Malaysia Company SSM Registration

All businesses registered in Malaysia must go through the Malaysian Companies Commission, which is a legal entity constituted by parliamentary law governing Malaysia's corporate bodies and business affairs. The Malaysian Company Commission is locally known by its name, Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, commonly known as SSM.

SSM registration process in Malaysia

In Malaysia, a business can register with SSM using a personal name or business name depending on the preference of the person registered in the specified business. If a person registers a business using a personal name (for example, their own name recorded on their identity card), they do not need to submit an application for the business name.

People who wish to register a business using a business name must obtain prior permission from the business registrar. Once the name is approved, the following steps in the SSM registration process:

• Individuals must fill out the business registration form along with the business name, business start date, place of business, address of the business department, owner and partners information, details of the business to be performed and a copy. A partnership agreement is provided.
• If multiple business owners are involved, each owner and partner must sign a completed form.
• The application form must be submitted through the counter or through the online SSM e-lodgment services on the SSM website.
• Documents to be submitted with the forms are photocopy of a person's identity card, permission for business type, license or support letter, and approval of the business registrar to obtain letters of support from the relevant agency.

Read also: Enterprise registration Malaysia

What are the requirements for SSM registration in Malaysia?

To successfully enter a business in Malaysia, individuals must meet the following conditions:

• To register for SSM, the person must be a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident of Malaysia.
• Individuals must be 18 years or older.
• Business registration must be no later than 30 days from the date of commencement of business.
• The nature of the business may not violate any law or be used for unlawful purposes. 

New business registrations in Malaysia are valid for one year and do not exceed five years for each article. Although registered with SSM, individuals must remember that they must personally obtain approval letters, licenses or approvals from other relevant authorities required for the business. 

More information about the Malaysian Company Registration Guide.