Foreign Company Registration in Malaysia
Who this is for
Foreign entrepreneurs, investors and overseas companies have two routes into Malaysia. You can set up a new Sdn. Bhd. with foreign shareholders, or an overseas company can register in Malaysia as a foreign company. If you plan to register an existing overseas company, speak to us and we will explain the requirements.
Setting up a Sdn. Bhd. with foreign shareholders
Both Malaysians and foreigners may set up a Sdn. Bhd., subject to the requirements for the business and industry. In many businesses 100% foreign ownership may be possible. Some industries, licences or government approvals have local ownership or capital requirements, so speak to us before you decide on a structure. A corporation can also be a shareholder.
A Sdn. Bhd. must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia, and a company cannot be registered without one. A foreigner can be that director, even a sole director, if they ordinarily reside in Malaysia. Residency can be shown with a tenancy agreement, utility bills or bank statements.
Registering an overseas company as a foreign company
When an overseas company registers in Malaysia, some choices follow its place of origin:
- The company is registered under the same name as in its place of origin, if that name is available.
- The directorship and shareholder structure follow the place of origin.
- The financial year end follows the place of origin.
- A foreigner who resides in Malaysia can act as the company’s agent.
What you need to prepare
- Identification details of the directors and shareholders, your proposed company names, your business activities and contact details.
- A registered office address in Malaysia.
- For a Sdn. Bhd., a qualified company secretary. We can act as your company secretary.
- Your paid-up capital. It can start from RM1, but the right amount depends on your business, banking requirements, licences, foreign ownership, employment passes and future plans.
How long it takes
For incorporating a new Sdn. Bhd., we normally advise clients to allow approximately 7 working days. This depends on company name approval and on all the required information and documents being complete.
Why ASI
ASI Secretarial has supported businesses in Malaysia since 1995 and has its office at Megan Avenue 1 in Kuala Lumpur. After incorporation, the same team can help with company secretarial work, accounting, tax and payroll. Prices start from RM4,300 and depend on service scope and additional requirements.
WhatsApp Us → Call 03-2770 8133
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FAQs
1) Can a different name be used to register a foreign Company in Malaysia?
No. The foreign Company shall be registered under the same name as registered in its place of origin, provided the name is available.
2) What happened if the name from the origin company is not available to be reserved?
With the approval from the registrar (SSM), company may reserve other name which is different from the place of origin.
3) Can the foreign company change its agent after the establishment?
Yes, at any time and to notify the registrar (SSM) within 14 days from the effective date of the changes.
4) Can the foreigner become the agent?
Foreigner who is residing in Malaysia can become an agent for the foreign company. The proof of residing in Malaysia must be attached such as tenancy agreement any utilities bill under their name.
5) Can the foreign company has its own structure of Directorship and Shareholding?
No. The Directorship and Shareholders structure must follow the structure from the place of origin.
