Corporate Secretarial Services
If you're starting for the first time, choosing
the right business structure can feel confusing.
Answer a few simple questions about what you're
planning and we'll help you understand which
structure may be worth considering as a starting point.
That's okay. Tell us a little about the business
you're thinking of setting up. You don't need to
know the technical terms: just choose the answer
that best describes your situation.
Based on the answers you've provided,
Sdn. Bhd.
may be one structure worth considering.
This is a general starting point rather than
a final determination of the structure that
should be used.
Starting a Business
in Malaysia?
Not sure where to start?
Sdn. Bhd.
Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.)
A Sdn. Bhd. is one of the most commonly used business structures in Malaysia. It is a separate legal entity and generally provides limited liability to its shareholders.
Incorporation process
Check the availability of the proposed company name with SSM.
Prepare the required director, shareholder, registered office and business information.
Submit the incorporation application and prescribed fees.
SSM issues the Notice of Registration upon successful registration.
What you'll generally need
Public Company (Berhad)
A Public Company is a company structure generally suitable for larger businesses that may wish to raise capital from a broader group of investors.
Typical process
Determine the proposed ownership, directors and capital structure.
Reserve the proposed name and prepare the required documents.
Submit the incorporation application to SSM.
Complete the required corporate and statutory setup.
Common considerations
Company Limited By Guarantee
A Company Limited by Guarantee is commonly used for non-profit, charitable, professional, social or community-based purposes rather than for distributing profits to members.
Typical setup process
Define the organisation's intended purpose and activities.
Prepare the governing framework and membership arrangements.
Submit the required application and supporting documents.
Complete registration and ongoing statutory requirements.
Foreign Company Registration
A foreign company may establish a presence in Malaysia by registering its existing overseas company to operate locally, subject to the applicable registration requirements.
Typical registration process
Gather the foreign company's constitutional and registration documents.
Confirm the proposed Malaysian registration details.
Submit the required foreign company registration documents.
Complete post-registration statutory and administrative requirements.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
An LLP combines elements of a traditional partnership with separate legal personality and limited liability. It may be suitable for professional practices and smaller businesses with multiple partners.
Typical registration process
Determine the proposed partners and business activities.
Check the availability of the proposed LLP name.
Prepare partner, compliance officer and business information.
Submit the registration application to SSM.
Cessation of Business
Businesses that are no longer operating may need to consider the appropriate closure process, depending on the entity type, financial position and regulatory status.
Typical closure process
Review the company's current status and outstanding obligations.
Consider the appropriate statutory method based on circumstances.
Attend to relevant corporate, financial and regulatory matters.
Complete the relevant filing or closure procedure.
Not sure which structure is right for you?
Speak with ASI and we can help you understand the available options for your business.
Company Compliance Clock
Enter your company's Financial Year End or Incorporation Date to see an indicative view of your key compliance dates.
Your Compliance Timeline
Based on the dates you entered.
Financial Statements
Private company / Sdn. Bhd.Annual Return
First Annual Return cycleNot sure about your deadline?
You don't have to figure it out alone. Speak to the ASI team and let us help you understand your company's compliance timeline.
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