Applying Business Licence in Malaysia
Updated: Nov 4
It is very important to get a business license because it will clarify your reputation as a trader (online or offline) after registration.
Obtaining a valid business license is important to start a business in Malaysia. This includes licensing, registration, permits and approvals. Business licenses can be applied from the licensing authority Pihak Berkuasa Melesen (PBM) related to the location and business activities.
Before a company can legally start a business, it must comply with some form of licensing. This can be a general license, an industry / sector-specific license, or an activity-specific license. Business licenses are regulated by law and are governed by various government agencies, statutory bodies and local authorities. Business licenses include registrations, approvals, licenses, and permits. Compliance requirements vary by industry, business activity, and location.
Business licenses can be divided into three different logical groups:
General licenses
Industry sector-specific licenses
Activity-specific licenses
1. General Licenses
General licenses include required and applicable licenses when investors decide to start a business in Malaysia.
List of general licenses that apply to all businesses include:
Company registration
Income tax registration for companies and employees
Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
Social Security Organisation (SOCSO)
Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF)
Business Premise Licenses and Signboard Licenses
Malaysian companies are required to apply for business premise licenses and signboard licenses from their state authorities.
2. Industry / Sector-Specific Licenses
A special industry / sector license is a license for a particular industry or sector set by the government. This includes the policies that govern the development of a particular industry or sector in accordance with the development of government policy.
Examples of Industrial / Sector Special License are:
Licenses related to the Manufacturing Sector
Licenses and Permission related to the Distributive Trade
Foreign participation (foreign equity 51% or more) in the Malaysian distribution trade sector, including wholesalers, retailers, franchisors, direct sellers, suppliers selling goods to the domestic market, commission agents or other representatives including international trading companies need to be licensed by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.
Licenses related to the Telecommunication Sector
Licenses related to the Broadcasting Sector
Licenses related to the Oil Exploration Sector
Licenses related to the Construction Sector
Licenses related to the Banking Sector
License under Department BLESS, Ministry Of Entrepreneur Development (MED)
The BLESS system is a one-stop online service or online service center (BLESS portal) for information and application for licenses / permits / permission (BLESS applications) related to business in Malaysia.
License under the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH)
License under the National Water Services Commission (SPAN)
3. Activity - Specific Licenses
An activity-specific license is a license that regulates a particular activity and may apply to one or more industries. The license requires investors to follow a set of specific guidelines designed to protect the interests of citizens, employment, employee safety, the environment and the public interest.
Here are examples of an activity-specific license:
Certificate of fitness for certificated machinery
Approval for expatriate posts
Approval to install / resite / alter air pollution control equipment (bag filter and chimney)
Building plan approval
Sales tax
The above information is a general guide for potential investors and business owners to make the first steps, decisions, and plans for their business.
You can also search for Business License on the malaysiabiz or find on bless2 for a new business license. Search on the smeinfo for information and guidelines on business licenses.
List of Business Activities Not Permitted for Foreigners
Foreign nationals cannot apply for a business premises license for activities as in List:
Supermarket / Mini Market ( less than 3000 square meter)
Convenience Store / 24-Hour Convenience Store
Permanent Wet Market
Petrol Station (With or Without Convenience Store)
Permanent Sidewalk Shop/Kiosk
Textiles / Clothing / Footwear (Except International or Exclusive Brands)
Business Bag (Except International or Exclusive Brands)
Restaurant / Bistro / Cafe (Except International or Exclusive Brands)
Jewelry Store
Herbal / Health Business Products (Ministry of Health (MOH) approved)
Traditional Chinese Medicine Store
Workshop (Car / Motorcycle / Glass / Aluminum (Except International or Exclusive Brands)
Computer and Accessories (Retail)
Teak wood furniture and General Furniture
Barber Shop / Hair Salon
Cyber Center / Cyber Cafe
Food Stalls / Kiosk
Telecommunication Equipment Store / Prepaid Pad Card Store / Telephone Card / Telephone Accessories
Laundry
Spa industry
Example of Trade, Business and Industrial Licences
Snooker Centre Licence
Billard Saloon Licence
Video Machine Saloon Licence
Music Hall Licence
Family Entertainment / Bowling Centre Licence
Disco Licence
Cinema Licence
Used Car Display Licence
Storing Old / Used Things Licence
Sawmill Licence
Furniture Factory Licence
Plastic Factory Licence
Fish Fertiliser Factory Licence
Electrical / Electronic Factory Licence
Iron / Metal Factory Licence
Washing Powder / Detergent Factory Licence
Livestock Feed Factory Licence
Zinc / Chloride Producing Factory Licence
Agricultural Fertiliser Factory Licence
Chemical Factory Licence
Sewing Factory Licence
Fibreglass Products Factory Licence
Cement / Stone Products Factory Licence
Rubber Products Factory Licence
Coal / Charcoal Processing Factory Licence
Biodiesel Factory Licence
Animal / Fish Fertiliser Manufacturing / Processing Licence
Children Toys Factory Licence
Rattan Factory Licence
Battery Factory Licence
Spare Parts / Accessories Factory Licence
Fish / Prawns Freezing Factory Licence
Aluminium / Glass Factory Licence
Carpet / Fabric Product Factory Licence
Cosmetic / Toiletries Factory Licence
Rope (Ship) Factory Licence
Coal / Attap Processing / Manufacture Licence
Workshop Licence
Engineering Workshop Licence
Boat Display Licence
Boat Engine Repair Licence
Boat Making Licence
Selling Boat Engine Licence
Unloading Cargo at Ship Licence
Heavy Vehicle Display (Open Space) Licence
Roller-Skates Court Licence
Mini Car Track Licence
Ironsmith Licence
Tinker Licence
Glass / Aluminium Maker Licence
Carpenter Licence
Electrician / Pipe Maker Licence
Car / Lorry / Bus Repair Licence
Motorcycle Repair Licence
Air-Conditioner / Electric Repair Licence
Exhaust Repair Licence
Car Air-Conditioner Installation / Repair Licence
Welding Licence
Electrical / Electronic Equipment Repair Licence
Cushion Repair Licence
Advertisement / Sign Board Maker Licence
Servicing and Supplying Fire Extinguisher Licence
Vehicle Electronic Shop Licence
Selling / Installing Spare Parts & Accessories Licence
Battery / Vehicle Wiring Shop Licence
Car Painting Licence
Bricks-Maker Licence
Printing Licence
Rubber Storage Licence
Construction Materials Storage Licence
Fertiliser Storage Licence
Latex / Copra Storage Licence
Stone / Clay Products Storage Licence
Food / Drinks Storage Warehouse Licence
Quarry Licence
Batik / Fabric Processing (Dyeing / Printing) Licence
Cigar Making / Tobacco Storage Licence
Prayer Items Making Licence
Prayer Items Selling Licence
Electronic Items Processing Licence
Shoe Repair Licence
Repairing and Selling Machine / Equipment Licence
Repairing Machine / Heavy Vehicle Licence
Skid Tank Storage Licence
Dangerous Oil Storage Licence
Electrical Shop Licence
Nursery / Potted Plants Shop Licence
Goods Distributor Licence
Cosmetic Items Selling Licence
Furniture Shop Licence
Sewing Items Licence
Bicycle Shop Licence
New Cars Display Licence
Kindergarten (Business Building) Licence
Service Station Licence
Pet Shop Licence
Pesticide Shop Licence
Plastic Ware Selling Licence
Rubber Shop Licence
Glass Cutting / Framing Shop Licence
Hardware Shop Licence
Tyre Shop Licence
Aquarium Shop Licence
Construction Material Selling Licence
Goldsmith Shop Licence
House Furnishing Selling Licence
Livestock Feed / Medicines Licence
Motorcycle Display Licence
Paints Storage Licence
Tobacco Produce Selling / Storage Licence
Warehouse Licence
Nursery Licence
Rubber Smoking House Licence
Chemical / Fertilise Shop Licence
Bicycle Storage / Selling Licence
Pet Food Licence
Music / Dancing School Licence
Private School Licence
Physical Exercise Centre Licence
Tailor Licence
Laundrette / Dry Cleaning Shop Licence
General Business Licence
Carpet / Fabric Products Selling Licence
Carpet / Fabric Products Storage Licence
Cement Storage Licence
Cement Selling Licence
Hardware Storage Licence
Fabric / Linen Selling / Wholesaling Licence
Fabic / Linen Storage Licence
Cement Products Storage Licence
Prawn Breeding (Wholesale / Selling) Licence
Horse Paddock Licence
Charcoal / Coal Selling / Wholesale Licence
Charcoal / Coal Storage Licence
Gas Storage Licence
Electric Cable Workshop Licence
Fibreglass Display Licence
Heavy Vehicles Storage (Open Area) Licence
Heavy Vehicles Storage (In Building) Licence
Aluminium / Glass Products Storage Licence
Wood / Rattan / Bamboo Products Storage Licence
Silver Wholesale / Sale / Goldsmith Licence
Gold Wholesale / Sale / Goldsmith Licence
Selling / Wholesaling Animal / Fish Fertiliser Licence
Glue Processing Licence
Cosmetic / Toiletries Selling / Wholsaling Licence
Coal / Attap Storage Licence
Refrigerator Repair Licence
Lorry Body Making Licence
Cyber / Cyber Cafe Centre Licence
Swiflets Nest Industry Licence
Selling Three / Four Numers / TOTO Ticket Licence
Coffin Shop Licence
Example of Controlling and Monitoring Food Premise Licences
Beer House Licence
Dining Hall Licence
Pub / Bar / Lounge Licence
Toddy Shop Licence
Liquor Wholesale / Storing / Selling Licence
Private Abattoir Licence
Cooking Oil Factory Licence
Chicken Processing Factory Licence
Vermicelli Factory Licence
Soy Sauce Factory Licence
Sauces Factory Licence
Ice Factory Licence
Flour Factory Licence
Palm Cooking Oil Factory Licence
Sea Produce Factory Licence
Spices Factory Licence
Rice Processing / Factory Licence
Private Stall Licence
Beer Warehouse / Distributor Licence
Selling (Retail) Liquor Licence
Flour Mill Licence
Sea Produce Storage / Selling Licence
Chicken Slaughter / Processing Licence
Breeding Cow / Ox / Horse Licence
Cocoa / Palm Storage Licence
Coffee Processing Licence
Bean Curd Processing Licence
Ice-Cream Making / Distributing Licence
Salted Fish Making Licence
Food and Drink Distributor / Storage Licence
Refrigerated Food Storage Licence
Nuts / Coconuts Processing Licence
Salted Eggs Making Licence
Animal Skin Processing Licence
Noodles (Mee) Processing Licence
Sea Produce Snack Food Processing Licence
Fish Satay Making Licence
Food Colouring / Favouring and Preservative Making / Selling Licence
Cooking Oil Canning Licence
Drinking Water Processing Licence
Restaurant (Air-Conditioned / Non-Air-Conditioned) Licence
Food Provider Licence
Pastry Shop Licence
Bakery Shop Licence
Grocery Shop Licence
Fruit Shop Licence
Vegetable Shop Licence
Sweets / ice-Cream / Snacks Selling Licence
Medicine Shop Licence
Pharmacy Licence
Cofee Shop Lience
School Canteen / Canteen Licence
Beef / Mutton / Chicken Shop Licence
Pork Shop Licence
Tapioca Drying Licence
In-Premise Stall Licence
Food Packing Licence
Soft Drinks Distributor Licence
Preparing / Making Fruit Pickles Licence
Rotten Fish Storage Licence
Example of other Business Licences
Lodging House Licences
Lodging House Licence
Massage Parlour Licences
Massage Parlour Licence
Massage Parlour (Reflexology) Licence
Massage Parlour (Spa) Licence
Sauna Licence
Temporary Building-Related Licence
Violation of Conditions Business Building Licence
Advertisement Licences
Sign Board (Billboard) Licence
Signboards Licence
Notice Board Licence
Hawker Licences
Private Market Licence
Supermarket Licence
Mini Market Licence
Swimming Pool Control and Supervision Licences
Swimming Pool Licence
Private Parking Licences
Parking Licence
Roadside Stall Licence
Roadside Stall / Market Table (council-owned only) Licence
Barber and Hair Saloon Licences
Barbershop Licence
Hair Saloon Licence
Makeup Saloon Licence
Public Market Licences
Public Market Licence
Group of Licences According to Category of Business
Entertainment | List of Technical Licences
Snooker Centre Licence
Billiard Saloon Licence
Video Machine Saloon Licence
Music Hall Licence
Family Entertainment / Bowling Centre Licence
Disco Licence
Karaoke Licence
Cinema Licence
Liquor / Beer | List of Technical Licences
Beer House Licence
Dining Hall Licence
Pub / Bar / Lounge Licence
Toddy Shop Licence
Liquor Wholesale / Storing / Selling Licence
Liquor / Beer | List of Non-Technical Licences (Immeidate)
Beer Warehouse / Distributor Licence
Selling (Retail) Liquor Licence
Health Therapy | List of Techinical Licences
Massage Parlour Licence
Massage Parlour (Reflexology) Licence
Massage Palour (Spa) Licence
Sauna Licence
Business Building (Construction) | List of Technical Licences
Temporary Building-Related Licence
Violation of Conditions Business Building Licence
Factory | List of Technical Licences
Coal / Attap Processing / Manufacturing Licence
Factory | List of Non-Technical Licences
Sawmill Licence
Furniture Factory Licence
Plastic Factory Licence
Fish Fertiliser Factory Licence
Electrical / Electronic Factory Licence
Iron / Metal Factory Licence
Washing Powder / Detergent Factory Licence
Livestock Feed Factory Licence
Zinc / Chloride Producing Factory Licence
Agricultural Fertiliser Factory Licence
Chemical Factory Licence
Cooking Oil Factory Licence
Chicken Processing Factory Licence
Vermicelli Factory Licence
Soy Sauce Factory Licence
Sauces Factory Licence
Bakery Factory Licence
Ice Factory Licence
Flour Factory Licence
Palm Cooking Oil Factory Licence
Spices Factory Licence
Rice Processing / Factory Licence
Sugar Processing / Factory Licence
Sewing Factory Licence
Fibreglass Products Factory Licence
Cement / Stone Products Factory Licence
Rubber Products Factory Licence
Coal / Charcoal Processing Factory Licence
Biodiesel Factory Licence
Children Toys Factory Licence
Rattan Factory Licence
Battery Factory Licence
Spare Parts / Accessories Factory Licence
Fish / Prawns Freezing Factory Licence
Aluminum / Glass Factory Licence
Carpet / Fabric Product Factory Licence
Cosmetic / Toiletries Factory Licence
Rope (Ship) Factory Licence
Glass / Aluminum Maker Licence
Flour Mill Licence
Bricks-Maker Licence
Lorry Body Making Licence
Advertisement | List of Technical Licences
Sign Board (Billboard) Licence
Advertisement | List of Non-Technical Licences
Signboards Licence
Notice Board Licence
Stall / Hawkers | List of Non-Technical Licences
Private Stall Licence
Hawkers Centre Licence
Hawker Licence (Night Market Only) Licence
Roadside Stall / Market Table (MPM-Owned Only) Licence
In-Premise Stall Licence
Mobile / Static / Tricycle Bicycle / Pushcart / Hawker Vehicle / Hawker Van / Tricycle Bike Hawker Licence
General Businss | List of Non-Technical Licences
General Business Licence
Market | List of Non_Technical Licences
Private Market Licence
Mini Market Licence
Public Market Licence
Supermarket Licence
Workshop | List of Non-Technical Licences
Workshop Licence
Engineering Workshop Licence
Car Painting Licence
Boat | List of Non-Technical Licences
Boat Display Licence
Boat Engine Repair Licence
Boat Making Licence
Selling Boat Engine Licence
Repair Services | List of Non-Technical Licences
Electrician / Pipe Maker Licence
Car / Lorry / Bus Repair Licence
Motorcycle Repair Licence
Air-Conditioner / Electric Repair Licence
Exhaust Repair Licence
Car Air-Conditioner Installation / Repair Licence
Welding Licence
Electrical / Electronic Equipment Repair Licence
Cushion Repair Licence
Refrigerator Repair Licence
Shoe Repair Licence
Storage | List of Non-Technical Licences
Rubber Storage Licence
Construction Materials Storage Licence
Wood and Planks Storage Licence
Fertiliser Storage Licence
Latex / Copra Storage Licence
Sea Produce Storage / Selling Licence
Stone / Clay Products Storage Licence
Liquid Gas Petroleum Storage Licence
Skid Tank Storage Licence
Dangerous Oil Storage Licence
Paints Storage Licence
Warehouse Licence
Carpet / Fabric Products Stoage Licence
Cement Storage Licence
Hardware Storage Licence
Fabric / Linen Storage Licence
Cement Products Storage Licence
Charcoal / Coal Storage Licence
Gas Storage Licence
Rotten Fish Storage Licence
Heavy Vehicles Storage (Open Area) Licence
Heavy Vehicles Storage (In Building) Licence
Aluminum / Glass Products Storage Licence
Wood / Rattan / Bamboo Products Storage Licence
Coal / Attap Storage Licence
Old / Used Things Storage Licence
Food / Drinks Storage Warehouse Licence
Cocoa / Palm Storage Licence
Refrigerated Food Storage Licence
Food and Drink Distributor / Storage Licence
Slaughterhouse | List of Technical Licences
Private Abattoir Licence
Slaughterhouse | List of Non-Technical Licences
Chicken Slaughter / Processing Licence
Food | List of Technical Licences (Immediate)
Coffee Processing Licence
Bean Curd Processing Licence
Ice-Cream Making / Distributing Licence
Salted Fish Making Licence
Food and Drink Distributor / Storage Licence
Nuts / Coconuts Processing Licence
Salted Eggs Making Licence
Animal Skin Processing Licence
Sea Produce Snack Food Processing Licence
Food | List of Non-Technical Licences
Nuts / Coconuts Processing Licence
Oil Processing Licence
Sea Produce Snack Food Processing Licence
Fish Satay Making Licence
Food Colouring / Flavouring and Preservative Making / Selling Licence
Tapioca Drying Licence
Food Provider Licence
Beef / Mutton / Chicken Shop Licence
Pork Shop Licence
Food Packing Licence
Fruit Pickles Preparing / Making Licence
Cigarette | List of Non-Technical Licences
Cigar Making / Tobacco Storage Licence
Tobacco Produce Selling / Storage Licence
Prayer's Item | List of Non-Technical Licences
Prayer's Items Making Licence
Prayer's Items Selling Licence
Electronics | List of Non-Technical Licences
Electronic Items Processing Licence
Electronic Cable Workshop Licence
Vehicle Electronic Shop Licence
Drinking Water | List of Non-Technical Licences
Drinking Water Processing
Swimming Pool | List of Non-Technical Licences
Swimming Pool Licence
Parking | List of Non-Technical Licences
Parking Licence
Retail | List of Technical Licences
Coffin Shop Licence
Retail | List of Non-Technical Licences
Soft Drinks Distributor Licence
Electrical Shop Licence
Nursery / Potted Plants Shop Licence
Goods Distributor Licence
Cosmetic Items Selling Licence
Furniture Shop Licence
Food Provider Licence
Pastry Shop Licence
Bakery Shop Licence
Grocery Shop Licence
Fruit Shop Licence
Vegetable Shop Licence
Sweets / Ice-Cream / Snacks Selling Licence
Coffee Shop Licence
Sewing Items Licence
Bicycles Shop Licence
Pet Shop Licence
Pesticide Shop Licence
Plastic Ware Selling Licence
Rubber Shop Licence
Glass Cutting / Framing Shop Licence
Hardware Shop Licence
Tyre Shop Licence
Aquarium Shop Licence
Construction Material Selling Licence
House Furnishing Selling Licence
Chemical / Fertiliser Shop Licence
Bicycle Storage / Selling Licence
Pet Food Licence
Carpet / Fabric Products Selling Licence
Cement Selling Licence
Fabric / Linen Selling / Wholesaling Licence
Horse Paddock Licence
Charcoal / Coal Selling / Wholesale Licence
Servicing and Supplying Fire Extinguisher Licence
Selling / Installing Spare Parts & Accessories Licence
Battery / Vehicle Wiring Shop Licence
Restaurant | List of Non-Technical Licences
Restaurant (Air-Conditioned / Non-Air-Conditioned Licence)
Healthcare | List of Non-Technical Licences
Medicine Shop Licence
Pharmacy Licence
Livestock Feed Medicines Licence
Breeding | List of Non-Technical Licences
Prawn Breeding (Wholesale / Selling) Licence
Breeding Cow / Ox / Horse Licence
Services | List of Technical Licences
Lodging House Licence
Kindergarten / Nursery Licence
Services | List of Non-Technical Licences
School Canteen / Canteen Licence
Kindergarten (Business Building) Licence
Service Station Licence
Nursery Licence
Music / Dancing School Licence
Barbershop Licence
Hair Saloon Licence
Makeup Saloon Licence
Physical Exercise Centre Licence
Tailor Licence
Laundrette / Dry Cleaning Shop Licence
Unloading Cargo at Ship Licence
Carpenter Licence
Printing Licence
Cooking Oil Canning Licence
Vehicle | List of Non-Technical Licences
New Cars Display Licence
Used Cars Display Licence
Mini Car Track Licence
Vehicle | List of Technical Licences
Used Car Display Licence
Heavy Vehicles Display (Open Space) Licence
Motorcycle Display Licence
Fibreglass Display Licence
Precious Metals (Gold, Silver) | List of Non-Technical Licences
Goldsmith Shop Licence
Gold Wholesale / Sale / Goldsmith Licence
Silver Wholesale / Sale / Silversmith Licence
Animal | List of Technical Licences
Swiflets Nest Industry Licence
Animal / Fish Fertiliser Manufacturing / Processing Licence
Animal | List of Non-Technical Licences
Selling / Wholesaling Animal / Fish Fertiliser Licence
Glue | List of Non-Technical Licences
Glue Processing Licence
Gambling
Selling Three / Four Numbers / TOTO Ticket Licence
Others
Roller-Skates Court Licence
Ironsmith Licence
Tinker Licence
Quarry Licence
Batik / Fabric Processing (Dyeing / Printing) Licence
Animal Skin Processing Licence
Rubber Smoking House Licence
Unregulated Service Industry
Management Consultancy and Management Consulting Services;
Cleaning and Cleaning Services;
Hair saloon Center;
Market Research;
Translation and Interpretation;
Laundry Service;
Market research;
Packaging Services;
Photography Services; and
Personal and Home Appliances Rental Service
Convenience Store
Convenience store with foreign involvement is regulated. Owners of convenience stores with foreign interests need to obtain permission from KPDNHEP to operate by applying to the Services Industry Division, KPDNHEP.
Online Business
All online businesses must be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM);
For companies that conduct online business with foreign involvement (i.e., foreign ownership exceeding 51%) and operate in Malaysia must comply with the following:
Companies need to submit business applications that are not regulated by the Services Industry Division and can refer to the Guidelines for Foreign Participation in the Distribution Trade Sector in Malaysia;
Companies must comply with the Consumer Protection (Electronic Trade Transactions) Regulations 2012; and
Companies must comply with all existing laws and regulations in Malaysia as they are subject to physical business.
Information regarding licenses - (MalaysiaBiz, BLESS)
MalaysiaBiz link - https://malaysiabiz.gov.my/en
Bless link - https://www.bless.gov.my/bless/action/login?show
Applying Business Licence in Malaysia
How Bestar can Help
Bestar can help you apply for a business license in Malaysia by providing the following services:
Identifying the relevant business license requirements. Bestar has a team of experienced professionals who are familiar with the latest business license requirements in Malaysia. We can help you identify the specific licenses that you need for your business, based on your industry, business activities, and location.
Preparing the necessary documentation. Bestar can help you prepare all of the necessary documentation for your business license application, including the company registration certificate, income tax registration certificate, EPF registration certificate, SOCSO registration certificate, and HRDF registration certificate.
Submitting the application to the relevant authorities. Bestar can submit your business license application to the relevant authorities on your behalf. This can save you time and hassle, as you will not need to navigate the complex Malaysian bureaucracy yourself.
Tracking the status of your application. Bestar can track the status of your business license application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress. This way, you can be sure that your application is being processed efficiently and that you will receive your business license as soon as possible.
In addition to these services, Bestar can also provide you with advice and guidance on all aspects of business licensing in Malaysia. For example, they can help you to understand the different types of business licenses available, the eligibility criteria for each license, and the fees associated with each license.
Bestar's business license application services are available to businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations. We offer a variety of pricing packages to suit different budgets.
To learn more about how Bestar can help you apply for a business license in Malaysia, you can visit our website or contact us directly.
