Corporate & Commercial Legal Advisory

Most companies can be incorporated within 3-5 working days, depending on the speed of name approval and document submission.

We’ll need copies of your NRIC (for locals) or passport (for foreigners), proposed company name, business activity details, and your registered business address.

Yes, we assist with preparing the required documents for corporate banking with no additional charges. Some banks may require in-person visits; we’ll guide you through the process.

Not necessarily. For foreign founders, we offer remote incorporation support — including document preparation, e-signatures (where applicable), and virtual consultations.

To set up a company (Sdn Bhd) in Malaysia, you’ll need at least one director with a local residential address, a registered business address, and a minimum paid-up capital of RM1. Our team will guide you through every step — from name reservation to SSM registration.

You’ll need: At least one director and one shareholder (can be the same person) A local registered office address Minimum RM1 paid-up capital A qualified company secretary (appointed within 30 days)

SSM incorporation gives you your company registration, but additional business licenses may be needed depending on your industry (e.g. F&B, education, import/export). We can help assess your licensing needs.

Yes, foreign individuals and entities can register a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. While 100% foreign ownership is allowed for many business activities, some sectors may require local equity. We provide guidance tailored to your situation.

Not necessarily. Many of our clients rely entirely on our outsourced team. However, larger businesses may still keep an internal finance person and use us for compliance and advisory support.

We support local enterprises, startups, SMEs, and foreign-owned companies across various industries. Whether you're just setting up or already operating, our services adapt to your needs.

No, but your company must comply with SSM and Inland Revenue Board requirements. We work closely with your local representatives or can assist with connecting you to licensed company secretarial partners if needed.

Pricing depends on the volume of transactions, business complexity, and frequency of reporting. At Douglas Loh & Co., we offer transparent, fixed-fee packages starting from affordable monthly rates.

Our packages typically include: Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping Financial statement preparation Tax computation and Form C assistance Management reports (on request) Custom packages are available based on your business needs.

We offer periodic financial reviews (monthly, quarterly, or yearly) depending on your package — giving you valuable insights for planning, cash flow, and tax-saving decisions.

Yes. We provide consultations to explore any tax incentives or exemptions you may be eligible for, depending on your industry and investment status.

Absolutely. We assist many foreign-owned businesses with local accounting compliance, tax filings, and financial reporting. Our team ensures your business meets all statutory obligations under Malaysian law.

Key documents include: Annual financial statements Bank statements and reconciliations General ledger and trial balance Sales and purchase records Board resolutions and minutes (if applicable) We’ll provide a full checklist at the start of the engagement.

An audit focuses on financial statement accuracy, while assurance services can include reviews, internal controls, and other independent validations that don’t require full audits.

Yes. We have extensive experience auditing foreign-owned and cross-border entities in compliance with Malaysian standards and group consolidation needs.

A typical audit takes between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and readiness of your financial records. Timely submission of documents helps speed up the process.

Yes. Our audit reports are prepared in accordance with approved accounting and auditing standards in Malaysia, recognised by investors, banks, and overseas shareholders.

Yes. All private limited companies (Sdn Bhd) in Malaysia are required to have their financial statements audited annually by a licensed auditor, unless exempted under specific SME criteria.

es. Douglas Loh & Co. is a licensed audit firm, registered with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

A financial audit provides independent verification of a company’s financial statements. It helps ensure accuracy, detect irregularities, and improve investor or stakeholder confidence.

Companies are required to maintain documents such as the register of directors, shareholders, share allotments, meeting minutes, and resolutions. We handle these on your behalf.

Yes. We are a licensed company secretary registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and provide full secretarial services to both local and foreign-owned companies.

Failure to comply with statutory obligations can result in penalties, fines, or delays in company operations. Our role is to ensure you meet all deadlines and regulatory expectations.

Yes. We prepare and file your annual return, update SSM on any changes to directorship, shareholding, or company details, and ensure your records stay accurate and current.

A company secretary ensures your business complies with Malaysian laws and SSM regulations. This includes maintaining statutory records, preparing resolutions, filing annual returns, and advising on corporate governance.

Absolutely. All companies registered in Malaysia, including foreign-owned Sdn Bhd entities, must appoint a licensed local company secretary. We frequently assist foreign investors in fulfilling this requirement.

Our packages typically include the appointment of a named company secretary, maintenance of statutory registers, preparation of standard resolutions, annual return filings, and advisory on compliance matters. Chat with us to find out more or if you are still unsure. We are happy to assist!

Yes. Under the Companies Act 2016, all Sdn Bhd (private limited) companies in Malaysia must appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation.

Payroll services handle your employee salary calculations, payslip preparation, and statutory contributions (EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB) so you stay compliant while paying your team accurately and on time.

Yes, we can prepare your payroll records in an audit-friendly manner and assist if you face a payroll-related audit.

Yes, we can manage payroll for teams across Malaysia, including remote and hybrid setups.

Not at all! Whether you have 1 or 100 employees, outsourcing payroll can free up your time while ensuring your staff is paid correctly and on schedule.

Yes, we manage EPF, SOCSO, EIS, and PCB submissions on your behalf to ensure you stay compliant with local requirements.

Outsourcing saves you time, reduces errors, and keeps you compliant with Malaysia’s changing payroll regulations without the headache of managing it in-house.

Yes, we provide clear monthly payslips and payroll reports so you can track your expenses and records easily.

Tax compliance means adhering to all filing, payment, and documentation requirements set by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN). Non-compliance can lead to penalties, audits, and reputational risks. Clear record-keeping and proactive planning help avoid these issues.

You’ll typically need audited financial statements, tax computation, Form CP204 (if applicable), and supporting schedules. We’ll guide you through a customised checklist to simplify the process.

Corporate income tax returns must be filed within 7 months after the financial year-end. We help clients track key deadlines and avoid late submission penalties.

We manage a wide range of tax obligations, including: Corporate Income Tax (Form C) Employer Taxes (Form E & EA) Withholding Tax for payments to non-residents Sales & Service Tax (SST) submissions Personal tax, expatriate filings, and stamp duty where applicable

We specialise in guiding foreign-owned companies through Malaysia’s tax system — from registration with LHDN to fulfilling annual tax filing obligations, including withholding tax and cross-border reporting where required.

Absolutely. We work with businesses of all sizes, including startups and growing SMEs, offering scalable tax solutions that grow with your business.

Common risks include incorrect filings, underreported income, improper withholding tax deductions, and delayed submissions. We proactively identify and mitigate these risks for our clients.

Yes. Douglas Loh & Co. acts as your authorised tax agent to manage LHDN correspondences, respond to audit requests, and handle investigations with minimal disruption to your business.

It’s legal guidance for your business covering company formation, contracts, compliance, M&A, disputes, and more—helping you operate confidently and avoid legal pitfalls.

Even early-stage businesses face legal requirements (e.g., shareholder agreements, director duties, contracts). Having proper legal structures in place protects your interests, reduces risks, and supports smooth operations as you grow.

We can advise and assist with insolvency procedures to ensure your business is properly wound down in compliance with Malaysian laws.

Yes, it’s advisable. Generic online templates may not protect your business fully. A lawyer can tailor contracts to your needs, ensuring clarity and compliance with Malaysian law.

M&A involves buying, selling, or merging companies. Joint ventures involve partnering with others to run a project or business while remaining separate entities. We provide legal structuring and documentation for both, ensuring your interests are protected.

Yes, we stay updated on the latest employment law changes in Malaysia and can review your HR policies to ensure your business remains compliant.

Yes, we help foreign investors navigate Malaysian regulations, structure their entities correctly, and ensure compliance with foreign ownership and licensing rules.

Yes, we can guide and represent you in corporate disputes, including negotiation, settlement, or court representation, to resolve matters efficiently.

Construction adjudication is a faster dispute resolution process for payment or project disputes in construction. If you face delays or disagreements in a construction project, we can represent your interests effectively.

On average, the process can take 4-6 months, depending on your documents, company quota approvals, and government processing times.

An Expatriate Visa is a general visa that allows foreigners to live in Malaysia for reasons beyond work, such as retirement, personal matters, or investment, without requiring employment. An Employment Pass (EP), on the other hand, is specifically for foreigners who are coming to Malaysia to work for a Malaysian employer under a valid employment contract. It is directly tied to your job and company. At Douglas Loh & Co., we assist with both Expatriate Visa and Employment Pass applications, helping you choose the right option for your situation.

Yes, if you own a Private Limited (Sdn Bhd) company in Malaysia, you can apply for an Employment Pass (EP) under your own company, as long as your business is not in a restricted sector. Sectors restricted from EP applications include: Small supermarkets or minimarkets (under 3,000 sq ft) Provision shops and general vendors 24-hour convenience stores Newsstands and miscellaneous goods stores Medical halls focusing on traditional medicine and dry food Fuel stations (with or without convenience stores) Permanent wet market or pavement stalls Sectors tied to national strategic interests Textile shops, non-exclusive restaurants, bistros, jewellery shops If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies, reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through your options.

Typically, these are the documents needed: Passport Academic certificates & CV Job offer letter & employment contract Company registration documents Supporting letters (if required) We will guide you on exactly what is needed for your case.

For EP Category I and II, you can bring dependents (spouse, children) under a Dependent Pass. EP Category III does not allow dependent passes.

Foreigners with specific skills, qualifications, and a job offer from a Malaysian company. The salary and contract terms will determine if you qualify for Category I, II, or III.

No, you don’t need to fly in for the initial stages. We can handle your application remotely and guide you on when you will need to enter Malaysia.

Yes. ✅ Free movement of funds in and out of Malaysia with no currency exchange controls. ✅ Eligibility to invest in local companies, stocks, and unit trusts while under the MM2H visa.

Yes, parents and parents-in-law can join as dependents under MM2H with a renewable long-term visa.

MM2H is a Social Visit Pass with Multiple Entry, allowing you to live in Malaysia for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years depending on the category you choose.

Short answer is: Yes. MM2H provides a stable, long-term visa for living in Malaysia with your family, flexibility to run a business, tax benefits, and the ability to enjoy Malaysia’s lifestyle while maintaining international investment and financial flexibility.

The main applicant must be at least 21 years old. Dependents (spouse, children under 21, and unmarried children up to 34) can be included in your application.

✅ Tax exemption on the remittance of offshore income, pension funds, and foreign funds transferred into Malaysia. ✅ Tax-free import of personal and household items. ✅ Tax exemption on fixed deposit interest under MM2H. ✅ Immediate local tax resident status for MM2H participants.

Property purchase is required based on your chosen tier (e.g., RM600,000 for Silver, RM1 million for Gold, RM2 million for Platinum), held for at least 10 years. Don't worry! We will guide & advice you throughout the process.

✅ If you are below 50 years old (including dependents), you will need to stay at least 90 days per year in Malaysia. ✅ If you are 50 years old and above, there is no minimum stay requirement.

✅ Platinum Tier holders can work in Malaysia without additional permits. ✅ MM2H also allows you to start and operate a business in Malaysia under proper structuring, making it a flexible relocation and business option.

Yes, the MM2H Visa is renewable every 5 years, provided you continue to meet the program’s conditions.