Malaysia offers a structured process for foreign companies looking to establish their presence under the Malaysian Companies Act 2016 (CA2016).
What is a Foreign Company?
A foreign company is defined under CA2016 as:
- A company, corporation, society, association, or other body incorporated outside Malaysia; or
- an unincorporated society, association or other body which under the law of its place of origin may sue or be sued, or hold property in the name of the secretary or other officer of the body or association duly appointed for that purpose and which does not have its head office or principal place of business in Malaysia.
Role of the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM)
The Companies Commission of Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia – SSM) is responsible for regulating and registering foreign companies operating in Malaysia. CCM ensures compliance with corporate laws and maintains a robust business environment through regulatory enforcement.
How to Register a Foreign Company in Malaysia
Step 1: Name Search & Reservation
Before registration, a name search must be conducted via the CCM online system (MyCoID) to ensure availability. The application fee for name reservation is RM50. The approved name will be valid for 30 days from the approval date.
Step 2: Submission of Registration Documents
Once the company name is approved, the registration documents must be submitted within 30 days. If additional time is required, an extension may be requested.
Required Documents:
- Certified copy of the company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Registration.
- Certified copy of the company’s charter, statute, or Memorandum & Articles of Association (if available).
- Details of shareholders, directors, and members, including identification, nationality, and place of residence.
- List of company shareholders at the place of origin.
- For companies with share capital: Details of share classes and numbers.
- For companies without share capital: Contribution details of members.
- A memorandum of appointment or power of attorney authorising a Malaysian resident as the company’s agent.
- Name and address of the appointed Malaysian resident agent.
- Additional documents, such as a copy of the name application approval.
Note: If any documents are not in Malay or English, a certified translation is required.
Registration Fees
The registration fees are based on the company’s share capital:
| Share Capital (RM) | Fees (RM) |
| Not more than 1 million | 5,000 |
| Exceeds than 1 million but not exceeding 10 million | 20,000 |
| Exceeds than 10 million but not exceeding 50 million | 40,000 |
| Exceeds than 50 million but not exceeding 100 million | 60,000 |
| Exceeds 100 million | 70,000 |
For foreign companies without share capital, a flat fee of RM70,000 applies.
Certificate of Registration
Upon successful registration, CCM will issue a Certificate of Registration.
Maintaining Compliance as a Foreign Company in Malaysia
Once registered, a foreign company must:
- Establish a registered office in Malaysia.
- Notify CCM of any changes in company details, including director powers, company name, or share capital, within the stipulated timeframes.
- File an annual return with CCM within 30 days of the registration anniversary.
- Maintain proper financial records and submit audited financial statements to CCM within two months after its annual general meeting.
Get Started
If you’re ready to register your foreign company in Malaysia, we can assist you with the process. Contact us today to receive a personalised quotation and engagement letter.
We look forward to helping you establish your business in Malaysia. For more details, feel free to reach out to us.