1. Sabah & Sarawak ≠ West Malaysia
Same SSM Companies Act 2016, but immigration is STATE-controlled. Even with SSM, you need Sabah/Sarawak work permit (DP10) to stay, and some sectors need trading licence from Municipal Council (Lesen Perniagaan).
Myth: “Need 51% local partner in Sabah/Sarawak.” Reality: No law. 100% foreign-owned Sdn Bhd allowed. BUT: some government tenders require Bumiputera status, and banks may ask local director for convenience. You can own 100%.
2. Steps & Cost (RM5,000-8,000)
- SSM Name Search (RM50) — 1 day. Need 2-3 names. Cannot use “Borneo” alone? Can, but needs justification.
- Incorporate Sdn Bhd — via company secretary licensed by SSM. Need at least 1 director (you, even foreigner resident abroad ok) + 1 secretary. Paid-up RM1 minimum (but bank & DP10 loves RM500k — see below).
- Address & Secretary — RM1,200-1,800/year. Use real office (cowork in KK/Kuching from RM200/mo) not just virtual if applying DP10.
- Open Bank — Maybank, RHB, CIMB. Need SSM cert, director IC/passport, introduction. Deposit RM1,000. 2026: stricter — provide business proof, invoice.
- Trading Licence — from DBKK (KK) or MBKS (Kuching). Sector-dependent: retail/F&B RM200-800/yr, construction needs CIDB.
3. DP10 Work Permit — The Big Hurdle
To live/work in Sabah/Sarawak you need Professional Visit Pass DP10 (not just MY Employment Pass). Requires paid-up RM500k for 100% foreign-owned (or RM300k if JV with local). Show office tenancy, bank statement, contracts. Approved by Sabah Immigration / Sarawak Immigration separately — takes 3-6 weeks. Valid 1-2 years. Many use Labuan company + DP10 via Labuan? Different route — ask us.
Cheat: If you just need company but stay outside, incorporate Sdn Bhd + appoint local nominee director for compliance, you remain shareholder abroad — no DP10 needed. Cost RM1,500/yr nominee.
4. Sabah vs Sarawak — Which?
Sabah (Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan)
Tourism, palm oil downstream, logistics to Philippines. DP10 via Jabatan Imigresen Sabah (slower).
Sarawak (Kuching, Bintulu, Miri)
Hydropower, timber, gas (Bintulu LNG), Nusantara spillover. Own IMM13? No, DP10 similar but Sarawak stricter on sector vetting.
5. Timeline Checklist
Week 1: Name + SSM. Week 2: Bank + Licence. Week 3-6: DP10 if staying. Total RM5k-8k Year 1, RM2.5k renewal.
Need company secretary in KK/Kuching?
We intro licensed SSM secretaries — fixed fee, no hidden.
Not advice. Check SSM (ssm.com.my) and Sabah/Sarawak Immigration official.
