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How to Register a Sdn Bhd

Step-by-step SSM incorporation process for a private limited company in Malaysia. Fees, documents, timeline, and common pitfalls.

Last updated: April 2026 · From official Malaysian government sources

Official sources

Current Fees

ItemCost
Name reservationRM50 per 30-day period (max 180 days)
Incorporation (company limited by shares)RM1,000
Company secretary engagementRM1,500 – RM3,000/year [VERIFY — varies by provider]
SSM e-Info company profileRM10 per search
Annual return (private company)RM150/year
Total day-one cost (SSM fees only)~RM1,050

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1
    Choose a company name — Search SSM e-Info to check availability. Avoid names identical or too similar to existing companies. Avoid restricted words (Bank, Royal, Government).
  2. 2
    Reserve the name — Apply via MyCoID portal. RM50. Valid 30 days (extendable up to 180 days at RM50/30 days).
  3. 3
    Prepare incorporation documents:
    • -Company constitution (or adopt the default Table A under Companies Act 2016)
    • -Declaration of compliance (Section 14)
    • -Statutory declaration by each director
    • -KYC forms for shareholders holding >10% equity
  4. 4
    Engage a licensed company secretary — Mandatory before filing. They prepare and file incorporation documents through MyCoID.
  5. 5
    Submit via MyCoID portal — Company secretary files the Super Form (combines name reservation + incorporation + tax registration in one submission).
  6. 6
    Pay incorporation fee — RM1,000 via the portal.
  7. 7
    Receive Notice of Incorporation (Section 15) — This IS your incorporation certificate. No separate certificate is issued under Companies Act 2016.
  8. 8
    Post-incorporation: Open bank account, register with LHDN (auto via MyCoID), register with SOCSO/EIS/EPF if hiring employees.

Required Documents

  • MyKad (NRIC) of all directors and shareholders (original + copy)
  • Passport (for non-Malaysian directors/shareholders)
  • Residential address proof (utility bill or bank statement)
  • Business address proof (tenancy agreement or utility bill)
  • KYC forms for shareholders holding >10%
  • Company constitution (or use default Table A)
  • Digital signatures for all directors (mandatory as of 2025/2026)

Timeline

  • Name reservation: instant to 1 working day
  • Incorporation (if documents in order): 1–3 working days
  • End-to-end (from decision to live company): 3–7 working days with a good cosec

Common Pitfalls

  • Wrong MSIC codes — If you plan to register as HRD Corp Training Provider later, your business nature MUST include "Training or Consultancy Services" and MSIC codes 85590/85320 must be registered AT INCORPORATION. This is a blocker if missed.
  • Name rejection — SSM rejects names that are too generic, identical to existing companies, or contain restricted words. Have 2–3 backup names ready.
  • Forgetting company secretary — You cannot incorporate without one. Engage a cosec FIRST.
  • Constitution choice — Most small Sdn Bhds adopt the default Table A. Only draft a custom constitution if you have specific shareholder agreement needs (e.g., vesting, drag-along rights).

2025–2026 Changes

  • Digital signatures now mandatory for directors (no more wet signatures)
  • KYC checks tightened — all directors and >10% shareholders
  • AI-assisted application review speeding up processing
  • SSM now offers free registration for citizens aged 65+ (SPPWE scheme)
  • ESG policy draft now an optional addition during registration

Related guides

This is step 3 of 7 in the recommended setup order.

Full setup order for new founders

  1. 1Choose MSIC codes — decide BEFORE incorporation
  2. 2Engage company secretary — BEFORE incorporation
  3. 3SSM registration — cosec files via MyCoID
  4. 4Appoint MD if applicable — at or after incorporation
  5. 5Open business bank account — immediately after incorporation
  6. 6Register as HRD Corp Training Provider — after SSM + bank account
  7. 7Apply for CIP Spark — when ready, independent of above

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This guide was researched from official sources. If you spot an error, let us know.