The official Sdn Bhd registration cost charged by SSM is RM1,050. What most people actually pay is higher, because the SSM fee is only one part of the bill. This guide breaks down every cost you are likely to meet, from the government fees to the service fees and the ongoing costs after your company is registered.
Sdn Bhd Registration Cost: Quick Summary
| Cost | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name reservation (SSM) | RM50 | Official |
| Incorporation fee (SSM) | RM1,000 | Official |
| Incorporation service by a firm | About RM300 to RM2,500, depending on the provider and scope | Market estimate |
| Company constitution (optional) | About RM200 to RM2,000, depending on how it is drafted | Market estimate |
| Company secretary (yearly) | About RM600 to RM3,500 a year | Market estimate |
For a straightforward single-director company, many founders find their first-year spend lands somewhere around RM2,000 to RM5,000 including the SSM fees. Complex structures, foreign shareholders or extra licences can push it higher. Treat this as a planning range, not a quote.
Official Sdn Bhd Registration Cost: SSM Fees
SSM charges a fixed fee, and it does not change with the size of your share capital:
- Name reservation: RM50. The reserved name is held for 30 days and can be extended, up to a maximum period.
- Incorporation fee: RM1,000. This is a flat fee for a private company limited by shares.
That is RM1,050 in total. Small extra charges, such as a payment-channel or processing fee, may appear at checkout, so check the final amount when you pay. The appointment of your company secretary must be notified within 30 days of incorporation, and this notification carries no fee.
The minimum paid-up capital is only RM1, and it is not a fee. It is the amount your shareholders put into the company. See Minimum Requirements to Register a Sdn Bhd for how much capital is sensible.
Professional and Service Fees
You can register a company yourself on SSM’s MyCoID portal, but most business owners use a company secretarial firm. The fee covers preparing the documents, handling the SSM application, and making sure the company secretary is appointed on time.
Market prices vary a lot, depending on:
- How many directors and shareholders you have
- Whether any shareholders or directors are foreign
- Whether the package includes the company constitution, a registered office address and a first-year secretary
- How fast you need the company set up
The cheapest package is not always the best one. Check what is included, who your named company secretary is, and what you will pay from year two. For a deeper look at secretary fees, see How Much Does a Company Secretary Cost in Malaysia?
Other Costs Many Owners Forget
- Company constitution. It is optional under the Companies Act 2016, but some owners prefer a customised one, especially with multiple shareholders.
- Registered office address. You need a physical address in Malaysia. If you do not have one, some secretarial firms offer an address service, usually at an extra cost.
- Corporate bank account. Account opening is often free or low in cost, but banks may ask for a minimum initial deposit.
- Tax and business licences. Depending on your business, you may need to register for tax and apply for local council or sector-specific licences. Fees vary by activity.
- Accounting software or an accountant. Almost every company needs a way to keep proper records from day one.
- Foreign-owned company extras. Foreign founders may need a resident director and higher paid-up capital for immigration purposes. See How Foreigners Can Set Up a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia.
Sdn Bhd Registration Cost vs Ongoing Annual Costs
Registration is a one-time cost, but a Sdn Bhd has to keep paying to stay compliant. Budget for these every year:
- Annual return fee: RM150 to SSM, due within 30 days of your incorporation anniversary. See Annual Return Filing in Malaysia.
- Company secretary fee for ongoing compliance work.
- Accounting and tax: bookkeeping, financial statements and tax filing.
- Audit, unless your company qualifies for an exemption.
Annual costs differ widely depending on how active your company is, so compare them as carefully as the setup price. A low registration fee followed by an expensive renewal is a common trap.
Cost to Register Company Malaysia: How to Avoid Overpaying
- Ask what is included. Check the secretary fee, registered address, constitution and any SSM charges.
- Check the year-two price. Ask what the annual secretarial fee will be.
- Do not skip the paid-up capital question. A very low figure can cause problems later with banks and immigration. See the full registration guide.
- Confirm who the named company secretary is and that the person is properly qualified.
- Compare the same scope between providers, not just the headline price.
Want to know what your own setup would cost? See our Company Incorporation service or get in touch, and we will tell you what applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to register a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia?
The official SSM cost is RM1,050: RM50 for name reservation and RM1,000 for incorporation. With service fees and other first-year costs, many founders spend roughly RM2,000 to RM5,000, though this varies.
Q: Is the SSM incorporation fee different for foreigners?
The SSM fee is the same, but foreign-owned companies often have extra costs, such as a resident director and higher paid-up capital if an Employment Pass is needed.
Q: Do I have to pay for a company secretary when I register?
You must appoint a company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. The appointment notice to SSM has no fee, but the secretary’s own service fee is separate and is a market price.
Q: What is the minimum paid-up capital for a Sdn Bhd?
The legal minimum is RM1. It is not a fee. It is the amount shareholders contribute to the company.
Q: Can I register a Sdn Bhd myself to save money?
Yes, through SSM’s MyCoID portal. A firm saves time and helps avoid mistakes, but a straightforward company can be registered directly.
Q: What are the ongoing costs after registering a Sdn Bhd?
The main ones are the RM150 annual return fee, the company secretary fee, accounting and tax, and an audit if your company is not exempt.
