• Entrepreneur Pass (DP10 Work Permit)
  • For foreign directors or investors of locally incorporated companies

  • Requirements:
    • Business plan
    • Capital investment (varies by sector, often min. RM 500,000)
    • Registered local company
    • Office space lease agreement
  • Valid for 1–5 years
  • Must apply via Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) or Immigration Department
• MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) – for long-term stay but not a business visa
• Local Partner:
  • Often used to meet ownership regulations or ease setup process

• Foreigners usually form a:
  • Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.)
  • 100% foreign ownership possible in tourism-related sectors, but some restrictions apply
  • Register with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)

Steps to Incorporate:

1. Name reservation through MyCoID system
2. Submit incorporation documents
3. Open a local business bank account
4. Register for taxes with LHDN
5. Apply for necessary licenses and DP10 permit

Setup Time: 2–5 weeks

• Premises License – from local municipal council
• Signboard License – required for business signage
• Halal Certification – optional, but essential for serving Muslim clientele
• Tourism License – from Ministry of Tourism for lodging services
• Fire Safety & Health Inspections required prior to launch

Regulations differ by state (e.g., Penang vs. Kuala Lumpur)

• Corporate Tax:
  • 17% on first RM 600,000
  • 24% on amounts above
• Service Tax: 6% (for certain hospitality services)
• Tourism Tax: RM 10/night per room (for foreigners)
• Annual filings and audited accounts mandatory

English-speaking accountants are widely available in KL and Penang.

• Minimum wage (2025): ~RM 1,700/month
• Common roles: kitchen staff, waiters, housekeeping, reception
• Employment Pass required for hiring foreign staff
• Social security and EPF contributions are mandatory for employers

• Foreigners can lease or purchase commercial property (minimum value applies, e.g., RM 1 million in some areas)
• Lease terms: typically 3–5 years
• Tourist destinations like Langkawi, Penang, and KL see high demand
• Title check and zoning confirmation are essential

Some heritage areas (e.g., George Town, Penang) offer incentives for boutique hotel restorations.

• Strong café culture and growing demand for boutique lodging
• Popular with digital nomads and wellness tourists
• Fusion cuisine and design-forward hospitality concepts thrive
• English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas
• Muslim-friendly business practices (e.g., halal, prayer spaces) expected

• Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
• InvestKL and MIDA (Malaysia Investment Development Authority)
• Local chambers of commerce
• Legal and accounting firms specializing in foreign setups

• SME Bank Malaysia – hospitality-specific loans
• Tourism Development grants (MTCP programs)
• Private investors in eco or cultural tourism
• Some state-backed funds available in Langkawi and Sabah

• Companies Commission (SSM): https://www.ssm.com.my
• Immigration Malaysia: https://www.imi.gov.my
• InvestKL: https://www.investkl.gov.my
• Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board: https://www.malaysia.travel

Malaysia is where affordability meets opportunity. Combine local flavor with international quality to stand out in a thriving, diverse market.

Explore hotel and restaurant opportunities in Malaysia — or list your own — on Hogahero.