Business Licences in Malaysia

Why is a business licence essential to a Company?

While getting your company incorporated in Malaysia is a crucial step, it doesn't automatically grant you the immediate right to commence operations.

To secure a business premise license, you must submit the application to the applicable town council overseeing your premises.

What Is It?

Permission from the Local Authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan) for a business to operate on physical premises within the jurisdiction of said authority. To be displayed on the premises at all times.

Business Premise Licence

Lesen Premis

What you need to know?

  1. The type of Business Premise License required in Malaysia is contingent upon the specific nature of your business.
  2. Businesses subject to tighter regulations undergo assessment by Local Authorities to determine the appropriate license category.
  3. Certain businesses are required to obtain supporting documents from the relevant Government Ministry and/or other relevant regulatory bodies before it is permitted to apply for a Business Premise License.
  4. The fees for a Business Premise License will depend on the nature of a business as well as the floor area of the premises (for certain businesses).
  5.  Business Premise Licenses typically have a one-year validity from approval/renewal and can be easily renewed annually by paying the designated renewal fee.

Signage Advertisement licence

What is it: Permission from the Local Authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan) for a business to display a signboard outside its premises or kiosk (such as in a mall).

  • We typically advise our clients to simultaneously apply for business premise and signage advertisement licenses as a cost-saving measure.
  • It’s essential to be aware that certain town councils now require the joint application of both licenses, making it a mandatory process.
  • In simpler terms, obtaining these licenses together not only streamlines the process but can also be a more economical approach.

What you need to know?

1. Clearly articulating your business nature in Bahasa Malaysia on the signboard, along with your company name and license number, is a mandatory requirement.

2. The Bahasa Malaysia section for display needs approval from the Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka), a process that generally takes one (1) to three (3) days.

3. It’s essential that the signboard is not affixed over glass structures, windows, facades, or any pathway, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct views or walkways.

4. Prohibitions extend to any visuals depicting alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or indecent acts on the signboard.

5. Signage Advertisement Licenses are typically granted for one (1) year from the approval or renewal date, and renewal is straightforward—requiring payment of the designated renewal fee each year.

We can help deal with the Local Authorities and secure the necessary licenses for business owners!

We Require The Following Documents From You:

The necessary documents may differ based on the specific circumstances.

  1. A copy of complete set of SSM documents.
  2. A copy of the Sale and Purchase Agreement OR Tenancy Agreement.
  3. A copy of the applicant’s identity card OR passport photo.
  4. Two copies of passport size photo with white background.
  5. A copy of your office layout plan.
  6. Photographs of the business premises.
  7. A copy of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) OR Certificate of Fitness (CF).
  8. Quit Rent (Cukai Tanah) and Assessment (Cukai Taksiran/ Pintu) receipts.
  9. A copy of the Fire Department’s support letter/ Bomba Certificate.
  10. Photographs of the outer part of your premises showing where the signboard will be displayed.
  11. A colour visual of the signboard indicating design, colours and physical measurement.

How is pricing determined for this service?

Essentially, the total fees chargeable, is dependent on the business licence categories and runner fees.

For the actual figures, they’re determined per case. Therefore, we advise you to speak with our representative to get a precise quotation for the services that actually need from us.