If you want to register a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, you are choosing the most popular way to run a serious business here. A Sdn Bhd (private limited company) gives you limited liability, a professional image, and easier access to bank financing and investors. This guide covers the requirements, the SSM fees, the exact steps on the MyCoID portal, how long it takes, and what you must do after incorporation.
What Is Sdn Bhd?
A Sdn Bhd (Sendirian Berhad) is a private limited company registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) under the Companies Act 2016. It is a separate legal entity from its owners. If the company incurs debts, shareholders are generally liable only up to the amount they have invested, not their personal assets.
A Sdn Bhd cannot offer shares to the public, and it can have up to 50 shareholders. If you are still deciding between structures, read our comparison of Sdn Bhd vs Enterprise.
Requirements to Register Sdn Bhd in 2026
Before you start, make sure you can meet these requirements:
- Directors: At least one director, aged 18 or above. At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Malaysia, meaning he or she normally lives in the country.
- Shareholders: At least one shareholder. A single person can be both the sole director and sole shareholder.
- Company name: A unique name approved by SSM, ending with “Sdn Bhd” or “Sdn. Bhd.”
- Registered office address: A physical address in Malaysia where official documents can be delivered.
- Share capital: There is no fixed minimum in practice. Many companies start with RM1 to RM100, but choose an amount that suits your business and bank requirements.
- Business activities: The nature of business you plan to carry out, classified under SSM’s business codes.
- Company secretary: A licensed company secretary must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation (more below).
Foreigners can own 100% of a Sdn Bhd in most sectors, although some industries have equity conditions or need approvals from the relevant authority. See our guide on how foreigners can set up a Sdn Bhd and our full breakdown of minimum requirements.
Step-by-Step: How to Register Sdn Bhd in Malaysia
Step 1: Choose and Reserve Your Company Name
Start with a name search on SSM’s MyCoID portal to check availability. Your name must:
- End with “Sdn Bhd”
- Use the Roman alphabet
- Not be identical or too similar to an existing company
- Avoid prohibited or sensitive words such as royal references, government bodies, or regulated terms like “Bank” or “University” without approval
Once you have an available name, reserve it. The reservation fee is RM50, and the name is held for 30 days. Prepare two or three backup names in case your first choice is rejected.
Step 2: Decide Your Company Structure
Before filing, settle the details that go into the application:
- Who the directors and shareholders are
- How many shares are issued and who holds them
- Your registered office and business address
- Your nature of business and business codes
Get this right at the start. Changing details later means extra forms and fees. If you plan to bring in partners later, think about your shareholding split now.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
You will typically need:
- NRIC (for Malaysians) or passport (for foreigners) of every director and shareholder
- Residential and correspondence addresses of directors and shareholders
- Email addresses and contact numbers
- Registered office address details
- Consent to act as director and company secretary
- A constitution (optional). If you do not adopt a custom constitution, the Companies Act 2016 default provisions apply.
Step 4: Submit the Application via MyCoID
Incorporation is done online through SSM’s MyCoID portal. The application includes the company details, director and shareholder information, share structure and business activities. Most business owners use a company secretary to file, since the system requires accurate statutory information and errors cause rejections and delays.
The application is signed digitally by the parties involved and submitted with the incorporation fee.
Step 5: Pay the SSM Fees
The official SSM fees (see SSM’s Table of Fees) are:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | RM50 |
| Incorporation fee | RM1,000 (about RM1,010 including tax) |
So the government cost to incorporate is roughly RM1,050 to RM1,060. This is what you pay SSM, regardless of who files for you. Professional fees are charged separately.
Step 6: Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation
Once SSM approves the application, it issues a Notice of Incorporation and Certificate of Incorporation electronically. From this point, your Sdn Bhd exists as a legal entity and gets its company registration number.
Step 7: Appoint a Company Secretary Within 30 Days
Under the Companies Act 2016, every Sdn Bhd must appoint a licensed company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. Failing to do so is an offence with penalties. The secretary keeps your statutory registers, files documents with SSM, and helps you meet ongoing obligations.
Not sure why this is required? Read Is a Company Secretary Compulsory for a Sdn Bhd? and The Role and Duties of a Company Secretary in Malaysia.
How Much Does It Cost to Register Sdn Bhd in Malaysia?
The SSM fees are fixed, but your total cost depends on the professional company secretarial services you use.
| Cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| SSM name reservation and incorporation | About RM1,050 to RM1,060 |
| Incorporation service by a company secretary firm | Varies by provider and scope |
| Company secretary annual fee | Varies; see our fee guide |
| Registered office address (if you need one) | Varies |
| Annual return filing with SSM | RM150 (SSM fee) |
Realistically, budget beyond the SSM fee. The recurring costs, such as your company secretary, accounting, audit if required and tax filing, make up most of your first-year spending. Be careful of packages that look cheap upfront but charge extra for basic filings later.
How Long Does Sdn Bhd Registration Take?
Once your name is approved and documents are complete, SSM incorporation typically takes 1 to 3 working days. Total time from decision to a fully operational company is usually longer, because you also need to:
- Choose a name and wait for approval
- Collect and verify all documents
- Open a business bank account
Delays most often come from rejected names, incomplete information or missing signatures.
What to Do After You Register Your Sdn Bhd
Incorporation is the start, not the finish. Complete these next steps:
- Appoint your company secretary within 30 days.
- Open a corporate bank account. Banks will ask for your incorporation documents, board resolution and director details.
- Register for tax. Register with LHDN (Inland Revenue Board) for a company income tax number.
- Check licences and permits. Depending on your business, you may need local council licences or industry approvals.
- Register for SST or e-Invoicing if applicable. Check thresholds and requirements for your business.
- Keep statutory registers up to date. This includes registers of members and directors.
- Report beneficial owners. Companies must keep and report beneficial ownership information. See Beneficial Ownership Reporting in Malaysia.
- Plan your annual compliance. Annual returns, financial statements and, where required, an AGM. See Annual Return Filing in Malaysia.
Common Mistakes When Registering a Sdn Bhd
- Choosing a name too similar to an existing company. This is the most common cause of rejection.
- Wrong business codes. These can cause problems with licences and bank accounts.
- Using an unreliable registered address. SSM sends official notices there. Missing them can lead to penalties.
- Not having a shareholder agreement. If you have co-founders, a written agreement avoids disputes later.
- Missing the 30-day company secretary deadline.
- Trading before the company is registered.
Read more in Common Company Secretarial Mistakes Malaysian Business Owners Make.
Should You Register Yourself or Use a Company Secretary?
You can register Sdn Bhd through MyCoID yourself if you are comfortable with statutory forms. But most business owners use a licensed company secretary because:
- Applications are filed correctly, with fewer rejections
- The company secretary requirement is handled from day one
- You get your statutory registers and documents set up properly
- You have someone to guide you on director changes, share allotments and annual filings
If you want it done right the first time, Contact us for a free consultation and we will handle your incorporation from name search to Certificate of Incorporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to register a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia?
The SSM fees are RM50 for name reservation and RM1,000 for incorporation (about RM1,010 with tax). Professional fees for a company secretary or incorporation service are additional.
Q: How long does it take to register a Sdn Bhd?
Usually 1 to 3 working days after your name is approved and all documents are complete.
Q: Can a foreigner register a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia?
Yes. Foreigners can hold 100% ownership in most sectors, but at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Malaysia, and some industries have restrictions.
Q: What is the minimum capital for a Sdn Bhd?
There is no strict statutory minimum. Many companies start with a small paid-up capital, but the right amount depends on your business, bank and licensing needs.
Q: How many directors and shareholders do I need?
At least one of each. One person can hold both roles.
Q: Do I need a company secretary to register a Sdn Bhd?
You must appoint a licensed company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. Most people appoint one at the start.
Q: Can I register a Sdn Bhd online?
Yes. Incorporation is done online through SSM’s MyCoID portal.
Q: Can I use my home address as the registered office?
Generally yes, if it is a physical address in Malaysia where documents can be received, though you should check any tenancy or strata restrictions.
Final Thoughts
It is straightforward to register Sdn Bhd when you prepare properly: pick an approvable name, get your director and shareholder details right, file correctly through MyCoID and appoint a company secretary on time. The real work starts after incorporation, with ongoing compliance that protects your company.
Ready to register your Sdn Bhd? Get a free quote and we will guide you through every step.