Questions business owners ask us.
Straight answers on registering a Sdn Bhd, foreign ownership, resident directors, company secretaries and SSM deadlines, based on the Companies Act 2016 and checked by a licensed company secretary.
Reviewed by [licensed secretary name], November 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Registering a Sdn Bhd
Read the full pageHow much does it cost to register a Sdn Bhd?
SSM charges RM1,000 to incorporate and RM50 for a name reservation, so RM1,050 in government fees. Our professional fee is RM650, or RM1,610 with the first year of company secretary service. Prices exclude SST.
How long does it take?
Once the name is approved and every director has verified and signed, SSM usually incorporates the company within one to three working days.
Can one person own and run a Sdn Bhd?
Yes. The same person can be the only shareholder and the only director, as long as they are at least 18 and ordinarily reside in Malaysia.
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
RM1 is enough legally. Many owners start higher because banks, landlords and some licensing bodies look at paid-up capital.
Do I need to come to your office?
No. Name checks, identity verification and signing can be done online or by courier, so we register companies anywhere in Malaysia.
Foreign owners
Read the full pageCan a foreigner own 100% of a Malaysian Sdn Bhd?
Yes, in most sectors. Some regulated industries, such as certain financial, telecommunications and distributive trade activities, have equity conditions or licences, so we check your business activity first.
Do I need a Malaysian director?
The company needs at least one director whose principal place of residence is in Malaysia. It does not have to be a Malaysian citizen: a permanent resident or a foreigner living here on a valid pass can qualify.
Can I register the company without coming to Malaysia?
Yes. Incorporation is done online and documents can be signed electronically or as certified copies abroad. Opening the bank account is the step most likely to need a visit.
Can I move to Malaysia if I open a company here?
Owning a company does not give you the right to live or work in Malaysia. You would apply for an Employment Pass through the company, which has its own capital, salary and business requirements.
How long does it take?
SSM incorporation usually takes one to three working days once documents are complete. Bank accounts, licences and work passes take longer and depend on each authority.
Nominee directors
Read the full pageWhat is the difference between a nominee director and a managing director?
A managing director runs the business day to day. A nominee director is appointed mainly to meet the resident director requirement and usually takes no part in running the business, though they keep the full legal duties of a director.
Will the nominee director make decisions for my company?
No. You run the business. The nominee signs board resolutions that have been explained and documented, and can refuse anything unlawful or against the company's interest, as Section 217 requires.
Can a nominee director sign bank documents?
Not by default. Most arrangements exclude bank signing. If a bank insists on a resident signatory, the terms are agreed in writing first.
Is the nominee director's name public?
Yes. Every director appears in SSM's records. Your company's beneficial owners are also lodged with SSM under the beneficial ownership rules.
How long can I keep a nominee director?
As long as the company needs one. Most clients keep the arrangement until their own director qualifies as a resident, for example after an Employment Pass is approved.
Company secretary
Read the full pageDo I really need a company secretary?
Yes. Section 236 of the Companies Act 2016 requires every company to appoint a company secretary within 30 days of incorporation, and the position must not be left vacant.
Can I be my own company secretary?
Only if you ordinarily reside in Malaysia and are licensed by SSM or a member of a prescribed body such as MAICSA or MIA. A director who is not qualified cannot act as secretary.
What is included in RM80 a month?
The annual work: registers, annual return, financial statement lodgement, beneficial ownership register, standard resolutions and reminders. Changes such as new directors or share transfers are RM150 each, and SSM fees are paid at cost.
Is it hard to switch from my current secretary?
No. Your board appoints us by resolution, SSM is notified and the records are handed over. Most switches finish within a few weeks.
Do you also do accounting and tax?
Company secretarial work is separate from bookkeeping, audit and tax. We work alongside your accountant, auditor and tax agent, or introduce you to one.
SSM filings and deadlines
Read the SSM compliance calendarWhen is the SSM annual return due?
Within 30 days from the anniversary of your incorporation date, every year, under Section 68. The SSM fee is RM150. Our deadline checker works out your exact date.
What is beneficial ownership reporting?
Since the 2024 amendments to the Companies Act 2016, companies must identify the individuals who ultimately own or control them, keep a register of beneficial owners, lodge it with SSM and update it when it changes.
Do you serve companies outside Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang?
Yes. Most clients are in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, but registration and secretarial work is done online, so we serve companies anywhere in Malaysia, including Johor, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak.
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