Malaysia Company Formation

Malaysia company formation helps entrepreneurs legitimately conduct business in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. The most common form of company for foreign investors is the Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) private limited company. The following information helps determine whether Malaysia company formation is the optimum corporate structure to fulfill international business objectives.

Malaysia company formation is straightforward and cost-effective. According to the 2010 Doing Business Survey by the World Bank, Malaysia is the world's 23rd easiest place to do business. The survey measures factors including business start up procedures, time, cost and minimum capital required to start a business.

A Malaysian company accesses double taxation treaties with 68 countries, including the world’s leading economies (see the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia website).

In order to attract and maintain foreign investment, some laws in regards to foreign ownership are being relaxed in Malaysia. The foreign ownership limit of stock brokerages is to be increased to 70% from 49%. There can now be 100% foreign control in wholesale fund management firms. The limit for unit trust companies has also been increased to 70%.

Malaysia is ranked 66th out of 182 countries, according to the United Nations Human Development Index(HDI). The report rates a country on its overall life expectancy, literacy, education and living standards. This HDI ranking classifies Malaysia in the High Human Development quadrant.

Malaysia is positively ranked as the 24th most competitive economy in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010. Furthermore, In its 2010 World Competitiveness Yearbook, the Switzerland-based IMD positively ranks Malaysia as the world’s 10th most competitive economy. The ranking takes into account factors including economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.

Following Malaysia company formation, Healy Consultants will open a corporate bank account with one of the world's leading retail banks, including HSBC, Standard Chartered and Citibank.

As Malaysia company formation requires approval from specific regulatory authorities when foreign ownership is involved, Malaysia is perceived negatively as the world’s 59th freest economy in the Heritage Foundation’s 2010 Index of Economic Freedom, a measure of freedom enjoyed in business, trade, monetary, financial, investment and labour markets.

Malaysia is negatively perceived as the world’s 56th least corrupt country, according to the 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, a global measure of corruption amongst public officials and politicians.

A Malaysian company pays 25% corporate profits tax on all income. Furthermore, withholding taxes of 10-20% apply with possible reductions dependent on any applicable tax treaty. Following Malaysia company formation, annual audited financial statements and a tax return are submitted to the Malaysian authorities. Every Malaysian company is required to appoint an auditor approved under the Malaysia Companies Act. Healy Consultants will assist our clients efficiently and effectively to complete this annual statutory obligation.

A minimum of two directors and two shareholders is required with Malaysia company formation. The directors must be resident in Malaysia. A register of directors is available for public inspection following Malaysia company formation.