MOTAC License Application & Renewal
We handle all preparation, submissions, and renewals with SSM and MOTAC, ensuring you can begin operating as soon as possible.
Our Services
We help apply for / renew licenses from the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism & Culture for the following business activities:
- Inbound tour agency
- Outbound tour agency
- Inbound & outbound tour agency
- Ticketing services
- Umrah travel agency
- Tourist accommodation premises (TAP)
We also help with PBT premise license & signboard license applications.
Key Requirements
These are general criteria all travel & tour agencies must meet:
- Registered Sdn Bhd with description reflecting tour and travel services
- Company name clearly indicates the nature of the business
- Meet paid-up capital requirement for agency type / location (see above)
- Directors and shareholders not employed by MOTAC
- Physical premises minimum 100 square feet.
- Signboard in compliance with Local Council requirements
- At least one key member completed Travel & Tour Management course
- Register all personnel and assets (after company licensed)
For a full breakdown, see our guide to travel agency setup in Malaysia.
TAP Registraion
A Tourist Accommodation Premises (TAP) license is required for any premise that provides lodging for tourists or short-term visitors in Malaysia.
Besides registration, eligible premises must also undergo a grading process, which helps establish quality standards and market positioning.
Our Business Support
- Inbound
- Outbound
- In & Outbound
- Ticketing
Inbound Tour Agency
Paid-up capital requirements:
- Local ownership & urban area: RM200,000
- Local ownership & rural area: RM150,000
- 100% foreign company: RM1,500,000
- Singapore & Cambodia ownership, max 70% equity: RM1,000,000
- Other ASEAN countries, max 51% equity: RM1,000,000
- Non-ASEAN, max 30% equity: RM500,000
*City vs non-city location determined by type of Local Council for area.
Outbound Tour Agency
Features & Requirements:
- Local ownership urban & rural: RM200,000
- Validity period of up to 2 years per application
- Foreign-owned: Not allowed
*Foreign shareholding permitted but agency must be locally-owned
In & Outbound Tour Agency
Paid-up capital requirements:
- Local ownership urban & rural: RM200,000
- Foreign-owned: Not allowed
*Foreign ownership not prohibited but agency must be locally owned
Ticketing Agency
Paid-up capital requirements:
- Local ownership & urban: RM200,000
- Local ownership & rural: RM100,000
- Foreign-owned: Not allowed
*Foreign companies may do ticketing as part of an inbound tour agency but not standalone
Umrah Agency
An Umrah agency is an inbound & outbound travel agency with additional approval from MOTAC to offer Umrah packages by meeting these requirements:
- All directors and shareholders must be Malaysian Muslims
- All directors must complete the KPPU (Umrah Management Course)
- Existing travel licence must have at least 60 days validity remaining
License Renewal
We assist with the renewal of your MOTAC license for both headquarters and branch offices, ensuring full compliance with 2026 guidelines.
Key Requirements:
- Renewal must be submitted 30–60 days before licence expiry
- Late or incomplete submissions may result in penalties or rejection
- Renewal for HQ and branches must be submitted together
- Company must not be under suspension, blacklisted, or have ongoing legal cases and unpaid compounds
Note: Licenses expired for over 1 year may require a new application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic requirements to start a travel agency in Malaysia?
You must:
- Incorporate a company
- Meet minimum paid-up capital requirements
- Have a suitable physical premise
- Ensure at least one key employee completes a certified travel course
- Register all tour guides, drivers, and vehicles
- Join a MOTAC-approved association
Do I need a company before applying for a travel agency license?
Yes.
What should my travel company name include?
Your company name must clearly reflect the nature of your business, typically including terms like:
- Travel
- Tours
- Holiday
- Vacation
- Adventure
What business activity should I select during incorporation?
You must include:
“To carry business in Tour Operating Business and / or Travel Agency Business”
What are the minimum capital requirements?
It depends on your license type:
- Inbound (domestic): RM150,000 – RM200,000
- Outbound (international): RM150,000 – RM200,000
- Inbound & outbound: RM200,000
Higher requirements apply to foreign-owned companies.
What is the difference between inbound and outbound travel agencies?
- Inbound: Handles domestic tourism within Malaysia
- Outbound: Organises international travel packages
- Inbound & outbound: Can operate in both markets
Can foreigners open a travel agency in Malaysia?
Yes, but with restrictions:
- Only foreign companies (not individuals) can be shareholders
- Outbound travel services are not allowed
- Higher paid-up capital is required (up to RM1.5 million)
- Partnering with a local shareholder can reduce requirements
Do shareholders and directors need specific qualifications?
Yes:
- Shareholders must have at least 3 years of tourism industry experience
- Shareholders cannot hold shares in other tourism businesses
- Directors cannot be employees of MOTAC licensing departments
Do I need a physical office?
Yes. A physical premise is mandatory and will be inspected by both Local Authorities and MOTAC.
What licenses are required to operate a travel agency?
You will need:
- Company incorporation documents (SSM)
- Premise & signboard license (Local Authority)
- Travel agency license (MOTAC)
How long does it take to open a travel agency?
Typically 2 to 4 months, depending on:
- Document preparation
- Local authority approvals
- MOTAC premise inspection timeline
What is the process to get a travel agency license?
The general steps are:
- Incorporate your company (3–5 days)
- Apply for premise license (15–30 days)
- Apply via MOTAC’s TOURLIST portal (≈30 days)
- Undergo premise inspection (14–60 days)
- Submit required certificates
- Pay license fee and receive approval
How much does it cost to start a travel agency?
Government fees include:
- Company incorporation: RM1,010
- MOTAC processing fee: RM100
- License fee: RM450 – RM950 annually
- Premise license: varies by municipality
You should also budget for minimum paid-up capital (up to RM200,000 or more).
Is there a specific MOTAC certification required to run a travel agency?
Yes. At least one key employee must complete a Travel and Tour Management Course (TTMC) and hold a valid certificate.
Do I need to join any associations?
Yes. Your agency must be a member of at least one MOTAC-approved association such as:
- MATTA
- BUMITRA
- MCTA
- MITTA
- MITA
- CRAM
- MSDA
- PAPUH
How long does MOTAC premise inspection take?
It depends on the state:
- Zone A: up to 60 working days
- Zone B: ~30 working days
- Zone C: ~14 working days
Can I run a travel agency from home?
No.
Can I handle the application process myself?
Yes, it can be tedious but absolutely.
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© 2026 Bondsgate Consulting Sdn. Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 Bondsgate Consulting Sdn. Bhd.
All Rights Reserved.