Thinking about starting a business in Malaysia? Then you’ll need to register your company with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Whether you’re setting up your first business or expanding from abroad, understanding the company registration process in Malaysia is crucial for staying compliant and getting your operations up and running quickly.
This guide walks you through everything. It can range from choosing your business structure to obtaining your official company registration number. Let’s simplify it.
Why You Must Register a Company in Malaysia
Every business in Malaysia — big or small — must be registered with the SSM before it can operate legally. Beyond compliance, registration gives your company credibility and unlocks key advantages:
- Your business gets official recognition and protection under the Companies Act 2016.
- You can open a corporate bank account and sign contracts legally.
- Customers and investors will see your business as trustworthy and legitimate.
- You’ll gain access to government support, financing, and tenders.
What Is SSM and Why Does It Matter
The Companies Commission of Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, or SSM) oversees all company and business registrations in Malaysia.
It’s the body that issues your certificate of incorporation, maintains your business information, and ensures every company in Malaysia follows the Companies Act 2016 and the Registration of Businesses Act 1956.
In 2025, most registrations can be completed online through MyCoID 2.0, SSM’s official platform or handled for you by a licensed company secretary or digital platform like Altomate.
Types of Business Entities in Malaysia
Before you register a company in Malaysia, you’ll need to decide what kind of business entity best fits your needs.
1. Sole Proprietorship
- Owned by a single individual
- Affordable and straightforward business registration
- Unlimited personal liability
Perfect for freelancers, side hustles, or micro-businesses.
2. Partnership
- Two or more owners sharing profits and responsibilities
- Easy to register, but partners are jointly liable for debts
Great for small, collaborative businesses — but requires trust and a solid partnership contract.
3. Private Limited Company (Sendirian Berhad / Sdn. Bhd.)
This is the most popular company structure in Malaysia and the one Altomate recommends for SMEs and startups.
Key features:
- Separate legal identity
- Limited liability (your personal assets are protected)
- Governed by the Companies Act 2016
- Requires at least one director residing in Malaysia and one licensed company secretary
Why it’s preferred:
- Builds credibility with clients and investors
- Easier to scale and bring in partners or investors
- Eligible for government programs and grants
4. Public Limited Company (Berhad / Bhd.)
- Suitable for larger businesses planning to go public
- Can raise funds by issuing shares
- Higher compliance and disclosure requirements
5. Foreign Company
If you’re based overseas but want to operate in Malaysia, you can register a foreign company under Section 562 of the Companies Act 2016.
You’ll need a local agent, a registered office address, and certified documents from your home country.
Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration in Malaysia
Here’s how to register your company with SSM — simplified.
Step 1: Choose and Reserve Your Company Name
First, pick a proposed company name that reflects your business nature. It must be unique and not already in use.
Conduct a name search and reserve your name using the SSM MyCoID portal. Once approved, it will be reserved for 30 days.
Pro Tip:
New companies need to avoid using restricted or misleading words. Altomate can help business owners quickly check and reserve a name, ensuring they don’t lose their preferred option.
Step 2: Prepare Your Registration Documents
Before submission, prepare these essential documents:
- Company Constitution (optional for most private limited companies)
- Details of directors and shareholders
- Registered business address in Malaysia
- Nature of business
- Declaration of compliance, signed by your company secretary
Step 3: Submit Your Application to SSM via MyCoID
Log in to MyCoID 2.0 to submit your company incorporation online.
You’ll fill out the company information, upload all documents, and pay the registration fee.
Registration Fees:
- RM1,000 for a Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.)
- RM3,000 for a Public Limited Company (Bhd.)
Approval typically takes 1–3 working days — faster if all documents are in order.
Step 4: Get Your Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation and a unique Company Registration Number (CRN).
This document confirms that your company in Malaysia is officially recognised under SSM.
You’ll need it to:
- Open a bank account
- Apply for business licenses
- Sign contracts
- Register for taxes
Step 5: Appoint a Company Secretary
Within 30 days of incorporation, your Private Limited Company must appoint a licensed company secretary.
They go beyond administrative work; they help your company stay compliant, file annual returns, and act as your primary contact with SSM.
Step 6: Register for Taxes and Business Licenses
Once your company is registered, you’ll also need to:
- Register with LHDN (Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia) for tax purposes
- Sign up with EPF and SOCSO for employee contributions
- Apply for relevant business licenses depending on your industry
Altomate’s team can help you figure out precisely what’s needed for your sector and location.
Foreign Company Registration in Malaysia
If you’re a foreign investor, registering a foreign company in Malaysia allows you to operate legally while maintaining your overseas structure.
Requirements include:
- A certified copy of your foreign incorporation certificate
- Appointing a local agent
- Providing a registered office in Malaysia
Alternatively, you can set up a Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.), which is often easier to manage and fully compliant with SSM regulations.
Timeline and Cost of Registration in Malaysia
The entire registration process typically takes 3 to 5 working days once your documents are ready.
Costs to expect:
- SSM registration fee: RM1,000
- Corporate secretary services: around RM60–150/month
- Name reservation: RM50 per application
If you register through Altomate, you’ll get transparent pricing and digital support — no hidden fees, no physical paperwork.
After You Register Your Company
Once you’ve received your Certificate of Incorporation, make sure to:
- Open a business bank account
- File your annual returns with SSM
- Keep your financial records updated
- Maintain a registered office in Malaysia
- Renew business licenses yearly
These steps ensure your company in Malaysia remains compliant and ready for growth.
How Altomate Simplifies the Company Registration Process
Altomate helps entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs register a company in Malaysia completely online.
Here’s what you get:
- Fast SSM registration via licensed secretaries
- Help choosing the proper business structure
- Annual compliance reminders
- Everything is managed in one digital platform
If you’re ready to register your business (whether a local company or otherwise) in Malaysia, skip the confusion and paperwork — let us handle it for you. WhatsApp us now to initiate your company registration and obtain your official SSM number quickly.
