How to Register A Business in Malaysia: A Complete Guide

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Are you ready to turn your business ideas into a thriving reality? If you’re aspiring to be a business owner, it’s essential to understand how to register your business to ensure a smooth start for your business. In this article, we will guide you through the process of registering your company.

What is SSM?

The Companies Commission of Malaysia, commonly known as Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) is the governing body responsible for overseeing the incorporation and governance of businesses in Malaysia. 

The list below explains what SSM does: 

1. Register new businesses and issue business licenses in Malaysia.
   In plain terms, all businesses must go through SSM to be legitimate.
   
2. Maintain a registry of businesses in the country.
   SSM records information about every registered company, including ownership, structure and activities.
   
3. Enforce laws and regulations related to business operations.
   These rules and requirements include compliance with accounting and reporting. 

Simply put, all businesses must be registered and recognised by the SSM. The company must also comply with the regulations and requirements set by the agency, including submitting the necessary documents and paying the required fees for registration and licensing. Failure to comply may spell legal trouble for companies.

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Step-by-step Guide to Registering A Company in Malaysia

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To ensure a smooth start-up process, you must understand the mandatory requirements and have the necessary documents at hand. 

While some business owners may opt to complete these procedures on their own, A Company can handle all these tasks for you–freeing you to focus on running the business.

Step 1: Prepare for Registration

According to Section 2: Interpretation under the Business Registration Act 1956 and the Command of Business Registration of 1957, a few requirements must be fulfilled before registering a business:

• the business owner must be at least eighteen (18) years old and
• be a Malaysian citizen or lawful permanent resident.

As you prepare for registration, here is a checklist of what you need to do:

• Business Name
  Choose a unique business name and check its availability through the SSM website or counter. Your business name must comply with the SSM Guidelines on Business Name.
• Business Type
  Choose the type of business <insert link to 8 types of businesses> you want to register, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited company, or public limited company.
• Business Address
  Provide a business address and a correspondence address.
• Business Activities
  Describe the nature of your business activities.
• Business Owners
  Provide the details of the business owners, such as full name, identity card number, nationality, and address.
• Appointing Company Secretary
  At least one company secretary licensed by SSM appointed
• Paid-up Capital
  Declare the paid-up capital for your business if you are registering a company.
• Business License
  Obtain any required licenses or permits for your business activities.

Step 2: Complete Company Registration with SSM

Your approved company name will be reserved for 30 days from the date of confirmation by SSM. Upon receiving confirmation, you may kickstart your registration process online via the SSM website. 

Each application made for this stage will cost MYR 1,010. SSM will typically require 3 to 5 working days to assess the application made before they finalise the status. 

These documents you’d need for company registration with SSM:

• Copy of the identification card (NRIC) for every director
• Declaration of compliance
• Declaration by a director or a promoter before the appointment

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Step 3: Kickstart Post-registration Tasks

Once the registration application is approved, the appointed Company Secretary will have the documents listed below:

• Company profile
• Section 14 – Superform [Application for registration of a Company]
• Section 15 – Notice of Registration [Certificate issued by SSM to confirm the Company is successfully incorporated]
• Section 17 – Certificate of Incorporation
• Section 46 – Particular of registered address
• Section 58 – Particular of directors
• Section 58 & 236 (2) – Appointment of first Company Secretary
• Section 78 – Particular of shareholders and shares

These documents are where the Company’s unique registration number will appear and can be used for the Company to initiate official tasks such as below:

• Opening a corporate bank account
• Applying for business licenses (if needed)
• Fulfilling your tax obligations & annual business reporting compliance
• Hiring local or foreign employees 

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Where Can I Register My Company? 

It is important to note that the registration process may vary depending on the type of business you are registering. Therefore, it is recommended to check the SSM website for more information and guidance or appoint a company secretary to do it for you. 

Online Registration

1. Visit the SSM website and choose the type of business you want to register.
2. Complete the online application form and pay the registration fee online using a credit or debit card.
3. Upload the required documents, such as a copy of your identity card or passport, business name approval letter, and business address proof.
4. Submit your application online.
5. Once your application is approved, you will receive a registration certificate and business registration number via email.

SSM Counter Registration

1. Visit a SSM counter in person.
2. Obtain and complete the relevant forms, such as Form A for sole proprietorship or Form P for partnership. 
3. Submit the completed forms and required documents, such as a copy of your identity card or passport, business name approval letter, and business address proof. 
4. Pay the registration fee. 
5. Once your application is approved, you will receive a registration certificate and business registration number on the spot.

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Start Your Company Today

Starting a business is an exhilarating journey filled with endless possibilities and opportunities to turn your dreams into reality. 

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As the adage goes, the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. The journey of entrepreneurship starts with registering your company. 

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If you’d like to learn more about how we could help you register your company without hassle and 100% online, drop us a message via WhatsApp or simply register your company today!