application details
USS License Guidelines
Note: Skip the reading and get in touch with our team directly! Our AI assistant is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
What is a USS license?
A USS license refers to an Unregulated Services & Sector license which is required by foreign-owned businesses (>50% foreign shareholding) to operate in Malaysia’s services sector. Broadly speaking, this includes the provision of any service to Malaysian buyers in B2C or B2B. It issued and regulated by the Malaysian Ministry of Demostic Trade (KPDN).
Key details
- It is needed to apply for a premise and signboard license as well as Employment Passes
- An application typically takes 2 - 3 months
- Upon approval the license is valid for 1 - 3 years
- It has a sister Wholesale, Retail & Trade (WRT) license for businesses that primarily distribute and sell products
Purpose
- Balance foreign & local participation
- Encourage high-value foreign investment
Requirements
All businesses applying for a USS license must incorporate a Sdn Bhd company in Malaysia with at least RM1 million in paid up capital, with additional requirements for certain sectors.
Local Sdn Bhd incorporation
A Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) is Malaysia’s version of a private limited company. It can be fully foreign owned and the most challenging requirement is usually the locally resident director (all directors can be foreigners but at least one must reside in Malaysia).
Minimum paid-up capital
The minimum for most sectors is RM1 million and must be maintained at all times post-approval. You don’t have to inject the capital immediately, but bank statements are needed during the application.
Hire Malaysian employees
The business must employ locals at every level of the company organisation including senior management.
Application steps
Step-01
Consultation
We schedule a meeting (online or physical based on your preference) to assess your eligibility.
Step-02
Document prep
With your help, we begin compiling required paperwork and supporting documents.
Step-03
Submission
We submit your application to KPDN, then monitor and follow-up with officers as and when needed.
Step-04
License delivery
We print a physical copy of your license and deliver it to your address.
FAQs
You can, and in fact there's no government fee as of February 2026. Head over to this page to begin your application, and we wish you all the best.
We have many years of assisting foreign businesses deal with KPDN, and are familiar with required documents and expectations.
In short, if this is your first time applying, you'll have a much higher chance of success through us (but of course there's no guarantee).
Yes, one of our primary services is company incorporation and provision of Company Secretarial services.
That's entirely sector specific, but generally you'll at least need a premise and signboard license from the Local Authority of the area in which your business will operate.
Generally, it is a survey of existing local retailers and residents to gauge the impact of a large-scale foreign business operating in an area.
As the services required vary from case to case, so will our service charges. We welcome you to get in touch for a tailored quote.
E-MAIL: hi@mishu.my
PHONE: +60-175159832
ADDRESS:
Bukit Jalil Office, Kuala Lumpur
A-3-3, Aurora Place, Plaza Bukit Jalil, No.1, Persiaran Jalil 1, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.
Iskandar Puteri Office, Johor
R45, B-02-01, Pusat Perdagangan Ion Akses, Persiaran Medini Sentral 6, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor.