Malaysia is becoming one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for global entrepreneurs and the best part is that you can now register a Malaysian company without physically traveling to Malaysia.
Whether you are a consultant, investor, trader, or tech founder, remote incorporation makes it easy to expand into Southeast Asia from anywhere in the world.
This guide explains exactly how foreign directors can open a Malaysian Sdn. Bhd. (private limited company) 100% remotely in 2025, including requirements, documents, bank account options, nominee director usage, and realistic timelines.
1. Requirements for Remote Company Incorporation in Malaysia
To register a company remotely, foreign directors must meet several baseline requirements:
✔ Valid Passport (Full-Colour Scan)
- Must be clear and readable
- Passport must have at least 6 months validity
✔ Residential address outside Malaysia
- For statutory records and compliance
- Utility bill or bank statement may be required
✔ Email & Mobile Number
Used for SSM digital signature verification and bank onboarding.
✔ Proposed Company Details
You must prepare:
- 3 proposed company names
- Main nature of business
- Paid-up capital amount
- Shareholding structure
- Appointment of local or nominee director (if needed)
✔ A Malaysian Company Secretary
Foreigners cannot self-register a company — incorporation can only be done through a licensed SSM Company Secretary.
2. Passport Notarisation Requirements
For remote incorporation, many banks and authorities require passport notarisation.
Common acceptable certifications:
- Notary Public in your home country
- Malaysian Embassy / Consulate
- Commissioner for Oaths (if physically in Malaysia)
Notarisation is usually required for:
- Bank account opening
- Employment Pass (EP) application
- Some industries (education, logistics, WRT licensing)
For company incorporation ONLY, a clear scanned copy is usually sufficient — but notarisation is strongly recommended for smoother compliance later.
3. Digital Signatures with SSM (Malaysia’s Companies Commission)
Malaysia now accepts fully digital signatures for company registration documents.
Using the SSM platform, foreign directors can remotely sign:
- Constitution
- Appointment of Director(s)
- Declaration forms
- Incorporation application forms
Signatures are verified using the director’s:
- Email address
- Phone OTP
- Passport copy
This enables 100% remote incorporation, with no need for physical paperwork.
4. Opening a Corporate Bank Account Remotely in Malaysia
This is the part most foreign investors ask about.
Can you open a Malaysian bank account without coming to Malaysia?
Yes, it is possible, but depends on the bank and risk profile.
Banks that allow remote onboarding (case-by-case):
- RHB Bank
- Ambank
- Maybank
- CIMB
- HSBC
- UOB
Common requirements:
- Notarised passport
- Proof of overseas address
- Company documents from SSM
- Board resolution
- Paid-up capital confirmation
- Video verification call with bank officer
Many entrepreneurs choose to appoint a nominee director temporarily to facilitate onboarding.
5. Using a Nominee Director for Remote Incorporation
Foreign-owned companies must have at least 1 Malaysia-resident director, as required by the Companies Act 2016.
If you are overseas and not applying for an Employment Pass yet, you may use a:
✔ Nominee Director Service
- The nominee has no control over the business
- The beneficial owner manages all operations
- Horizon Hub can provide a nominee under a strictly protected indemnity agreement
- Once the foreign director obtains an EP, the nominee resigns
Nominee directors are commonly used for:
- Bank account opening
- WRT license applications
- EP applications
- Initial business setup
Timeline for Remote Company Incorporation
| Step | Process | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit passport + details | 1 day |
| 2 | Company name approval (SSM) | 1 day |
| 3 | Digital signature & document preparation | 1–2 days |
| 4 | Company incorporation | 1 day |
| 5 | Bank account remote onboarding | 7–21 days |
| 6 | EP application (optional) | 30–60 days |
7. Required Documents Checklist (2025)
From the Foreign Director(s):
- Passport copy (colour)
- Proof of residential address
- Email + phone number
- Personal profile / CV (for certain industries)
From the Company:
- Proposed company name
- Business activities
- Paid-up capital
- Shareholding structure
- Registered office address
- Company secretary appointment
Conclusion
Opening a Malaysian company remotely in 2025 is easier, faster, and more secure than ever before. With digital signatures, remote KYC banking, and nominee director services, global entrepreneurs can now start operations in Malaysia without traveling.
Horizon Hub Consulting assists clients through the full process incorporation, nominee director services, bank account support, EP guidance, licensing, and compliance.
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