Obtaining Business License in Malaysia

Business License in Malaysia | Moore Bzi

With over 300 types of Business Licenses available in Malaysia,
we help businesses apply for the right one, the right way.
Introduction

We Offer All
4 Types of Business Licenses

In Malaysia, businesses can seek licensing from the Pihak Berkuasa Melesen (PBM). These licenses encompass registrations, approvals, permits, and licenses, with compliance criteria differing based on industry, business operations, and geographical location.

 

Moore Bzi provides comprehensive application services to optimize your business operations and mitigate risks effectively.

CIDB License

 

This business license is mandatory for all contractors, local or foreign to be registered with the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board (LPIPM) or CIDB under Section 25 of Act 520 (Amendment 2011).

 

Register or Renew Your CIDB License Today

Required Documents

  • Contractor Registration Certificate (PPK)
  • Certificate of Employment of Work (SPKK)
  • Bumiputera Status Certificate (STB) – Issued by the Contractors and Entrepreneurs Division (BPKU)

 

CIDB Registration Category:

  • Civil Engineering Construction (CE)
  • Building Construction and (B)
  • Mechanical and Electrical (ME)
  • Facilities (F)

 

With more than half a dozen of CIDB grade categories, Moore Bzi is here to ease your burden and ensure your business license in Malaysia is filled correctly and efficiently.

 

Application status & Application Outcome Letters may be checked at https://www.cidb.gov.my/.

wholesale retail trade license malaysia

Business Premises License & Signboard License

 

The business premise licenses and signboard licenses can be applied with state authorities. This is in regard to the signboard placed in front of a business and for a company to operate within the government’s geographical jurisdiction legally.

 

Apply for Malaysian Business License Today

Required Documents

  • Certificate of incorporation (section 17)
  • Return of particulars or directors, managers and secretaries (section 58)
  • Photos of your business premise (front and interior)
  • Sample of signboard indicating design and colour
  • Photos showing location of signboard

 

May differ according to local state authorities.

wholesale retail trade license

Restaurant License

 

Opening a restaurant can be an exciting endeavour but one must also apply for certain additional licenses depending on your nature of business.

 

Take the Next Step To Acquire Your Restaurant License

Halal License

 

Certified by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM). Businesses that hope to appeal to the Muslim community in Malaysia should apply for this license.

 

Procedure

  1. Fill in the relevant forms related to:
    Product/Consumer Goods
    Food Premise
    Slaughter House
  2. Submit the Required documents and relevant certificates
  3. Internal audits to verify your application. The entire process will take up to 6 to 24 months.
Liquor License / Beer House License

 

This license allows for liquor to be served on your premises. As a majority Muslim nation, it is heavily emphasized by the government to ensure that only authorized establishments are selling alcohol.

 

Procedure

  1. Fill up an application form
  2. Submit the required documents (SSM documents, tenancy agreement / sales and purchase agreement of your business premise, certified true copy of your identity card and/or passport photo & photograph of your business premise)
  3. Pay the application fee
  4. Obtain approval from your respective Town Council
Food Handling License

 

All food handlers in your restaurant must sit for the Food Handling course conducted by an approved training school by the Ministry of Health. This includes business owners.

 

This course includes those in the food processing, food service/hospitality and food retail sectors.

 

Failure to attend this course may result in a fine of not more than RM 10,000 or not more than 2 years of imprisonment.

 

Procedure

  1. Fill up an application form
  2. Submit the required documents (SSM documents, tenancy agreement / sales and purchase agreement of your business premise, certified true copy of your identity card and/or passport photo & photograph of your business premise)
  3. Pay the application fee
  4. Obtain approval from your respective Town Council
Public Performance Malaysia License

 

Restaurants with a live band? This is for you. Give your talent peace of mind, knowing they are performing in a licensed location.

 

Procedure

  1. Fill in the application form
  2. Present required documents
  3. Make payment – (4 categories)
  4. Submit the application form to PPM

 

Different prices apply to different restaurant categories.

WRT License

 

For any international food brands whose majority shareholders are non-Malaysian.

Signboard License

 

Necessary for any restaurant to operate legally.

Halal License
Halal License

 

Certified by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM). Businesses that hope to appeal to the Muslim community in Malaysia should apply for this license.

 

Procedure

  1. Fill in the relevant forms related to:
    Product/Consumer Goods
    Food Premise
    Slaughter House
  2. Submit the Required documents and relevant certificates
  3. Internal audits to verify your application. The entire process will take up to 6 to 24 months.
Liquor License / Beer House License
Liquor License / Beer House License

 

This license allows for liquor to be served on your premises. As a majority Muslim nation, it is heavily emphasized by the government to ensure that only authorized establishments are selling alcohol.

 

Procedure

  1. Fill up an application form
  2. Submit the required documents (SSM documents, tenancy agreement / sales and purchase agreement of your business premise, certified true copy of your identity card and/or passport photo & photograph of your business premise)
  3. Pay the application fee
  4. Obtain approval from your respective Town Council
Food Handling License
Food Handling License

 

All food handlers in your restaurant must sit for the Food Handling course conducted by an approved training school by the Ministry of Health. This includes business owners.

 

This course includes those in the food processing, food service/hospitality and food retail sectors.

 

Failure to attend this course may result in a fine of not more than RM 10,000 or not more than 2 years of imprisonment.

 

Procedure

  1. Fill up an application form
  2. Submit the required documents (SSM documents, tenancy agreement / sales and purchase agreement of your business premise, certified true copy of your identity card and/or passport photo & photograph of your business premise)
  3. Pay the application fee
  4. Obtain approval from your respective Town Council
Public Performance Malaysia License
Public Performance Malaysia License

 

Restaurants with a live band? This is for you. Give your talent peace of mind, knowing they are performing in a licensed location.

 

Procedure

  1. Fill in the application form
  2. Present required documents
  3. Make payment – (4 categories)
  4. Submit the application form to PPM

 

Different prices apply to different restaurant categories.

Music Authors’ Copyright Protection Berhad License (MACP)
Music Authors’ Copyright Protection Berhad License (MACP)

 

Playing music in your business location is considered commercial use and is considered illegal without the MACP License.

 

Procedure

  1. Submit your application to MACP
  2. Present required documents
  3. Make Payment – (4 categories )
  4. Acquire the License

 

Different prices apply to different restaurant categories.

WRT License
WRT License

 

For any international food brands whose majority shareholders are non-Malaysian.

Signboard License
Signboard License

 

Necessary for any restaurant to operate legally.

Recruitment License

 

Private Employment Agency (PEA) stands for a body incorporate, incorporated under the Companies Act 2016 (Act 777) which requires a license under this Act to carry on recruiting activity.

 

In February 2018, Malaysia enforced the Private Employment Agencies (Amendment) Act 2017, which was created in order to protect the rights of employees and protect them from possible fraud or even human trafficking activities.

 

Get Your Recruitment License Today

License A
Job placement for local job seekers in the country.

 

License B
Job placement for local and foreign job seekers, and foreign domestic workers in Malaysia.

 

License C
Job placement for local and foreign job seekers, and domestic non-citizen workers including foreign domestic workers.

Trust Moore Bzi to obtain the necessary forms & ensure your organisation meets the requirements for the recruitment license.

Malaysian Business License
Application Experts

Consult with our advisors regarding the necessary forms and detailed pricing for each license!

business license malaysia

Related Services

FAQ

Answer to questions about Business License Malaysia

Why is a business license important for operating in Malaysia?

A valid business license ensures legal compliance, avoids penalties, and builds credibility with customers and partners. If you haven’t registered your company yet, start with our Company Registration Service.

What types of business licenses are required in Malaysia?

Licenses vary by industry and location, including general business premise licenses, signboard licenses, and industry-specific permits like the Wholesale Retail Trade (WRT) license.

How do I apply for a business premise license and signboard license?

These licenses are applied through local state authorities and require documents such as tenancy agreements and premise approvals. If you need a local address, consider our Virtual Office Service.

What documents are typically required for business license applications?

Common documents include company registration certificates, tenancy agreements, approvals from local authorities, and sometimes industry-specific certifications. Our Company Secretarial Services can help prepare and manage these documents.

How long does it take to obtain a business license in Malaysia?

Processing times vary but typically range from 7 to 14 working days, depending on the license type and completeness of documents.

Do I need to register for Employees Provident Fund (EPF), SOCSO, and HRDF when applying for a business license?

Yes, if you employ staff, registration with these statutory bodies is required. Our HR Outsourcing Service & Payroll Outsourcing Service can assist with compliance and payroll management.

What is the Private Employment Agency (PEA) license and who needs it?

PEA licenses are required for companies involved in recruitment activities. Different license categories exist depending on the scope of job placements. We guide you through the application process.

Can I operate a business without a physical office in Malaysia?

Some licenses require a physical premise, but you may use a virtual office address to fulfill local address requirements. Check out our Virtual Office Service.

How do I renew my business licenses and what are the consequences of non-renewal?

Renewal procedures depend on the issuing authority. Failure to renew may result in fines or business closure. Our team can manage renewals to keep your business compliant.

Are there any special licenses for food and beverage businesses?

Yes, F&B businesses require additional licenses such as halal certification and health department approvals. We assist with all industry-specific licenses to ensure smooth operations.