Business premises and signboard licenses must be obtained from the relevant municipal council based on the location of the business address. These approvals are mandatory before the business can operate physically at its designated premises.

In Malaysia, different areas fall under different local councils. Each municipal council has its own requirements, processes, and fee structures.

For foreign-owned trading companies in Malaysia, a WRT license may be required, particularly if more than 50% of the company’s shares are owned by non-Malaysians. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is the authority responsible for issuing this license. To apply for a WRT license, the company must have a minimum paid-up capital of RM1,000,000, be properly incorporated under the Companies Act 2016, and meet other requirements such as having a valid tenancy agreement and business setup ready for inspection.

Companies involved in cross-border trade must obtain import and export licenses, which are issued by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, or other applicable authorities

Certain regulated products require additional approvals to ensure compliance with Malaysia’s safety, quality, and regulatory standards. For example, the Ministry of Health (MOH) approves food and beverages, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) oversees pharmaceuticals, and agencies such as SIRIM regulate industrial or technical products. While the import/export license permits the movement of goods, product-specific approvals ensure the products themselves meet local regulatory requirements before they can be sold or distributed.