and has no assets or liabilities, apply to SSM to strike it off under section 550 of the Companies Act 2016. The application fee is MYR 100, and you first need clearance from HASiL and other agencies owed money (confirm with your specialist). A company with assets or debts is wound up instead.

Malaysia company help: answers by topic

Getting started

Do documents from abroad need to be legalised for a Malaysian company?

What must my Malaysian company name include?

Pricing & payment

Why is the Malaysian resident director quoted separately?

Banking

Which company documents will a Malaysian bank ask for?

Will I have to fly to Malaysia to open the company's bank account?

Compliance

When does my new Malaysian company first deal with the tax office?

When is the Malaysian company tax return due?

Does my Malaysian company need to register for sales and service tax?

After incorporation

How do I change a director of my Malaysian company?

How do I close a Malaysian company I no longer use?

Your privacy choices

Getting started

Do documents from abroad need to be legalised for a Malaysian company?

What must my Malaysian company name include?

Pricing & payment

Why is the Malaysian resident director quoted separately?

Banking

Which company documents will a Malaysian bank ask for?

Will I have to fly to Malaysia to open the company's bank account?

Compliance

When does my new Malaysian company first deal with the tax office?

When is the Malaysian company tax return due?

Does my Malaysian company need to register for sales and service tax?

After incorporation

How do I change a director of my Malaysian company?

How do I close a Malaysian company I no longer use?

Also useful for your Malaysia company

Your privacy choices