How to register a Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia: a 2026 step-by-step guide
Everything a first-time founder needs to incorporate a private limited company with SSM — the steps, the documents, the fees and the timeline.
What is a Sdn. Bhd.?
A Sendirian Berhad (Sdn. Bhd.) is Malaysia’s private limited company — a separate legal entity from its owners, with limited liability. It is by far the most common structure for SMEs because it protects personal assets, looks credible to banks and clients, and can raise capital by issuing shares.
A Sdn. Bhd. can be owned by as few as one shareholder and needs at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia.
The steps to register
Incorporation is handled entirely online with a provider like Voyage. The flow is straightforward:
- Search and reserve your company name with SSM
- Appoint a qualified company secretary
- Prepare director and shareholder details and the constitution
- Complete e-KYC identity verification and sign digitally
- File the incorporation with SSM
- Receive your company registration number
Fees and timeline
The SSM registration fee is RM1,010, payable to the registrar. On top of that, a digital provider charges a service fee — Voyage’s starts from RM399 — so you are looking at roughly RM1,409 all-in.
With everything digital and your documents ready, incorporation completes in less than 2 days. From there, an ongoing compliance retainer (RM99/month with Voyage) keeps your company in good standing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia?
The SSM registration fee is RM1,010. Voyage’s service fee starts from RM399, so the all-in cost is from about RM1,409.
How long does incorporation take?
With a fully digital process and your e-KYC and documents ready, incorporation completes in less than 2 days.
Do I need a company secretary?
Yes. Every Sdn. Bhd. must appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. Voyage’s RM99/month retainer includes this.
Ready to get started?
Incorporate from RM399, or build your own package and see the fee live.