Obtain a Business License in Malaysia

Would you like to start a company and need a business license in Malaysia? This article explains the key requirements to obtain this license, mentioning that you can use our online services and get in touch with our local specialists in company formation in Malaysia.

Quick Facts
Who needs a business license in Malaysia?	Any person deciding to develop a business in Malaysia
A business license in Malaysia is also known as	Business Premise License or “Lesen Premis”
Types of business licenses in Malaysia	General licenses, industry-specific licenses, and sector-specific licenses
Institution in charge	Pihak Berkuasa Melesen (PBM), plus local agencies/authorities
The most common business licenses in Malaysia	Office license, food & beverages restaurant license, warehouse business premise license, barber shop license
Documents solicited	– Certificate of Incorporation, – rental agreement, – application form for a business license, – ID of the applicant, – photos of the business premises, etc.
Representative/agent required	Not mandatory, but recommended, especially for foreign entrepreneurs. Our agents in Malaysia can help you.
Food truck license in Malaysia	Approved in about 4 months. Local permits/approvals must also be obtained.
Industry-specific business licenses	For: – manufacturing, – telecommunication, – broadcasting, – oil exploration, etc.
License duration	3 years. It can be renewed if all conditions are met.
Financial license in Malaysia	Issued by Bank Negara Malaysia (banking, insurance/takaful, payments, e-money) or the Securities Commission Malaysia (capital market activities)
Applying for a business license online or in person	Both options available. Assistance is offered by our Malaysian agents.
Fines for not having a business license in Malaysia	Up to RM 20,000, plus suspension of business activities, etc.
Costs for a business license in Malaysia	Might vary depending on the business activities, premises, operations, etc.
Working with our Malaysian agents	We help local and foreign entrepreneurs get business licenses in Malaysia by managing the formalities and collaborating with the local authorities. Complete services at affordable prices.

Who needs a business license in Malaysia?

Any entrepreneur who wants to start his/her activities in Malaysia.

How is a business license known in Malaysia?

Trade license.

What types of business licenses are available in Malaysia?

For:

Manufacturing,
Wholesale Retail Trade (WRT),
Financial services,
Construction,
Oil & gas,
Telecommunication & broadcasting, etc.

You can also discover this infographic with details on this subject:

What are activity-specific business licenses in Malaysia? In which sectors are they imposed?

Food & beverages,
Environmental,
Selling liquors,
Outdoor signage clearances,
Fire & safety,
Machinery, etc.

What financial licenses are available in Malaysia?

A financial license in Malaysia can be issued for:

banks, including digital ones,
brokerage,
investment companies,
insurance,
payment service providers,
e-money issuers, etc.

What are the key documents required for getting a business license in Malaysia?

company documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation,
proof of lease agreement,
ID/passport of the business owner,
info about the types of activities the company will develop,
proof of paid fee, etc.

You can discover this video presentation with details on this topic:

Where do I apply for a business license in Malaysia?

Through the local council (PBT) licensing system or the government MalaysiaBiz portal, depending on the licence.

What are business license fees in Malaysia?

The costs for issuing a business permit in Malaysia can vary. They are established according to:

the type of business license in Malaysia,
license duration,
the location of the business in Malaysia.

What is the validity of a business license in Malaysia?

The validity of a business license in Malaysia is one year, with the possibility of extension. A specific fee is paid.

What happens if a company operates without a business license in Malaysia?

Administrative penalties can be imposed. The maximum is around RM 50,000.

What is the time frame to get a business license in Malaysia?

2-4 weeks, depending on the formalities and complexities,
a manufacturing license might take around 2-4 months to be issued.

Are there any precautions/recommendation when applying for a business license in Malaysia?

applicants should first register the company with the SSM in Malaysia,
must get the premises & signboard licenses before starting operations,
make sure you pass the sanitation procedures before starting a company in hospitality, food & beverage, or retail sectors in Malaysia.

In addition to the assistance offered for obtaining a business license in Malaysia, our specialists can help you with other aspects. You can, for example, talk to our accountants in Malaysia and make sure you comply with the law when starting a business here. Contact us for extra details.