application details
WRT 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 WRT license?
A WRT license refers to a Wholesale, Retail, and Trade license which is required by foreign-owned businesses (>50% foreign shareholding) to operate in Malaysia’s distributive trade sector. Broadly speaking, this includes the sale of any product / 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 license called an Unregulated Services Sector (USS) license for businesses that primarily provide services
Purpose
- Balance foreign & local participation
- Encourage high-value foreign investment
Requirements
All businesses applying for a WRT 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 for foreign businesses, the most challenging requirement is usually the locally resident director. This means at least one of your directors must reside in Malaysia (they can be a foreigner too).
Minimum paid-up capital
Although the minimum for most sectors is RM1 million, it can be as high as RM50 million for certain sectors like hypermarkets. You don’t have to inject the capital immediately upon incorporation, but a bank statement is necessary during the application processing.
Location & impact studies (large scale retail)
Certain large-scale businesses like hypermarkets are only allowed in specific locations with certain population densities, and impact studies must be done to show it will not disrupt the local environment or quality of life.
Menu & chef credentials (F&B)
Restaurants must demonstrate that they will not directly compete with local smaller F&B outlets. This is achieved by showing unique dishes not from Malaysia or fine dining experiences.
Bumiputera allocation (for certain sectors)
- Allotment of shares to Bumiputeras
- Reservation of shelf space for Bumiputera products
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.
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.