Business License Application & Renewal Services In Malaysia
Depending on business activity and industry, you may need licenses and permits from various district and federal government agencies as well as regulatory bodies, and we’d be happy to help you handle everything!
Local Authority Licenses
These are licenses issued by district-level authorities, known in Bahasa Melayu as ‘Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan’ (PBT).
Bondsgate can help with business license applications from the following Local Authorities:
Selangor
PULAU PINANG
JOHOR
PERAK
KUALA LUMPUR
MELAKA
PUTRAJAYA
Composite License
A composite license is a combination of a business premise and business signboard license, mandatory for any business to operate in a physical space with signage.
Average processing time: 1 to 2 months
Alcohol License
Depending on how a business plans to sell alcohol on its premises, it will need at least one of the following alcohol licenses from the Local Authorities:
- Retail license: Sale of alcohol for off-premise consumption
- Public house license: Serving of alcohol for on-premise consumption
- Wholesale license: Sale of alcohol to retailers and other wholesalers
Average processing time: 4 to 6 months
Industry-Specific Licenses
These licenses are issued by federal government bodies that regulate businesses within their respective economic sectors to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Child Care Centre License (JKM)
- F&B Licenses (MOH)
- Private Employment Agency License (JTK)
- Tour & Travel Agency License (MOTAC)
- Foreign Wholesale, Retail, and Trade License (KPDNKK)
- Private Education Institution License (MOE)
Child Care Centre License (JKM)
Businesses providing childcare services such as childcare centers and nurseries must undergo specific training and be registered with the Malaysian Department of Social Welfare (JKM).
F&B Licenses (MOH)
Businesses in the F&B sector including restaurants, cafes, and snack bars must undergo specific training and be registered with the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FoSIM) under the Malaysian Ministry of Health.
For full details, see our guide to restaurant licenses and permits.
Average processing time: 1 month
Private Employment Agency License (JTK)
Businesses providing manpower supply of local and/or foreign talent must be registered with the Malaysian Department of Labour (JKM).
Tour & Travel Agency License (MOTAC)
Businesses providing tour packages for local and overseas tourists must be registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism & Culture (MOTAC).
Private Education Institution License (MOE)
Businesses in private education such as tuition and language centres, private schools, and kindergartens must be registered as a Private Education Institution (PEI) with the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) based on PEI category.
Foreign Wholesale, Retail, and Trade License (KPDNKK)
Foreign businesses that wish to engage in any form of wholesale, retail, or trade activity in Malaysia (such as hypermarkets or F&B outlets) must obtain a WRT license from the The Ministry of Domestic Trade (KPDNKK).
Activity-Specific licenses
These licenses are also issued by federal bodies but regulate business activities that cut across multiple economic sectors.
- MOF Account (MOF)
- Music Licenses
- Malaysian Digital Status (without tax incentive)
MOF Account (MOF)
Businesses that wish to become vendors of Malaysian federal, state, and local government offices must register as a supplier with the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
Music Licenses
Businesses that play live renditions or recordings of copyrighted music in their premises or for any commercial venture.
Malaysian Digital Status (without tax incentive)
Businesses in the tech space that wish to engage in various Malaysia Digital activities including special benefits must register for MD Status with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Business Premise License
Lesen Premis
What it is: Permission from the Local Authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan) for a business to operate on physical premises within the jurisdiction of said authority. To be displayed on the premises at all times. There are some of the samples.
Types Of Business Premise License
There are different types of business premise license in Malaysia. The business premise license that your business requires will depend on the nature of your business.For certain types of business activities that are not as straightforward, the relevant town council will assess and determine whether a business falls under the relevant license category where an application has been made.
Certain businesses are also required to obtain supporting documents from the appropriate ministry and/or other relevant governmental body before it is permitted to make an application for the business premise license.
These are some the most common and straightforward business premise licenses in Malaysia.
Flower Shop License
Office License
Barber Shop License
Shoe Store License
F&B Restaurant License
Place To Submit The Application
The application for the business premise license is to be made to the relevant town council where your premises is located.
To determine which town council has an authority over your premises, you are advised to provide us with a copy of an Assessment Receipt (Cukai Taksiran/Pintu) issued by the town council in respect of your premises.
While your address may indicate that your premises is located in Kuala Lumpur, the town council regulating your premises may not necessary be Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), but rather, it could be other local authority.
Fees Payable to Local Authority
The fees payable to the local authority for the business premise license will also depend on the nature of your business, and for certain businesses, it will also be subject to the floor area of the premises.
License Period
Typically, a business license granted by the local authority is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of application approval/ renewal approval. Such license can be renewed every year by just paying the prescribed renewal fee.
What you need to know
1. There are different types of Business Premise Licenses in Malaysia, and the specific license you need depends on the nature of your business.
2. For certain business activities that are more tightly regulated, the Local Authorities will assess and determine whether a business falls under the license category applied for.
3. Certain businesses are required to obtain supporting documents from the relevant Government Ministry and/or other relevant regulatory bodies before it is permitted to apply for a Business Premise License.
4. The fees for a Business Premise License will depend on the nature of a business as well as the floor area of the premises (for certain businesses).
5. Business Premise Licenses are typically valid for one (1) year from the date of approval/renewal. Such license can be renewed every year by just paying the prescribed renewal fee.
We can help deal with the Local Authorities and secure the necessary licenses for business owners.
We Require The Following Documents From You:
1. A copy of complete set of SSM documents
2. A copy of the Sale and Purchase Agreement OR Tenancy Agreement
3. A copy of the applicant’s identity card OR passport photo
4. A copy of your office layout plan
5. Photographs of the business premises
6. A copy of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) OR Certificate of Fitness (CF)
7. Quit Rent (Cukai Tanah) and Assessment (Cukai Taksiran/ Pintu) receipts
8. A copy of the Fire Department’s support letter/ Bomba Certificate
9. Photographs of the outer part of your premises showing where the signboard will be displayed
10. A colour visual of the signboard indicating design, colours and physical measurement
Bondsgate Has Wealth Of Experience Applying The Following Licenses:
Business Premise License Signboard License
Business Premise License Signboard License
Wholesale and Retail Distribution Trade (WRT) License
Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) License
Liquor License
Music License
Malaysia Digital (MD) Status
Labour (JTK) License
Ministry of Education (MoE) License
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) License
National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) License
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) License
Signage Advertisement License
Lesen Iklan Papan Tanda
What it is: Permission from the Local Authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan) for a business to display a signboard outside its premises or kiosk (such as in a mall).
We normally encourage our clients to apply for business premise and signage advertisement license together to save costs. It is also to be noted that certain town councils have made it mandatory to apply for both business and signage advertisement license at the same time.
What you need to know
1. The nature of your business must be clearly stated on the signboard in Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia), together with your company name and business license number.
2. The Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia) portion to be displayed must be approved by the Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka). It typically takes about one (1) to three (3) days to obtain the approval from the Institute.
3.The signboard must not be mounted over any glass structure, window, façade or obstruct any view or walkway.
4. Any visuals related to alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and indecent acts are prohibited.
5. Signage Advertisement Licenses are typically valid for one (1) year from the date of approval/renewal. Such license can be renewed every year by just paying the prescribed renewal fee.
Requirement Of A Signboard
Sample:
The nature of your business must be clearly set out in Malay Language (Bahasa Malaysia) on the signboard, together with your company name and business license number.
Further, for the town council to approve the placement of the signboard on your premises, you must also ensure that the signboard will not be mounted over any glass structure, window, façade or obstruct any view or walkway.
Any visuals related to alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, indecent photographs are also prohibited to be displayed on the signboard.
Additional Process and Duration
The Malay Language (Bahasa Malaysia) to be displayed on the signboard must be approved by the Institute of Language and Literature (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka). It typically takes about one (1) to three (3) days to obtain the approval from the Institute.
License Period
Typically, a business license granted by the local authority is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of application approval/ renewal approval. Such license can be renewed every year by just paying the prescribed renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of business licenses?
At a high level, there are three (3) types:
- General business licenses applicable to most businesses
- Industry-specific licenses
- Activity-specific licenses that cover two or more industries
What are the most common types of business licenses?
That would be general business licenses, which consist of a Business Premise License allowing a business to operate on a physical premise within a certain jurisdiction, and a Signboard License, permitting a business to display a signboard outside its premises or kiosk.
How long does it take to secure all business licenses?
It depends, though on average most businesses should be able to secure their necessary licenses within 14 days.
How much does it cost on average to secure all necessary licenses?
A composite license typically starts from RM650, but an accurate estimate depends on business details including geographic location and premise size. For a tailored estimate, get in touch!
How can Bondsgate help?
Our team is experienced with the details and nuances surrounding applying for and securing various business licenses in Malaysia. By engaging us, the application process is completed significantly faster, allowing business owners to begin operating sooner.
In short, whatever you need, we can get it for you much faster.
Which body of authority issues business licenses?
General licenses are issued by the local authority of a certain area, while activity and industry-specific licences are issued by the relevant government ministry.
Do you need a business license to incorporate?
No, but the business licenses are needed to operate legally.
What happens if you’re running a business and don’t have a business license?
You may run the risk of getting fine and compound by the local authorities. Certain licenses may even impose jail punishment for non-compliance.
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© 2026 Bondsgate Consulting Sdn. Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 Bondsgate Consulting Sdn. Bhd.
All Rights Reserved.