Obtain Business Licenses in Malaysia
Business licenses are official permits required by authorities to legally operate a business in Malaysia, ensuring compliance with local laws, regulations, and industry standards. Without the correct licenses and permits, businesses risk fines, suspension, or asset seizure.
Why Partner with Great CFO
Explore the key advantages of partnering with Great CFO to drive your business growth and compliance success.
Our Services for
Business Licenses
01
License Categories & Compliance Support
General Licenses
- Company incorporation and registration with SSM.
- Tax registrations including Income Tax, GST/SST, EPF, PERKESO, and HRDF.
- Business premises and signboard licenses via local councils e.g. DBKL.
Industry/Sector-Specific Licenses
- Wholesale & Retail Trade (WRT) license – mandatory for entities with over 50% foreign ownership and minimum RM1 million paid-up capital.
- Manufacturing License – for factories MIDA guidelines, required meeting RM 2.5M capital or ≥ 75 employment thresholds.
- Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) – license for companies bidding on and operating construction projects.
Activity-Specific Permits
- Licenses for liquor and alcohol sales, busking, sales tax, construction planning, signage changes, and equipment approvals.
02
License Assessment & Advisory
- We evaluate your business operations, ownership, and location to identify all necessary licenses and permits.
03
Documentation Preparation
- We prepare all required forms and supporting documents, including company information, premises details, and board resolutions.
04
License Application & Submission
- We handle submissions and follow-ups with authorities such as SSM, local councils, and sector regulators to ensure timely approval.
05
Renewal & Compliance Monitoring
- We continuously track license expiry dates, manage renewals, and keep you informed of regulatory changes affecting your licenses.
06
Additional Support
- We provide support on signboard compliance, foreign investment regulations, and specialised permits such as DPR and insurance requirements.
Strengthen Your Business with Proven Expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
What licenses are mandatory to start?
At minimum: company incorporation with SSM, business premises license, signboard license, and registrations for tax, EPF, and PERKESO.
Do foreigners need extra licenses?
Yes—overseas majority-owned entities need a WRT license (RM 1 million paid-up capital) and may need MIDA or CIDB licenses depending on business activities.
How long does licensing take?
Standard SSM, EPF, and tax registrations are ~2–4 weeks. Local council approvals for premises/signboards vary (6–12 months validity). Sectoral approvals (WRT, MIDA, CIDB) may take 1–3 months.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Periodic fines (up to RM 20,000), forced closures, or license revocation. Compliance is non-negotiable.
What documents are needed?
Standard requirements: ID/passports, photo(s), tenancy agreement, business premise photos, signboard mock-ups, fitness certification, fire department clearance.
Does Great CFO help with renewals?
Absolutely. We monitor expiry dates, advise on document updates, and manage resubmissions to ensure uninterrupted compliance.
Can you support signboard approval?
Yes – we provide compliant design guidelines (DBKL signage rules) and coordinate with local councils for submissions.
What if my business scope changes?
We’ll reassess licenses needed for new activities, handle amendment applications, and guide you through any additional sectoral approvals.
Business Licenses Packages
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Switching to us is simple and hassle-free. Once you’re ready, we handle everything by coordinating directly with your current provider to ensure a seamless transition.