Sole Proprietorship Registration Cost Malaysia 2026
Registering a sole proprietorship with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is inexpensive compared with incorporating a company. The exact SSM fee depends mainly on whether you register using your personal name or a trade name, how many years you register for and whether the business has branches.
SSM currently charges RM30 per year for a sole proprietorship using the owner's personal name and RM60 per year when using a trade name. Each registered branch costs an additional RM5 per year. Business Information is listed at RM10.
SSM sole proprietorship fees at a glance
| Item | Current SSM fee |
|---|---|
| Personal name registration | RM30/year |
| Trade name registration | RM60/year |
| Each branch | RM5/year |
| Change of business particulars | RM20 |
| Business Information | RM10 |
| Business termination | No fee through the listed EzBiz service |
Personal name vs trade name: what is the cost difference?
A personal-name sole proprietorship uses the owner's name as stated on the identity card and costs RM30 per year. A trade name is a separate business or brand name and costs RM60 per year.
If you register for one year with no branches, the SSM registration fee is RM30 using your personal name or RM60 using a trade name. The trade-name option therefore costs RM30 more per year at the current SSM rates.
How much does registration cost for 1 to 5 years?
SSM's registration guidance allows a new business registration for a period from one year up to five years. Based on the current annual fees, the registration cost works out as follows before any branch or optional information charges.
| Registration period | Personal name | Trade name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | RM30 | RM60 |
| 2 years | RM60 | RM120 |
| 3 years | RM90 | RM180 |
| 4 years | RM120 | RM240 |
| 5 years | RM150 | RM300 |
What if you have a branch?
SSM charges RM5 per year for each registered branch. For example, a one-year trade-name registration with two branches would have SSM registration and branch fees of RM70: RM60 for the business plus RM10 for two branches.
How much does renewal cost?
The renewal fee is currently the same annual amount as a new registration: RM30 per year for a personal name, RM60 per year for a trade name and RM5 per year for each branch. SSM's EzBiz information states that renewal can be made before expiry or within 12 months after the expiry date.
Are there other SSM charges?
Yes. SSM's current fee table lists RM20 for changes to registered business particulars and RM10 for Business Information. These are separate from the basic annual registration fee and only apply when the relevant service is needed.
Is RM30 or RM60 the total cost of starting a business?
No. Those figures are the basic SSM registration fees. Depending on your business activity and how you operate, there can be other startup or operating costs that are not SSM registration fees.
- Local authority or industry licences and permits
- Business bank account requirements or banking charges
- Accounting or bookkeeping software
- Tax or accounting professional fees, if used
- Domain, website, email and other digital services
- Payroll and employer-related costs if you hire employees
- Equipment, premises, insurance and other operating expenses
SSM specifically notes that business owners remain responsible for obtaining any licence, permit or authorisation required by the relevant local authority or agency even after the business has been registered with SSM.
Is a sole proprietorship cheaper than a Sdn Bhd?
At the SSM registration level, yes. SSM currently lists RM1,000 for an application to incorporate a company limited by shares, while sole proprietorship registration starts at RM30 per year. But the two structures are legally different, so registration price alone should not decide which structure you choose.
A Sdn Bhd has a separate legal identity and more formal ongoing administration. A sole proprietorship is simpler but is closely tied to its owner. Consider liability, ownership, growth plans, tax and ongoing compliance as well as setup cost.
Compare Sole Proprietorship vs Sdn Bhd See Sdn Bhd registration costs
How to keep your first-year cost low
- Choose the structure that fits the business rather than incorporating only because it appears more professional.
- Decide whether you genuinely need a trade name instead of your personal name.
- Register only the branches you actually operate.
- Check licensing requirements early so you can budget for them.
- Keep good accounting and tax records from the start to avoid unnecessary cleanup work later.
Ready to register?
Our step-by-step sole proprietorship guide explains eligibility, personal name vs trade name, SSM4U/EzBiz access and the registration process.
How to register a sole proprietorship in Malaysia
Use the free Business Setup Finder
Answer a few questions about your business and get a practical starting point for the structure and tools that may suit you.
Frequently asked questions
How much is SSM registration for a sole proprietorship?
The current SSM fee is RM30 per year using the owner's personal name or RM60 per year using a trade name.
How much is a five-year sole proprietorship registration?
At the current annual rates, five years costs RM150 using a personal name or RM300 using a trade name, before branch fees or other services.
How much does each branch cost?
SSM currently charges RM5 per year for each registered branch.
Does renewal cost the same?
Yes. SSM currently lists the same RM30/RM60 annual rates for renewal, plus RM5 per year for each branch.
Does SSM registration include business licences?
No. Depending on the activity and location, you may still need licences, permits or approvals from local authorities or other agencies.
Important
This guide is general educational information and is not legal, tax or accounting advice. SSM fees and government requirements can change. Check the latest official SSM information before registering or renewing your business.