Opening a Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) company is a strategic move for those aiming to formalise their business presence in Malaysia.
The Sdn Bhd company structure suits various business profiles – individual founders, growing partnerships, international investors, and established enterprises – offering legal recognition and a professional image.
Here’s how we can help you open Sdn Bhd and set up a corporate bank account with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways
- A Sdn Bhd provides limited liability, credibility, and access to funding opportunities, making it ideal for business growth.
- You need at least one Malaysian director, one shareholder, a registered office address, and a licensed company secretary.
- The registration process involves choosing a company name, submitting documents to SSM, and obtaining a Certificate of Incorporation.
- Foreign entrepreneurs must appoint a local director and provide extra documentation, such as proof of residence, to comply with regulations.
- Opening a corporate bank account requires submitting incorporation documents, proof of business address, and identification for directors and signatories.
Open a Sdn Bhd for Business Growth in Malaysia
Opening a Sdn Bhd establishes a credible and structured business identity, which builds trust with customers, investors, and financial institutions. Many clients and government agencies also prefer working with Sdn Bhd companies due to their clear corporate governance and accountability.
Your business with Sdn Bhd structure ensures secure funding, forms strategic partnerships, and expands operations in a regulated environment, helping you have a solid and scalable foundation in Malaysia’s competitive market.
NKH Group, your trusted accounting firm in Klang, guides you through the entire Sdn Bhd setup, ensuring compliance with regulations, assisting in director and company secretary appointments, and managing all necessary paperwork so that you can concentrate on your business.
7 Key Requirements for Opening a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia
Opening a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia requires meeting specific criteria, based on the Companies Act 2016, to ensure compliance and smooth incorporation.
to ensure compliance and smooth incorporation. Below are the essential requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
| Directors | At least one director who is a Malaysian resident and at least 18 years old. |
| Shareholders | Minimum of one shareholder; can be an individual or corporate entity. |
| Registered Office Address | A local registered office address in Malaysia is mandatory for official correspondence. |
| Company Secretary | Must appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. |
| Paid-Up Capital | Minimum RM1; higher capital may be required based on business type. |
| Company Name | Name must be approved by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and not conflict with others. |
| Constitution | Optional but recommended for outlining the rights and responsibilities of shareholders and directors. |
NKH Group provides comprehensive support with secretarial services in Klang to ensure your Sdn Bhd meets all the necessary requirements, making the incorporation process seamless and efficient.
How to Register Sdn Bhd and Open Company in Malaysia
NKH Group’s business structuring services simplify the registration journey to set up a Sdn Bhd company in Malaysia, with a few added steps for foreign investors.
1. Company Name Search and Reservation
Before registering, you must choose a unique company name. This name must be approved by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). You can do company name search via MyCoID to check its availability and avoid any conflicts.
2. Prepare Incorporation Documents
Gather the necessary documents for the company registration process, including identification of the directors and shareholders, the company’s registered address, and details on the company’s business activities.
3. Submission to SSM
Once your documents are ready, submit them online through the MyCoID portal. Additional documents, such as proof of residence in Malaysia or a local nominee director, may be required for foreign entrepreneurs.
The incorporation fee to set up Sdn Bhd in Malaysia is RM1,010 including tax.
4. Certificate of Incorporation
After SSM reviews and approves your documents, they will issue a Certificate of Incorporation, which legally recognises your company as a registered entity.
5. Appointment of Company Secretary
Within 30 days of incorporation, a qualified company secretary must be appointed to handle statutory documents and compliance.
6. Post-Incorporation Steps
After receiving the Certificate of Incorporation, you must appoint directors, issue share certificates, and hold the first board resolutions meeting.
Additionally, a local nominee director may be necessary for foreign owners to meet Malaysia’s legal requirements.
Discover the e-invoice specific guideline and learn how to ensure your business stays compliant with Malaysia’s latest regulations.
Foreign Entrepreneurs: Additional Steps to Register Company in Malaysia
NKH Group ensures that foreign entrepreneurs meet Malaysia’s legal requirements, including appointing local directors and handling additional documentation, so you can focus on growing your business with ease.
- Local Director Requirement:
At least one director must be a Malaysian resident (citizen or permanent resident). Foreign entrepreneurs can appoint a local nominee director to comply with this regulation.
- Visa and Work Permit
Foreign business owners must apply for the appropriate visa or work permit to operate in Malaysia legally.
- Business License
Depending on the type of business, foreign entrepreneurs may need additional licenses or approvals from relevant authorities.
Open Your Corporate Bank Account with Ease Through NKH Group
Opening a corporate bank account in Malaysia is a crucial step towards business success, and NKH Group’s accounting services in Klang makes it simple for you.
With expert guidance, we handle all the paperwork and compliance requirements, ensuring a smooth process so you can get started without delay.
5 Steps to Open a Bank Account:
1. Choose a Bank
Select a bank that aligns with your business needs, whether it’s for local or international transactions. Popular banks in Malaysia include Maybank, CIMB, and HSBC.
2. Prepare Required Documents
The required documents for opening a corporate account typically include:
- Certificate of Company Incorporation
- Company Constitution
- Board Resolution authorising the opening of the account
- Identification documents of directors and authorised signatories (e.g., passport, NRIC)
- Proof of business address
- Tax registration (if applicable)
NKH Group also provides tax planning in Klang to ensure your profits are protected.
3. Prepare Additional Documents for Foreign Entrepreneurs
For foreign owners, additional documentation is required, such as the Incorporation Certificate, passport copies, proof of address, and a local director appointment. These documents ensure compliance with local banking regulations.
4. Visit the Bank
Some banks may require the physical presence of directors or authorised signatories for verification.
This is particularly important for foreign entrepreneurs, who may need to submit additional documentation, such as proof of residence in Malaysia or a work permit, depending on the bank’s policy.
5. Deposit Minimum Capital
Many banks require a minimum deposit to open a corporate account, which varies by bank and account type.
For 100% foreign-owned companies, we guide entrepreneurs through the process, including document submission and appointing a local nominee director if needed, ensuring compliance with Malaysian regulations.
Learn more about the steps to opening your corporate bank account in Malaysia and ensure a smooth and efficient setup process.
Conclusion
Setting up a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia provides key benefits, including limited liability and increased credibility for your business. With the right support, the registration and corporate bank account opening process becomes smooth and efficient, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.
NKH Group is here to guide you through the entire process, ensuring full compliance with Malaysian regulations. Our expert team offers comprehensive assistance to entrepreneurs looking to establish their business in Malaysia, no matter your background or business type.
Contact NKH Group today for a free consultation for setting up your company in Malaysia and taking your business to the next level.
Kim Heng is an accounting and taxation professional whose sterling reputation has drawn countless clients to the NKH Group. When the GST was first introduced, he was commissioned to give 100+ talks on GST implementation as well as over 20++ talks on E- Invoice implementation by multiple businesses and industry associations, showing the depth of their confidence in his expertise. In the following years, Kim Heng would go on to share his knowledge on (among others) branding, tax planning, and fundraising at 20+ seminars organised by business associates that were widely attended by the public. He has over 20 years of experience consulting and advisory on taxation, corporate structure planning, business valuer, company secretarial administration, constitution advisory, and etc.
