How to register a company in Malaysia?
Registering a company in Malaysia is a relatively simple process, provided you have all the required documentation in order. In this post, we will show you how to do an SSM search company using ssm-einfo, as well as how to fill out and submit the necessary forms to establish a firm. This article is mostly for those seeking to establish a sole proprietorship or partnership in Malaysia.
Introduction to Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM)
The Companies Commission of Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia or SSM in Malaysia) is a statutory body which regulates companies and businesses. SSM, which came into operation on 16 April 2002, is a statutory body formed as a result of a merger between the Registrar of Companies (ROC) and the Registrar of Businesses (ROB) in Malaysia.
The main activity of SSM Malaysia is to serve as an agency to incorporate companies and register businesses as well as to provide company and SSM business info to the public. As the leading authority for the improvement of corporate governance, SSM fulfils its function to ensure compliance with business registration and corporate legislation through comprehensive enforcement and monitoring activities to sustain positive developments in the corporate sector.
SSM fulfils its function as the leading authority for the improvement of corporate governance by ensuring compliance with business registration and corporate legislation through comprehensive enforcement and monitoring activities to sustain positive developments in the Nation’s corporate and business sectors.
Besides, Online Register SSM has made the financial information and profiles of all firms registered with them available on their website in order to promote better openness and accessibility of information to the public. Please visit the SSM new registration website here for further information.
As a result, all business entities in Malaysia must be registered with SSM to be able to operate legally within the country.
Follow These 6 Simple Steps to Register Your Company in Malaysia
- Search Your Company Name
- Apply For Your Company / Trade Name
- Complete Registration SSM Registration Form A (Borang A)
- Form Submission
- Company Incorporation
How to register a company in Malaysia?
1. Search Your Company Name
When it comes to how to register a company in Malaysia with SSM, you have the option of using your personal name or a trade name.
If you choose to use your personal name, it will be listed as the registered owner of the business. This can be advantageous if you are the sole proprietor of the business and wish to establish yourself as a credible source within your industry. However, it can also make it difficult to sell the business or bring on additional partners down the road.
Examples of Personal Name: Raymond Lam Enterprise
If you choose to use a trade name, on the other hand, you will have more flexibility in how the business is structured and operated. Additionally, a trade name can help to build brand recognition and make your business more memorable to potential customers. Ultimately, the decision of whether to use your personal name or a trade name is one that should be made based on your specific business goals.
Examples of Trade Name: Acura Trading Resources, Raclette Enterprise, etc.
2. Apply For Your Company / Trade Name
Choosing a name for your business is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Once you’ve decided to use a personal or trade name, you’ll need to fill out Form PNA42 and submit three possible names to the Registrar of Companies. Only one name will be approved, so it’s important to choose wisely. You may download the form over SSM Registration Form Online or at SSM Official Portal.
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a name for your business. First, it should be distinctive and memorable. It should also be easy to pronounce and spell, so that potential customers can easily find your business online or in the phone book. Additionally, your business name should give some indication of what you do or sell. Avoid names that are too general or that could be associated with other businesses in your industry.
Once you’ve chosen a few possible names, run them by family and friends to get their feedback. Then, contact the Registrar of Companies to see if the names are available and to start the approval process. You may also login to SSM official website to check on the name availability before sending in your application.
3. Complete Registration Form A SSM (Borang A)
Part of this registration process is completing SSM Registration Form A, which requires that you provide basic information about your business. This includes the name and address of your company, as well as the names of the directors and shareholders. You will also need to provide a description of your company’s business activities. Once SSM Online Registration Form A is completed, you can then submit it to SSM along with the required fee.
You can also download Form A or from SSM Website.
Cropped view of person holding pen and filling out application form on table
4. Form Submission
All business owners in Malaysia are required to submit their company registration applications to the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), either in person at the counter or online through the SSM portal at EzBiz Online Services. Online application is encouraged as it is faster and more efficient. However, there are certain types of businesses that must be registered at the counter, such as sole proprietorships and partnerships.
The process for online registration is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps. First, business owners will need to create an account on the SSM portal. Once their account has been created, they will be able to login and begin filling out the online application form.
After the form has been completed, business owners will need to submit any supporting documents that may be required. Finally, they will need to make payment for the registration fee. Once all these steps have been completed, their application will be processed by SSM and they will be issued a company registration certificate.
SSM Apply Online
Manual Offline Document Submissions
| Menara SSM @ Sentral | Address: No. 7, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50623 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Working Hours | Mon-Fri: 8:15AM – 4:15PM |
| Phone | 03-7721 4000 |
| E-mail |
enquiry[at]ssm.com.my |
5. Company Incorporation
Congratulations on taking the first step towards starting your own business in Malaysia! We hope that this complete guide shows you the way on how to register SSM online with your business.
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How to Register a Company in Malaysia Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ covers the most common questions about How to Register a Company in Malaysia. Last Updated: 14 July 2026
What is the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM)?
The Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM), or Companies Commission of Malaysia, is a statutory body that regulates companies and businesses in Malaysia. Established on 16 April 2002 through a merger of the Registrar of Companies and Registrar of Businesses, SSM serves as the primary agency for incorporating companies, registering businesses, and providing corporate governance oversight to ensure compliance with business registration legislation.
- SSM came into operation on 16 April 2002
- Formed from merger of Registrar of Companies (ROC) and Registrar of Businesses (ROB)
- All business entities in Malaysia must be registered with SSM to operate legally
SSM makes financial information and profiles of registered firms available online to promote transparency and public accessibility.
How do I register a company in Malaysia?
Company registration in Malaysia involves six main steps: searching your company name, applying for your chosen name via Form PNA42, completing SSM Registration Form A (Borang A), submitting the form, and finalizing company incorporation. The process is relatively straightforward provided you have all required documentation prepared and ready for submission.
- Search your company name to check availability
- Submit three possible names on Form PNA42 to Registrar of Companies
- Complete SSM Registration Form A (Borang A)
- Submit completed forms to SSM
- Complete company incorporation process
You can check name availability online through the SSM official website before submitting your formal application.
Learn more about registration steps
Should I use a personal name or trade name for my business in Malaysia?
The choice between a personal name and trade name depends on your business goals. Using a personal name (like “Raymond Lam Enterprise”) establishes you as a credible source but complicates future sales or partnerships. A trade name (like “Acura Trading Resources”) provides greater flexibility, builds brand recognition, and makes your business more memorable to customers.
- Personal names are listed as registered owner of business
- Trade names offer more flexibility in business structure and operation
- Trade names help build brand recognition with customers
- Personal names can make it difficult to sell the business later
Consider your long-term business plans and scalability when deciding between these two options.
What should I consider when choosing a business name in Malaysia?
Your business name should be distinctive, memorable, and easy to pronounce and spell so customers can find you online or in directories. It should indicate what your business does or sells, and avoid generic terms or names associated with competitors in your industry. Submit three possible name choices on Form PNA42; only one will be approved.
- Name should be distinctive and memorable
- Must be easy to pronounce and spell
- Should indicate what the business does or sells
- Avoid overly general or competitor-associated names
- Test names with family and friends for feedback
You can check name availability on the SSM official website before formally applying to the Registrar of Companies.
Where can I download the forms needed to register a company in Malaysia?
SSM registration forms, including Form PNA42 for name application and Form A (Borang A) for company registration, are available for download on the SSM Registration Form Online portal or the official SSM website. These forms can be accessed directly through the SSM Official Portal at any time.
- Form PNA42 is used for company or trade name application
- Form A (Borang A) is the main registration form
- Forms available on SSM Registration Form Online
- Forms available on SSM Official Portal
What documentation is required to register a company in Malaysia?
To register a company in Malaysia with SSM, you need completed registration forms including Form PNA42 for name approval and Form A (Borang A) for company registration. The process is straightforward provided you have all required documentation prepared in order before submission.
- Form PNA42 (name application form)
- Form A / Borang A (main registration form)
- Three proposed company names
The page indicates this guide is primarily for those establishing sole proprietorships or partnerships.
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