WRT License Application & Renewal

For foreign business participation in Malaysian distributive trade

We handle all preparation, submissions, and renewals with SSM and KPDNKK, ensuring you can begin operating as soon as possible.

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Our Services

We help foreign-owned businesses apply for / renew the following licenses from the Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade & Cost of Living:

Wholesale, Retail, & Trade (WRT) license
Unregulated Services Sector (USS) license

For those yet to register a Malaysian business entity, we also help with PBT premise license & signboard license applications.

WRT vs USS Licenses

Both WRT and USS licenses apply to foreign-owned companies (50% or more foreign ownership) operating in Malaysia but:

WRT licenses are for trading businesses
USS licenses are for service-based companies

If a business does both trading and service-based activities, it only needs one license which will be based on where most of its revenue comes from.

If you apply for the wrong one, it may get rejected which requires starting the whole application process again.

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WRT License

For foreign businesses to engage in trade and sale of products to Malaysian B2C and B2B markets.

Main requirements:

Registered Malaysian Sdn Bhd
Paid-up capital of RM1,000,000

*Specific trades have additional requirements such as higher paid-up capital, local shareholding, and zoning restrictions. For more, see our guide to WRT license requirements.

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USS License

For manufacturers in Malaysia whose operations do not satisfy either of MIDA’s qualification thresholds.

Requirements:

Shareholder capital below RM2.5 million, AND
Employ less than 75 full-time employees

*Project does not need to meet CIPE or qualified staff percentages but should still be aligned with national economic and social goals

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Foreign Restaurant

In addition to baseline requirements, foreign-owned F&B businesses must demonstrate their venture will not be in direct competition with small local food operators by introducing novel culinary items and experiences that don’t currently exist in the Malaysian market.

This is done through additional supporting documents which consist of:

A full menu
Photos of the premises and / or products
Documents certifying chef’s or key employee’s qualifications

In an ideal situation, the proposed F&B establishment will serve food from the applicant’s home country with decorations to match.

License Renewal

WRT licenses are valid for one to three years, and renewals must be submitted at least three months before they expire. Renewal is relatively straightforward if KPDN requirements are still met and the submission is made within the required time limit.

Upon renewal, the license is valid for a further one to three years depending on the discretion of the KPDN officer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a WRT license?

A Wholesale, Retail, and Trade (WRT) license is issued by Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade. It permits an eligible foreign-owned business to operate within an approved distributive trade sector.

What is the definition of “distributive trade” in Malaysia?

Distributive trade covers activities that deliver goods and services through physical or electronic transactions. This includes wholesalers, retailers, franchises, direct sellers, and online businesses.

What is the definition of a “foreign business”?

A foreign business may include:

A non-Malaysian individual, including a permanent resident
A foreign company or institution
A Malaysian company in which foreign interests hold more than 50% of the voting rights

Such businesses generally require KPDN approval through a WRT license to operate legally.

Do foreign-owned restaurants need a WRT license?

Yes. Additional supporting documents may also be required to demonstrate that the restaurant will not directly compete with local food and beverage businesses.

What are the requirements for foreign businesses to enter distributive trade sectors?

The business must generally incorporate a Malaysian company under the Companies Act 2016 and maintain at least RM1 million in paid-up capital.

Depending on the business activity, additional requirements may include:

Paid-up capital of up to RM50 million
Appointment of Bumiputera directors
Allocation of shares to Bumiputeras
Shelf space for Bumiputera products
Employment of local personnel
Limits on low-skilled foreign workers

Are foreign businesses prohibited from any distributive sectors in Malaysia?

Foreign businesses are generally restricted from sectors such as:

Supermarkets and mini-markets
Provision shops and general vendors
Fuel stations
Permanent wet markets and pavement stores
Non-exclusive textile, food and beverage, or jewellery shops
Newsagents and medical halls

How long is a WRT license valid for?

A WRT license is generally valid for one to three years. A one-year validity period is most common for first-time applicants.

How long does a WRT license application take?

Processing commonly takes between two and four months, depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications.

How much does a WRT application cost?

KPDN currently does not charge an application or processing fee. Professional service providers may charge separate fees for preparing and managing the application.