Secure Your Foothold
in Southeast Asia’s
Digital Core

Yes — Malaysia permits 100% foreign ownership of an Sdn Bhd in most industries, particularly the digital, technology, services, and manufacturing sectors.

Some regulated industries (finance, education, oil & gas, etc.) may require special approvals, and Altomate will advise you on these requirements.

No.

Foreigners can incorporate an Sdn Bhd remotely.

Only one step — bank account opening — may require a director’s presence depending on the bank’s policies.

We prepare all documents and coordinate with our banking partners to minimise travel.

Typically

• 1–2 days: Document submission & name search

• 3–7 days: Sdn Bhd incorporation with SSM

• 1–3 weeks: Bank account opening (varies by bank)

Foreign companies with complex shareholder structures may require additional verification steps.

Generally:

• Passport copy

• Residential address

• Proof of identity verification

• Corporate documents (if the shareholder is a foreign company)

Altomate provides a complete checklist and handles all formatting and compliance requirements.

No — foreign companies can have 100% foreign directors.

However, if no director resides in Malaysia, you may need a Nominee Director service to meet regulatory requirements.

This is available as an optional add-on.

Yes.

Altomate works with ecosystem partners to assist with:

• Employment Pass (EP)

• Tech visas (via MDEC)

• Professional visit passes (where relevant)

Note: Visa approval is subject to Malaysia’s immigration authorities, but we guide foreign companies through the process.

Depending on your sector:

• MDEC (Digital): MD Status, tax incentives for digital activities

• MRANTI (Innovation/R&D/R&D): Testbeds, commercialisation pathways,

deep-tech support

• MIDA (Manufacturing/Industrial): Investment tax allowances, grants,

and manufacturing licenses

During onboarding, Altomate conducts a sector eligibility assessment to match your company to the right agency.

Yes — your Sdn Bhd will be registered with:

• LHDN (Corporate Tax File)

• EPF/SOCSO/EIS (if hiring employees)

• SST (if your business qualifies)

We ensure full compliance from day one.

Popular options include:

• Maybank

• CIMB

• UOB

• OCBC

• HSBC

Requirements vary, but Altomate prepares your application and supports director appointments.

Altomate evaluates your business and then introduces you to the most relevant agency (MDEC, MRANTI or MIDA), industry leaders, or sector-specific partners.

These introductions can support:

• Grant applications

• R&D collaboration

• Pilot projects

• Investment facilitation

• High-value partnerships

This is a key differentiator of the Soft Landing Programme.

Technically, RM1.

However, for foreign-owned entities, it’s recommended to set a budget of RM1,000–RM5,000, depending on your sector.

Some industries (e.g., manufacturing, EP applications) may require higher paid-up capital.

Altomate advises based on your expansion needs.

Typical yearly costs include:

• Company secretary fees

• Annual return filing

• Audited financial statements (if applicable)

• Tax submission

Your soft-landing package includes the first year of company secretarial support, reducing your initial setup burden.

Yes.

Altomate supports your long-term operations through:

• Accounting & payroll

• Compliance management

• Tax submissions

• Corporate secretarial services

• Market research & partner scouting

• Industry incentive applications

This ensures your business in Malaysia grows sustainably.

We assess regulatory requirements for:

• Healthcare

• Fintech

• Manufacturing

• Food & beverage

• Education

• Import/export

• Energy / environmental approvals

Then we coordinate with the relevant agency (MIDA/MDEC/MRANTI) to guide your path.