Offshore Banks
This activity covers the operations of offshore banks, which are financial institutions that provide banking services to non-residents and operate outside the regulatory framework of the domestic banking system. It also includes offshore Islamic banks, which offer banking services in accordance with Islamic law.
Foreign equity capped at 30%.
- Foreign equity
- 30%
- Capital floor
- None
- Key licences
- 1
- Setup timeline
- 8–12 wk
Foreign ownership rules
Foreign ownership rules
- Banking — Commercial BankscappedBNM
Foreign equity in commercial banks capped at 30% by policy (case-by-case approvals up to higher levels). Subject to Financial Services Act 2013. BNM approval required.
Foreign cap: 30%Source
Sourced from MIDA sector booklets and respective regulators. Verify the latest rules with the regulator before investment decisions.
Licences & permits
Licences & permits
Common requirements for most Malaysian businesses6
- Sales & Service Tax (SST) RegistrationIssued by Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD)
- Personal Data Protection Act 2010 RegistrationIssued by Personal Data Protection Department (JPDP)
- Signboard / Advertisement Licence (PBT)Issued by Local Authority (PBT)
- LHDN Employer Tax (E) RegistrationIssued by Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN/HASiL)
- EPF / SOCSO / EIS Employer RegistrationIssued by KWSP (EPF), PERKESO (SOCSO), EIS
- Local Authority Business LicenceIssued by Local Authority (PBT)
Have Emerhub file every licence above for you
We'll prepare the forms, liaise with each agency and track approvals — bundled with Sdn Bhd setup. Agency fees are paid to the issuing authority; our service fee is quoted separately.
Get a quoteSource: MalaysiaBiz / BLESS licence catalog.
Governing legislation
Traced through the business licences these Acts govern.
Activity details
Offshore Islamic Banks
SST & Withholding Tax
Risk Level
e-Invoicing (MyInvois)
MSIC code 64193 is required when issuing e-invoices via LHDN MyInvois. Use this code in the Classification field of your e-invoice.