Choosing the right company name is a crucial step in the Malaysia company incorporation process. Your business name reflects your brand, ensures legal compliance, and helps establish credibility in the market. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or planning an overseas business setup Malaysia, getting the name right from the start will save you time, hassle, and potential rejections from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
This guide will walk you through:
✅ Legal requirements for company names in Malaysia
✅ Step-by-step process to check and reserve a name
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s get started!
1. Understanding SSM’s Company Name Guidelines
Before you start a business in Malaysia for foreigners or as a local, your company name must comply with SSM’s (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia) regulations. Here are the key rules:
✅ Uniqueness – The name cannot be identical or too similar to an existing registered business.
✅ No Restricted or Prohibited Words – Words like “Royal,” “Government,” or “Bank” require special approval.
✅ Avoid Offensive or Misleading Words – Names that are inappropriate, misleading, or imply illegal activities will be rejected.
✅ Must Be in Romanized Characters – Company names cannot include characters from Chinese, Arabic, or other non-Roman alphabets.
💡 Pro Tip: You can use English, Malay, or a combination of both when selecting a business name.
Companies Commission of Malaysia
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2. Steps to Check and Reserve a Company Name in Malaysia
Step 1: Brainstorm Your Business Name
Before submitting your name for approval, make sure it:
✔ Reflects your brand and industry
✔ Is easy to spell and remember
✔ Has an available domain name for a website
💡 Tip: Try using a name generator or checking competitor names for inspiration.
Step 2: Search for Name Availability on MyCoID
Malaysia’s SSM MyCoID system allows you to check whether your desired company name is available.
✅ Go to the MyCoID portal
✅ Enter your preferred company name
✅ Check for existing businesses with similar names
If your name is already taken, modify it slightly while keeping it relevant to your business.
Step 3: Submit a Name Reservation Request
Once you find an available name, reserve it through MyCoID:
📌 Log in to MyCoID and select “New Name Reservation”
📌 Provide a brief business description (SSM requires this to ensure name relevance)
📌 Pay a RM50 fee per name (valid for 30 days)
📌 Approval Time: 1–3 business days (or longer if manual review is needed)
💡 Tip: If your application is rejected, SSM will provide reasons. Modify your name accordingly and resubmit.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Company Name
🚫 Using Generic Names – “Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd.” is too broad and may already exist.
🚫 Ignoring Trademarks – Just because a name is available in SSM doesn’t mean it’s not trademarked. Check MyIPO for registered trademarks.
🚫 Choosing a Name That’s Hard to Pronounce – A difficult name may confuse customers and make branding harder.
🚫 Skipping Domain Name Checks – If the .com or .my domain for your business name is taken, branding will be challenging.
4. Finalizing Your Company Name & Incorporation Process
Once your company name is approved, you can proceed with Malaysia company incorporation:
✔ Prepare incorporation documents (e.g., company constitution, director details)
✔ Appoint a company secretary (mandatory in Malaysia)
✔ Submit your incorporation application via MyCoID
✔ Obtain your Certificate of Incorporation from SSM
For foreign investors, understanding Malaysia’s business ownership rules is crucial. If you’re setting up an overseas business setup Malaysia, some sectors require local partnerships, while others allow 100% foreign ownership.
Conclusion: Get Your Business Name Approved Fast!
Choosing a company name in Malaysia isn’t just about creativity—it requires legal compliance, strategic planning, and thorough checks. Follow the right steps to avoid delays and rejections, and ensure your business name aligns with SSM’s regulations.
🚀 Ready to start a business in Malaysia for foreigners? Secure your company name and begin your incorporation process today!
