How Nominee Director Services Help While Setting Up a Company in Malaysia
Setting up a company in Malaysia as a foreign entrepreneur involves regulatory requirements — the most critical being the need for at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Malaysia, as stipulated under the Companies Act 2016. But what if you don’t have a trusted local partner?
That’s where Nominee Director Services come in.
Offered by firms like Amaze Advisory, these services enable foreign business owners to fulfil local incorporation requirements while maintaining control over their business. In other words, they help you to appoint a legal Malaysian Malaysian is legally appointed as a non-executive director in name only — a solution that’s both practical and fully compliant.
What Is a Nominee Director?
A Nominee Director is a Malaysian resident appointed to a company solely to fulfill legal incorporation requirements. They do not participate in business operations or decision-making. Instead, they act as a statutory placeholder to meet regulatory obligations.
Nominee Directors are typically used by:
- Foreign-owned companies without a Malaysian resident director
- Offshore founders incorporating a Sdn Bhd (Private Limited Company)
- Businesses needing a temporary local director to remain compliant
This is a legal and accepted practice in Malaysia, provided that clear agreements and safeguards support it.
How Nominee Director Services Work
When structured professionally, nominee director services offer compliance without compromise. At no point does the nominee gain control over business decisions, bank access, or management roles.
Key components usually include:
- Nominee Director Agreement stating a non-executive role
- Indemnity & confidentiality clauses to protect both parties
- Full control retained by the business owner(s)
This structure ensures peace of mind, privacy, and legal clarity.
Local Director Requirements for Malaysian Companies
To register a Sdn Bhd company in Malaysia, the Companies Commission (SSM) requires:
- At least one director ordinarily resident in Malaysia (Malaysian citizen, PR, or long-term visa holder)
- At least one shareholder (can be foreign)
- A registered office in Malaysia
- A licensed Company Secretary
For foreign business owners who don’t fulfil the local residency requirement, a nominee director is often the best solution.
Who Benefits from Nominee Director Services?
Nominee director services are ideal for:
- Foreign entrepreneurs starting a Malaysian company
- Holding companies launching Malaysian subsidiaries
- E-commerce and tech firms expanding regionally
- Consultancy or trading companies testing ASEAN markets
- Investors from Singapore, Australia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, and beyond
What Does It Cost?
While pricing varies based on business structure and needs, standard packages often include:
- One-time incorporation fee (starting from RM2,500)
- Bundled services: Nominee director, incorporation, company secretarial, registered office, and more
- Custom packages for complex sectors like fintech, e-commerce, or regulated industries
Why Work with a Professional Firm?
Engaging a trusted corporate services provider ensures:
- Proper legal documentation
- Transparent nominee arrangements
- Experience handling foreign-owned company setups
- Option to bundle with accounting, tax, and secretarial services
The right partner ensures your business is set up smoothly, securely, and in full compliance with Malaysian laws.
Expand into Malaysia with Confidence
Nominee Director Services offer foreign business owners a smart and secure way to meet local legal requirements without ceding control of their company. If you’re serious about expanding into Malaysia, this is one solution that helps you start right.
📩 Want to discuss your options confidentially?
Get a Free Quote or Start Your Incorporation.Â
📩 Email salesteam@amazeadvisory.com for a confidential discussion.
