Establishing a Company in Malaysia
The Companies Act 2016 (“CA 2016”) has significantly modernised the landscape of doing business in Malaysia, moving closer to the ease of business found in jurisdictions like Singapore. By...
Why Malaysia
Your Destination for ASEAN Corporate Expansion
Malaysia is a strategic gateway into Southeast Asia, offering a diversified economy, established infrastructure, and access to ASEAN markets. However, successfully entering and operating in Malaysia requires careful navigation of corporate, tax, employment, and regulatory frameworks.
Alitium supports foreign-invested and regional businesses at every stage of their Malaysia expansion, from initial structuring and incorporation through to tax, payroll, accounting, and ongoing compliance.
Our approach combines technical expertise with commercial practicality, helping businesses establish compliant operations while remaining focused on growth.
Tax Opportunities and Benefits in Malaysia
Malaysia actively promotes foreign investment through targeted incentives, including:
Pioneer Status & Investment Tax Allowances
Available for priority sectors
Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint incentives
Focussed for tech and innovation
Multilateral Double Tax Agreements
Reductions in withholding taxes
Sector-specific tax incentives
For manufacturing, export services, and R&D
These programs help optimise your tax position while supporting long-term growth and global competitiveness.
Navigating the Banking Landscape in Malaysia: A Guide for Foreigners and Foreign-Owned Companies
For foreign investors and expatriates, Malaysia offers a sophisticated financial infrastructure regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). However, while incorporating a company or obtaining a work visa has become...
The Malaysia Advantage
Strategic Location & Connectivity: The Core of Malaysia's Advantage
Malaysia’s geographic position in the heart of ASEAN provides easy access to key markets, efficient logistics, and integrated supply chains across the region.
With competitive operating costs and high-quality professional services, Malaysia offers attractive economics for startups, regional headquarters, and global shared services.
Skilled Workforce & Multilingual Talent
Malaysia boasts a well-educated, multilingual workforce with strong technical and business skills, particularly in finance, technology, and services industries.
Trade & Investment Frameworks
Malaysia has an extensive network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Bilateral Investment Treaties that help reduce barriers to trade and foster international expansion.
Alongside multilateral trade agreements such as the CPTPP and RCEP, Malaysia provides businesses with preferential access to key global and regional markets. These agreements support cross-border trade, strengthen regional supply chains, and facilitate services and digital trade, enhancing Malaysia’s attractiveness as a base for ASEAN and international expansion.
Logistics and Supply Chains represent a core advantage
Malaysia
A Strategic Hub for Trade, Talent and Regional Operations
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Trade, Manufacturing and Supply Chains
Malaysia is a key participant in global and regional supply chains, with established strengths in manufacturing, electronics, energy, and export-oriented services. Its connectivity, industrial parks, and logistics infrastructure support efficient regional distribution and cross-border operations across ASEAN.
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Skilled, Multilingual Workforce
Malaysia offers a well-educated, multilingual workforce with strong capabilities in finance, engineering, technology, and shared services. English is widely used in business and government, making Malaysia an accessible and efficient operating environment for international companies.
Malaysian Structures & Requirements
Incorporating and Operating Compliant Structures in Malaysia
Incorporation Requirements & Compliance
Understanding local company laws, licensing obligations, and regulatory compliance is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.
Tax, Accounting & Reporting
Malaysia’s tax regime, including corporate tax, Sales and Services Tax, employment levies, and transfer pricing guidelines, requires disciplined planning and reporting.
Work Permits & Employment Regulations
Navigating Malaysia’s employment pass processes, employer statutory contributions and obligations, and employment laws ensures compliant hiring and workforce stability.
Banking & Financial Infrastructure
Efficient banking solutions and FX management are critical for managing international transactions and cross-border capital flows.
Cultural & Market Insight
Appreciating local business norms, language preferences, and commercial practices helps build stronger client, partner, and talent networks.
Your Malaysia Strategy
How can we help?
Alitium’s Malaysia team supports your expansion goals, from initial market entry strategy, entity setup, and corporate structuring to ongoing compliance, tax planning, payroll services, and advisory.
Our Key Areas of Support For Your Malaysian Needs:
- Company incorporation & licensing support
- Corporate secretarial services & compliance
- Tax advisory & planning
- Accounting, bookkeeping & financial reporting
- Payroll & HR support
- Work permit & employment compliance advisory
- Bank account opening assistance & FX planning
*Some services may be provided by our partners or associates, as licensed professionals in their specific jurisdiction(s)
Professional assistance to investors in Asia.
Quick Links
Malaysia Office
Suite 11.01, Level 11, South Wing Menara Obyu 4, Jalan PJU 8/8A Damansara Perdana 47820 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia