Malaysia
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Malaysia.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Malaysia welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- Sdn. Bhd. is the standard vehicle for private foreign-owned operations
- Headline corporate income tax is 24%
- SST regime applies instead of GST
- Annual return and financial statement filings are required
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Note
Fact sheet marks official end-to-end incorporation timeline as needing verification for current SSM workflow.
Tax at a glance
Malaysia Tax Overview
24% headline CIT
Corporate income tax
PwC Malaysia
Up to 10% (SST)
Sales tax
PwC Malaysia
8% (SST)
Service tax
PwC Malaysia
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
Clear private-company framework with established SSM systems
Well-known regional banking and commercial hub
Predictable headline corporate tax baseline
Considerations
Fact sheet flags timeline values as needing verification
Sector-specific approvals can extend practical setup time
Compliance quality depends on robust annual filing discipline
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Reserve company name
Prepare incorporation package
Submit Sdn. Bhd. registration
Complete tax setup
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Sdn. Bhd. registration via SSM MyCoID portal: 1–3 business days (standard); foreign-owned companies without local director may add 3–5 days for MyCOID compliance review.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Malaysia setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? YES.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Malaysia. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maybank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution-dependent KYC and compliance review • Varies by bank and account tier • Bank-specific • Incorporation documents, UBO data, tax registration profile • FPX, bank transfers, cards, online banking |
| CIMB | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution-dependent KYC and compliance review • Varies by bank and account tier • Bank-specific • Incorporation documents, UBO data, tax registration profile • FPX, bank transfers, cards, online banking |
| Public Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution-dependent KYC and compliance review • Varies by bank and account tier • Bank-specific • Incorporation documents, UBO data, tax registration profile • FPX, bank transfers, cards, online banking |
| RHB Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution-dependent KYC and compliance review • Varies by bank and account tier • Bank-specific • Incorporation documents, UBO data, tax registration profile • FPX, bank transfers, cards, online banking |
| Digital/fintech options vary by onboarding profile | Fintech | High (Remote) | Institution-dependent KYC and compliance review • Varies by bank and account tier • Bank-specific • Incorporation documents, UBO data, tax registration profile • FPX, bank transfers, cards, online banking |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual return filing | Ongoing | File annual return within statutory cycle under company law. |
Financial statements | Ongoing | Maintain and file financial statements per Companies Act rules. |
Tax filings | Ongoing | Submit corporate tax and any applicable SST filings on time. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Malaysia specialist
Get personalised guidance on entity types, costs, timelines and banking — free, no commitment needed.