SSM Business Registration Malaysia 2026: Complete Guide for New Business Owners
Starting a business in Malaysia begins with choosing the right legal structure and using the correct registration route. SSM recognises several main business entity types, including sole proprietorships and partnerships, companies such as Sdn Bhd, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). This guide helps you understand the differences and where to start.
If you are starting alone and want a simple structure, a sole proprietorship may be the easiest place to begin. If you want a separate incorporated company, a Sdn Bhd is a common option. An LLP can provide an alternative structure for two or more partners. The correct choice depends on ownership, liability, administration, growth plans and who will own the business.
What is SSM?
The Companies Commission of Malaysia, commonly known as SSM, is the authority responsible for the registration of businesses and companies in Malaysia. When people search for “SSM registration”, they may be referring to different registration processes depending on the legal structure they intend to use.
What types of business can you register?
SSM groups the main entity choices into sole proprietorship or partnership, company, and Limited Liability Partnership. They are not simply different names for the same thing: each has a different legal and administrative structure.
| Structure | Typical ownership | Registration route | Starting point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | 1 individual | SSM business registration / EzBiz | Registration guide |
| Partnership | 2–20 persons under conventional business registration | SSM business registration / EzBiz | Trade name required |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | 2 or more partners | SSM MyLLP | Compare LLP vs Sdn Bhd |
| Sdn Bhd | Company shareholders | Company incorporation with SSM | Registration guide |
Option 1: Sole proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is wholly owned by one individual. SSM allows the business to use the owner's personal name as stated on the identity card or an approved trade name. For registration under the Registration of Businesses framework, the owner must be a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old.
Current SSM registration fees are RM30 per year when a sole proprietorship uses the owner's personal name, or RM60 per year when it uses a trade name. Each registered branch costs RM5 per year.
How to register a sole proprietorship
Option 2: Conventional partnership
A conventional partnership registered as a business has at least two partners and may have up to 20. SSM's current guidance states that a partnership uses a trade name; a personal identity-card name cannot be used as the partnership's business name. All partners need to be registered and verified for the online EzBiz process.
The current SSM registration fee for a sole proprietorship or partnership using a trade name is RM60 per year, plus RM5 per year for each registered branch.
Option 3: Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
An LLP is a different legal structure from a conventional partnership. SSM describes it as an alternative business vehicle combining characteristics of a private company and a conventional partnership. It uses the MyLLP system, which is accessible through the SSM4U Portal. SSM currently lists the LLP registration fee as RM500.
Option 4: Sdn Bhd
A Sdn Bhd is an incorporated private company rather than a business registered as a sole proprietorship or conventional partnership. It has a more formal corporate structure and ongoing compliance requirements, but it may be more appropriate where owners want a separate incorporated entity, more structured ownership or room for future growth.
How to register a Sdn Bhd See Sdn Bhd registration costs
How do you choose the right structure?
Do not choose based on registration cost alone. Consider who owns the business, whether you expect additional owners or investors, the risks of your activities, your customers and contracts, expected hiring, administrative burden and how you expect the business to grow.
If your main decision is between operating personally and incorporating a company, our detailed comparison may help.
Compare Sole Proprietorship vs Sdn Bhd
How to register a sole proprietorship or partnership through SSM
- Choose the structure. Decide whether you will operate alone or with partners.
- Choose the business name. A sole proprietor may use a personal name or trade name; a conventional partnership uses a trade name.
- Prepare the business details. Have your business address, activities, owner or partner information and branch details ready.
- Set up your online access. SSM provides online business registration through EzBiz, currently accessible via the SSM4U Portal.
- Complete the application and payment. Submit the requested particulars and pay the applicable fee.
- Keep your registration current. SSM allows business registration renewal for one year and up to five years at a time.
The RM30 and RM60 fees commonly associated with “SSM registration” apply to registration of businesses such as sole proprietorships and conventional partnerships. They are not the incorporation fee for a Sdn Bhd or the registration fee for an LLP.
What should you do after SSM registration?
Registration is only the starting point. Depending on your business, you may need licences or permits, a business bank account, accounting records, tax registration and compliance, e-Invoice preparation, and payroll processes when you hire employees.
Compare business bank accounts Compare accounting software
Frequently asked questions
How much is SSM business registration?
For a new business registered under SSM's Registration of Businesses framework, the current fee is RM30 per year for a sole proprietorship using the owner's personal name, or RM60 per year for a trade name. Each branch costs RM5 per year. Other structures have different fees.
Can I register a business online?
Yes. SSM provides EzBiz for new business registration, changes, renewal and termination. SSM currently directs users to access EzBiz through the SSM4U Portal.
Can a foreigner register a sole proprietorship?
SSM's current EzBiz eligibility requirements state that the owner must be a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident. Foreign entrepreneurs should consider the entity types available to them and obtain appropriate professional advice for their circumstances.
Is SSM registration the same as registering a Sdn Bhd?
No. A sole proprietorship or conventional partnership is registered as a business, while a Sdn Bhd is incorporated as a company. The process, legal structure, fees and ongoing requirements differ.
Do I need to renew my SSM business registration?
Yes for a sole proprietorship or conventional partnership registered under the Registration of Businesses framework. SSM states that renewal can be made before expiry and up to 12 months after expiry, for a period of one to five years.
Find a suitable starting structure
Answer a few questions about your business and BizSetupMY will help you narrow down which structure deserves a closer look.
Important
This guide is general educational information and is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Fees, eligibility rules and procedures can change. Confirm the latest requirements with SSM and obtain professional advice where appropriate before registering your business.