How to Register a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Registering a private limited company in Malaysia is more structured than registering a sole proprietorship, but the core incorporation process is straightforward once you know what information to prepare. A Malaysian private company limited by shares is commonly identified by “Sdn. Bhd.” in its name.
You need an approved company name, at least one director ordinarily resident in Malaysia, at least one member/shareholder, company and business details, a Malaysian registered office, and the required declarations. SSM currently charges RM1,000 to incorporate a company limited by shares. Your first qualified company secretary must then be appointed within 30 days after incorporation.
Before you start: is Sdn Bhd the right structure?
A Sdn Bhd is a separate incorporated company and brings more formal administration than a sole proprietorship. That can make sense for businesses that expect to grow, employ people, take on larger contracts, introduce other owners or operate with greater commercial risk. A very small, simple business may prefer to compare the additional administration before incorporating.
Compare Sole Proprietorship vs Sdn Bhd
Step 1: Check the basic eligibility
For a private company, SSM states that there must be at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia by having a principal place of residence in Malaysia, together with at least one promoter/member. A director must be a natural person and at least 18 years old. Other statutory eligibility restrictions also apply.
Step 2: Decide your company name
Your proposed name must be approved by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). There are two incorporation routes: direct incorporation, which combines the name and incorporation process, or reserving the company name first and incorporating after approval.
If you reserve a name separately, SSM's current fee is RM50 for each 30-day period. The incorporation application generally needs to follow within 30 days after approval unless an allowed extension is obtained.
Step 3: Prepare the incorporation information
Before starting the application, prepare the information SSM requires. This includes the proposed company name, private-company status, proposed business activities, registered-office address, business address, director and member/shareholder details, the required declarations and any additional supporting documents relevant to your application.
- Proposed company name
- Nature / type of business
- Registered-office address in Malaysia
- Business address
- Director details
- Member / shareholder details
- Share and ownership information
- Required declarations and supporting documents
Step 4: Submit the incorporation online
SSM's company incorporation process is online. The MyCoID incorporation workflow captures application details, directors, members/shareholders, declarations and lodger information. Applicants can proceed through direct incorporation or incorporate using a previously reserved and approved company name.
View official SSM incorporation guidance
Step 5: Pay the SSM incorporation fee
SSM's current statutory fee for an application to incorporate a company limited by shares is RM1,000. If you use a company-secretarial or incorporation service, its professional/service fees are separate from SSM's statutory fee.
This distinction is important when comparing “Sdn Bhd registration packages”: compare what is included rather than looking only at the headline price.
Step 6: Receive your registration notice
Once the incorporation is successfully processed, SSM issues the registration notice. A separate certificate of incorporation is not automatically required for the company to exist; SSM states that a certificate is issued upon application with the prescribed fee.
Step 7: Appoint your company secretary within 30 days
Your first company secretary must be appointed within 30 days from the date of incorporation. SSM requires the secretary to be a natural person, at least 18 years old, a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident ordinarily residing in Malaysia, and appropriately licensed by SSM or a member of a recognised professional body.
Prefer someone to handle the process?
BizSetupMY is currently reviewing incorporation partners for users who prefer professional assistance with company setup and ongoing company-secretarial requirements.
Coming soon: our Foundingbird referral application is currently pending. Once approved, eligible users will be able to access the provider through our recommendation flow.
What happens after incorporation?
Incorporation is only the start. Depending on your business, the next steps may include setting up the company's bank account, accounting records and software, tax registrations and compliance processes, payroll and employment requirements, licences or permits, and e-Invoice readiness.
How much does it really cost to set up a Sdn Bhd?
The RM1,000 SSM incorporation fee is only one part of the total setup cost. Professional incorporation assistance, company-secretarial services, registered-office services and ongoing compliance can add to the first-year cost. We cover this separately because it deserves a proper breakdown rather than a misleading single number.
Next guide: Sdn Bhd Registration Cost Malaysia 2026.
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Important
This guide is general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting or company-secretarial advice. SSM requirements and fees can change. Confirm current requirements with SSM and obtain professional advice where appropriate before incorporating.