Turning a side hustle into a real business starts with one simple step: registering it with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). Whether you sell kuih from home, design logos as a freelancer or run a small online shop, registering a sole proprietorship or partnership is quick, affordable and can be done entirely online.
Here is a practical guide to SSM business registration through the EzBiz platform, with figures as of November 2026.
Why Register Your Business?
Under the Registration of Businesses Act 1956, any business operating in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan must be registered with SSM. Beyond meeting the law, SSM business registration lets you open a business bank account, apply for licences and grants, issue proper invoices and build trust with customers. Sabah and Sarawak have their own business registration arrangements, so check with the relevant state authority if you operate there.
Who Can Register?
Sole proprietorships and partnerships registered through SSM are open to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and above. If you plan to bring in outside investors or want limited liability, a private limited company (Sdn Bhd) is a different route with its own requirements.
SSM Business Registration in 6 Simple Steps
1. Create an SSM4U Account
Start by signing up at the SSM4U portal and verifying your identity. Once your account is active, log in and select EzBiz Online from the main page.
2. Choose Your Business Name Type
Under My Business Services, click New Business Registration. You can register under your own name as it appears on your MyKad, or choose a trade name. A trade name lets you build a brand, but it must be unique and approved by SSM.
3. Enter Your Main Information
Fill in your business start date and choose a registration period of between one and five years, according to SSM’s EzBiz guideline. You will also be asked whether you have branches and whether you sell online.
4. Add Addresses and Business Codes
Enter your main and mailing addresses, then describe your business and add at least one business code. You can search for the right code using keywords such as “catering” or “graphic design”.
5. Check Owner Details and Upload Documents
Review your owner information. Partners must have their own active EzBiz accounts and complete verification before you can submit. Some applicants, such as full-time students in recognised institutions and eligible B40 entrepreneurs under the SPPP scheme, will need to upload supporting documents.
6. Pay and Download Your Certificate
Accept the declaration, preview your application and proceed to payment. Once approved, you can download your registration certificate from EzBiz. SSM’s guideline notes that certificates can be downloaded within 90 days of approval.
How Much Does SSM Business Registration Cost?
As of November 2026, published guides such as this explainer from 3E Accounting list the following yearly fees:
- Registration under your personal name: RM30 per year
- Registration under a trade name: RM60 per year
- Each branch: RM5 per year
- Business information printout (optional): RM10
Don’t Forget to Renew
Your SSM business registration must be renewed before it expires. You can renew online through EzBiz for one to five years at a time. Letting it lapse can lead to deregistration and penalties, and operating an unregistered business is an offence under the Act, with fines of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
Smart Tips for New Entrepreneurs
- Keep your business and personal finances separate from day one.
- Check whether your local council requires a premises or trading licence.
- Keep your SSM certificate handy, as banks and platforms often ask for it.
- Set a calendar reminder a month before your renewal date.
Start Small, Dream Big
Many of Malaysia’s best-loved brands began as small, registered enterprises. Taking care of SSM business registration early gives your idea a solid foundation to grow. For more on growing a small business, read how the FedEx and MATRADE partnership is helping Malaysian SMEs export.
To learn more, visit the SSM official website.
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