Asia
Private limited company (Sdn. Bhd.) · RM1,000 incorporation fee for a company limited by shares · appoint a company secretary within 30 days
100% foreign equity in new manufacturing projects
Foreign investors can wholly own new manufacturing projects, including expansions by existing companies, regardless of export level. Services activities follow their own sector regulators, so check equity rules for the specific activity.
At least one director ordinarily resides in Malaysia
A private company needs a locally resident director aged at least 18. The company secretary must be a qualified Malaysian citizen or permanent resident ordinarily living in Malaysia.
RM1,000 incorporation fee for a company limited by shares
Name reservation, professional support and operational licences can add to the bill. This is the SSM incorporation charge.
Ecosystem evidence, not proof of demand for your product. Validate customers, competition and economics before investing.
Device businesses can assess production partners and combinations of electronics, software and medical technology.
MIDA describes regional business establishments and service operations. Use the location context to assess your network; check current incentives separately.
A representative or regional office suits research, planning and coordinating affiliates, but it cannot trade, hold warehousing or sign contracts. Selling or invoicing in Malaysia needs a company or other licensed presence.
MIDA approves offices that research, plan and coordinate regional affiliates, funded from abroad with at least RM300,000 annual spending. They cannot trade, sign contracts or charge fees.
Prepare the proposed activities, shareholders, directors and registered office for incorporation. At least one director must ordinarily reside in Malaysia.
The secretary must meet SSM’s qualification and residence requirements. Include the appointment in the launch timetable.
MIDA facilitates expatriate-post and pass applications for manufacturing and selected services. Use the relevant immigration platform and obtain the approvals required for the company’s sector and location.
Expatriate positions normally need a 30-day MYFutureJobs advertisement. Exemptions include specified senior posts, qualifying shareholders, transfers and representative offices; check the post’s category before applying.
Name approval and the incorporation application are separate requirements.
National observations help frame the market. They do not measure demand for your specific product.
36m
people · 2025
136.4% of GDP
2025
US$472bn
USD · 2025
98.0% of population
2024
5.2%
2025
Tell us what you sell, where you operate and what you want to achieve.
Information on this page is compiled from official and public sources, linked and dated next to each item. It is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and rules change. Please confirm with the source or a qualified adviser before acting. ExpandUs Global accepts no liability for decisions made using this information.
