Guidelines on Investing In Sabah
These guidelines on investing in Sabah were designed to assist investors and businesses interested in investing and establishing operations in Sabah
For additional assistance or questions, please reach out to Ynez Teo at ynez@sedia.com.my.
How to Set Up a Company in Sabah
For any domestic or foreign company intending to set up and operate its business in Malaysia, it is compulsory to register with the Registrar of Companies (also known as Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, SSM).
To find out more about company registration, please visit the SSM website.
For any company intending to set up and operate its business in Malaysia, it is compulsory to register with the Registrar of Companies (also known as Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, SSM).
To find out more about company registration, please visit the SSM website.
Upon completion of company setup, a Trading License must also be obtained from the applicable district council (i.e. the council managing the area where your company office is physically located).
Under the Sabah Trades Licensing Ordinance, 1948, a Trading License (Section 5) is a pre-requisite for any business activities carried out in Sabah. This is applicable to all business entities, from sole proprietorships, partnerships to companies. Applications are made to district councils such as Kota Kinabalu City Hall (also known as Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, DBKK).
Trading License Application Requirements
For further assistance or enquiries, please reach out to Ynez Teo at ynez@sedia.com.my.
Non-Sabahan companies are required to apply for work permits from the Sabah Immigration Department.
Taxation
The Malaysian tax system is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. Income tax in Malaysia is imposed by the government on businesses and individuals (residents or non-residents) receiving income earned in the country…
The Malaysian tax system is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. Income tax in Malaysia is imposed by the government on businesses and individuals (residents or non-residents) receiving income earned in the country. Malaysia’s taxes are assessed on a current year basis and are under the self-assessment system for all taxpayers.
Apart from corporate tax and personal income tax, it is worth noting that there are several other types of taxes imposed in Malaysia. More details are available at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) website.
For further assistance or enquiries, please reach out to Ynez Teo at ynez@sedia.com.my.
SDC Tax Incentives Package
Under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), SEDIA offers the SDC Tax Incentive package that includes Income Tax Exemption, as well as Investment tax Allowance to eligible companies undertaking qualifying promoted activities based on designated geographical clusters in Sabah — in line with the SDC Blueprint key strategic growth areas.
Other benefits for investors include Stamp Duty Exemption (for tourism projects in KGCE clusters) and Import Duty Exemption on raw materials, components, machineries, equipment, spare parts and consumables that are not produced locally and used directly in the production activities.
SEDIAIP team is available to advise and assist potential investors in areas related to the SDC Tax Incentive package.If you are interested to apply for SDC TAX INCENTIVE package, please fill in this Pre-Application Form and send to ynez@sedia.com.my
Visa & Immigration
For non-Sabahans and foreigners to work in Sabah, an employment pass is required. All applications must be made to the Sabah Immigration Department. Approval must be obtained prior to starting work.
In order for non-Sabahans and foreigners to work in Sabah, an employment pass is required. All applications must be made to the Sabah Immigration Department. Approval must be obtained prior to starting work.
Visa & Immigration Application Checklist
For further assistance or enquiries, please reach out to Ynez Teo at ynez@sedia.com.my.