Startup Guide
Steps required to start a business in Malaysia. Click each item to see details.
01
Common: Company setup & employment in Malaysia
Startup steps
Company registration (Sdn Bhd)
1-3 weeks
Company incorporation via SSM
Open bank account
1-3 weeks
Corporate account
ESD system registration
1-2 weeks
Portal for employing foreigners
EP visa application
4-10 weeks
Obtain work permit
Requirements & conditions
- •Capital: min RM100k (RM500k+ recommended for visa)
- •Documents: director passport, business plan, tenancy agreement
Q&A for this phase
Q: Can we get the visa quickly?
A: Salary thresholds may change from June 2026; early budget planning is advised.
02
Smart bathroom & tile business
Startup steps
Obtain certification (SIRIM/CIDB)
2-6 months
Safety & material certification
First import & marketing
6-12 months
Procurement and showroom PR
Requirements & conditions
- •Identify HS code (for tariff)
- •Apply for AJCEP (0% tariff on Japanese products)
Q&A for this phase
Q: What about installation in existing homes?
A: We address this with battery-powered models and spec-in at new premium developments.
03
Japanese-style mocktail lounge bar
Startup steps
Premises & fit-out
1-3 months
Prime location e.g. George Town
Obtain licences
In parallel
Local authority & health permits
Recruitment & training
1 month
Japanese-style service training
Requirements & conditions
- •Initial investment (CAPEX): approx. ¥4.05M–16.5M
- •Concept: Japanese interior experience space
Q&A for this phase
Q: Can you make profit in the night bar market?
A: We combine premium pricing for affluent clients with sponsor income from Japanese companies.
04
Drone delivery business
Startup steps
Aircraft registration & licence
As needed
Register 100g+ aircraft, obtain licence
Level 4 operations approval
Several months
Populated area & BVLOS approval
Phase 1 launch
Target period
Pilot with local authorities
Requirements & conditions
- •Aircraft cost: 5 units approx. ¥14.1M (parachute required)
- •Delivery hub: small warehouse for packing
Q&A for this phase
Q: How do you handle bad weather?
A: We maintain road (truck) backup for strong wind or snow.
05
Student exchange camp
Startup steps
Program design
2-4 weeks
Summer/winter programme planning
Recruitment
Months in advance
Recruit 20 each from Japan & Malaysia
Requirements & conditions
- •Buddy system (1:1 pairing)
- •Accommodation & venue (homestay, university dorm)
Q&A for this phase
Q: Isn’t ¥300k participation fee too high?
A: We plan to reduce net cost through grants and corporate sponsorship.
06
Investment & remittance strategy (finance phase)
Investment phases
Phase 1: Market test
¥3M–10M
Initial research & small-scale test
Phase 2: Business expansion
¥10M–50M
Full entry & site expansion
Phase 3: Full rollout
¥50M–300M
Multi-site rollout & infrastructure
Requirements & conditions
- •Remittance: bank TT (secure) or Wise Business (low cost)
- •Note: Do not use personal accounts (avoid AML concerns).
Q&A for this phase
Q: What is the outlook for capital recovery?
A: We use mocktail bar monthly revenue of RM23k+ as a survival line and limit risk with phased investment.
07
Penang Teppan House — Okonomiyaki & Monjayaki
Startup steps
Site selection & lease
2–4 weeks
Foot traffic, exhaust, grease trap feasibility
Licence applications (MBPP/uLesen)
In parallel
F&B and hygiene permits
Renovation + ventilation + grease trap
6–10 weeks
Teppan station, kitchen, drainage
Equipment, furniture, hiring & training
4–6 weeks
Teppan SOP and service
Soft launch & grand opening
2 weeks
10–14 day soft launch
Requirements & conditions
- •CAPEX: RM300k (renovation, equipment, furniture, licences, contingency)
- •Positioning: Pork-free (not halal-claimed at launch)
- •Rent benchmark: RM8,000/month (George Town mid-range)
Q&A for this phase
Q: Isn’t monja awareness low?
A: Position okonomiyaki as hero; monja as guided experience add-on for differentiation.