A “Sendirian Berhad” or “Sdn Bhd” is a private limited company in Malaysia, established under the Companies Act 2016. It is a separate legal entity from its owners, offering liability protection to its shareholders.

So, you’re ready to take the leap. You have a great business idea, the drive to succeed, and you know that forming a proper company is the crucial next step in your entrepreneurial journey in Malaysia. The most common, flexible, and robust business structure you’ll encounter is the Sdn Bhd, or “Sendirian Berhad.”

But what does that mean, and how do you actually register one?

Feeling a little overwhelmed by terms like “SSM,” “MyCoID,” and “Super Form”? That’s perfectly normal. Think of this guide as your friendly mentor, here to walk you through the entire process, step by step. We’ll demystify the jargon and show you exactly how to get your company officially registered.

Before We Start: The 3 Core Requirements

Before you can even begin the online registration process, you need to have the basic building blocks of your company in place.

1. At Least One Director: You need a minimum of one director who is at least 18 years old and resides in Malaysia. This person cannot be bankrupt or have been convicted of serious offenses.
2. At Least One Shareholder: A shareholder can be an individual or a corporate body. A single person can be both the director and the shareholder, which is common for new startups.
3. A Qualified Company Secretary: Under the Companies Act 2016, every Sdn Bhd must appoint a company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. This isn’t just an administrative role; the company secretary is a licensed professional who ensures your company complies with all legal regulations governed by the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).

Now, let’s get into the action plan for registering your company.

Your Step-by-Step Registration Guide

The entire process is handled online through SSM’s MyCoID portal. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do.

Step 1: Create Your MyCoID User Account

First things first, you need to create a personal user account on the MyCoID portal. This will be your gateway for all dealings with SSM.

• Define: MyCoID is the online portal provided by SSM for the submission and management of company incorporation and registration matters in Malaysia.
• What This Means for You: Instead of queuing up at a physical counter, you can manage your company’s registration from your computer. After you register online, you will receive an email. You must then visit the nearest SSM counter for a one-time identity verification. This is a security step to ensure it’s really you. Once verified, your account will be activated.

Step 2: Conduct a Company Name Search

With your MyCoID account active, you can now propose a name for your new company.

• Define: A name reservation is the process of checking if your desired company name is available and meets SSM’s guidelines, and then reserving it for your use.
• What This Means for You: Your company name must be unique and cannot be overly similar to existing businesses. It also can’t contain words that are offensive or imply a connection to royalty or government bodies without special permission. The MyCoID portal has a “Direct Incorporation” feature that allows you to search for a name and, if available, proceed directly to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare and Complete the “Super Form”

This is the core of your application. The “Super Form” is the all-in-one digital form for incorporation.

• Define: The Form for Application for Registration of a Company, commonly known as the Super Form, is the official application document required under Section 14 of the Companies Act 2016. It consolidates all the information needed to incorporate a company.
• What This Means for You: This is where you’ll input all the critical details about your new company. Think of it as your company’s birth certificate application. You will need to provide:
  • Your approved company name.
  • The nature of your business (you’ll select relevant business codes).
  • The address of your registered office.
  • The full details of your director(s) and shareholder(s).
  • Details of the shares to be issued.

Take your time and ensure every detail is accurate. Any mistakes can cause delays.

Step 4: Review, Declare, and Submit

Once the Super Form is complete, you’ll be asked to review all the information. The system requires a declaration that all information provided is true and correct. After this declaration, you can submit the application.

This submission includes providing the information outlined in Section 14 (Application for Registration), the statement by the promoter/director as per Section 15, and the declaration of the person appointed as company secretary under Section 58.

Step 5: Make the Payment

After submission, you will be directed to a payment gateway to pay the incorporation fee.

• Define: SSM charges a statutory fee for the incorporation of a company limited by shares.
• What This Means for You: You need to pay this fee to finalize your application. As of our latest update, the standard fee for incorporating a company limited by shares is RM1,010.

Step 6: Receive Your Notice of Registration

Success! Once SSM has reviewed and approved your application (which typically takes 1-3 working days), you will receive an official email notification.

• Define: The Notice of Registration is the official document issued by SSM under Section 15 of the Companies Act 2016 that serves as conclusive evidence that your company is successfully incorporated.
• What This Means for You: Congratulations, your Sdn Bhd is now a legally registered company in Malaysia! This email is your official proof. You can also purchase a formal Certificate of Incorporation from the MyCoID portal if you need one.

What’s Next? The Post-Incorporation Checklist

Getting your Notice of Registration is a huge milestone, but the work doesn’t stop there. Here are your immediate next steps:

• Appoint a Company Secretary: You must do this within 30 days of incorporation. If you need help, our company formation services can handle this for you.
• Hold the First Board Meeting: Convene a meeting with the director(s) to formally appoint the company secretary, approve the opening of a business bank account, and handle other initial company matters.
• Open a Business Bank Account: Use your incorporation documents to open a corporate bank account. This is essential for managing your company’s finances separately from your personal funds.
• Understand Your Compliance Duties: Learn about your annual responsibilities, such as filing an Annual Return and audited financial statements with SSM. We will cover the detailed requirements for an Sdn Bhd and the cost of Sdn Bhd registration in future articles.

Your Journey Starts Now

Understanding the fundamentals of registering an Sdn Bhd is your first step toward building a credible and scalable business. While the process is now streamlined through digital submission, it requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of your legal obligations.

If you want to ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently, why not register your Sdn Bhd with us? Our experts can navigate the entire process for you, so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business.

Ready to start but have a few more questions? Chat with us on WhatsApp for a no-obligation, friendly consultation!