According to the Registration of Businesses Act 1956, any sort of business that generates income must be registered. Therefore, if you have a business idea and are ready to explore further, the first step is to register your business.
There are a few types of business entities in Malaysia. However, in this article, we are going to talk about the requirements of setting up a Sdn Bhd (also known as a Private Limited Company).
If you’re ready to set up a Sdn Bhd company in Malaysia, it is important to understand if you are eligible to do so:-
Basically, anyone can set up a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia as long as the following requirements are met:
1) Eligibility to act as Director of a Sdn Bhd company
It takes a minimum of 1 director and 1 shareholder to register a company in Malaysia where the director and shareholder can be the same person. You need to fulfill the following criteria to be a director for a company:
Minimum 1 director is required to establish a company in Malaysia.
Minimum 1 shareholder is required to establish a company in Malaysia.
Director must not have been convicted and imprisoned for a period of past 5 years.
Director and company secretary must have a principal or only place of residence within Malaysia.
At least 18 years old.
2) Requirements of a Sdn Bhd company
There are several criterias that must be fulfilled in order for the company to be in compliance with the Companies Act 2016. Some of these criteria must be met before the incorporation of the Sdn Bhd with SSM, in order for the application to be approved:
Minimum paid-up capital of RM1.
Minimum of 1 company secretary who must be a member of any of the prescribed professional bodies or licensed by SSM (Must be appointed within 30 days of receiving the Notice of Registration)
Registered office address in Malaysia (this is usually the Company Secretary’s address)
3) Information and Documents to Prepare
There are several important information about your company that should be prepared in advance so that the company registration process can be smooth without missing information.
Copy of the NRIC or passport of all directors and shareholders.
Residential address in country of origin if foreign nationality.
Contact details and occupation of all directors and shareholders.
Recent proof of residential address of all directors (utility bills, phone bills, and etc).
Proposed company name and its meaning.
Share percentage value for each shareholder.
Total amount of shares and the percentage to be purchased by the company shareholder.
Written confirmation from directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners that they are not politically exposed persons; email confirmation is also acceptable.
4) Payment needed
The SSM charges an incorporation fee of RM1,010 (inclusive of tax). There is an additional fee if you engage with a company secretary to register the company on your behalf.