Business licenses
in
Malaysia.
Make sure your operation has the proper business and commercial licenses and permits it needs to operate legally. Let us help you determine which licenses you will need and also obtain them.

What is a business license?
It is essential to have a valid business license to start a business in Malaysia.
A business license can be applied from the Pihak Berkuasa Melesen (PBM) relevant to the location and business activity. All businesses must have a license, be it a general license, an industry/sector specific license or activity specific license. These include registrations, approvals, licenses and permits. The compliance requirements vary by industry, business activity and location.
Acclime can guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary licenses for your business
Business licenses & permits
Business licenses & permits you may need.
There is a high level of liability for businesses operating without required licensing. Understand what types of licensing there are in Malaysia.
General business licences
General licences are those required when first registering as a business in Malaysia. We work with our clients to advise and make sure all necessary company, tax, employer and other registrations are covered. Examples include:
- Company Registration
- Company and Employees Income Tax Registration
- Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
- Social Security Organisation (PERKESO)
- Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF)
- Business Premise Licenses and Signboard Licenses (these requirements vary on a state by state basis)
Industry specific licenses
For certain industries or sectors, specific licensing is required in line with Government policy to develop certain parts of the economy. Some Examples are licenses related to the:
- Manufacturing esctor
- Wholesale/retail trade – These are licenses required when foreigners wish to commence a distribution business including wholesalers, retailers, franchise practitioners, direct selling trades, suppliers, who distribute goods to the domestic market, and commission agents or other representatives including international trading companies.
- Telecommunication and broadcasting sectors
- Oil exploration sector
- Banking sector
- Insurance
Activity specific licenses
Activity specific licenses are those that regulate particular activities and could be applicable to one or more industries or sectors. This category of license requires investors to comply with sets of specific guidelines which are designed to protect the interest of the citizen, employment, safety of workers, environment and general public. Examples of activity specific licenses are:
- Certificate of fitness for certified machinery
- Approval for expatriate employment
- Approval to install/re-site/alter Air Pollution Control Equipment
- Building Plan Approval
- Sales Tax License
Business license application process
How getting a business license in Malaysia works.
Let us save you time and money and help you find and apply for the necessary licenses and permits you need to start running your business in Malaysia.