Business Registration Numbers in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Guide

When you start a business in Malaysia, you’ll quickly encounter an “alphabet soup” of official numbers: SSM, TIN, MSIC, EPF, and more. For a new entrepreneur, it can be confusing to know what each number is for, which ones are mandatory, and where to get them.

These numbers are the core components of your business’s legal and financial identity. Understanding them is not just an administrative task; it’s essential for opening a bank account, paying taxes, applying for licenses, and running your operations legally.

This guide will provide a clear breakdown of the most important business registration numbers in Malaysia, explaining what each one means and why you need it.

Key Takeaways

• SSM Number (Business vs. Company): This is your primary business identity number from the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). The format differs depending on your business structure (Enterprise vs. Sdn. Bhd.).
• TIN (Tax ID Number): This is your company’s separate tax file number from the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN). It is mandatory for tax compliance and opening a corporate bank account.
• MSIC Code: This 5-digit code defines your business activity (e.g., “e-commerce,” “cafe”). You must provide this code during SSM registration.
• Hiring Numbers (EPF & SOCSO): You will need to register for employer numbers with EPF (KWSP) and SOCSO (PERKESO) as soon as you hire your first employee.
• Foundation for Operations: These numbers are the essential “keys” you need to unlock other business services, such as bank accounts and payment gateways.

1. SSM Registration Number (The Business Identity)

This is the first and most important number you will get. It legally establishes your business entity with the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM), or the Companies Commission of Malaysia. The format of this number depends on your business structure.

a) Business Registration Number (ROB) – For Enterprise

This applies to Sole Proprietorships and Conventional Partnerships.

• What it is: A unique number that identifies your enterprise.
• Portal: Registered via the EzBiz portal.
• Format: It’s a 12-digit number followed by a single letter (e.g., 1234567-A, 202403000123-K).

b) Company Registration Number (ROC) – For Sdn. Bhd.

This applies to Private Limited Companies (Sendirian Berhad).

• What it is: A unique number that identifies your company as a separate legal entity.
• Portal: Incorporated via the MyCoID portal.
• Format: SSM now uses a new 12-digit format based on the incorporation date (YYYYMMDDXXXX). You will often see it written with the old format in parentheses.
• Example: 202401000123 (1534567-V)

c) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Registration Number

This applies to LLPs, a hybrid structure.

• What it is: A unique number for LLPs, which offer limited liability like a company but are structured like a partnership.
• Format: Typically ends with LLP (e.g., 202405000123-LLP).

2. LHDN Tax Identification Number (TIN) (The Tax Identity)

After you have your SSM number, your next immediate step is to register with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) to get your Tax Identification Number (TIN). This is a common point of confusion—your SSM number and your TIN are two different numbers.

• What it is: Your business’s unique tax file number used for all tax-related matters.
• How to get it: You must apply for it via the MyTax portal after your SSM registration is complete.
• Why it’s essential: You cannot open a corporate bank account without a TIN. It is mandatory for filing corporate tax returns (Form C) and employer tax returns (Form E).
• For more details, see: TIN Number Malaysia: How to Check, Format & Examples

3. MSIC Code (The Business Activity Code)

During your SSM registration, you will be asked to provide a 5-digit MSIC Code. This is not a registration number, but a classification code.

• What it is: The (Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) code that specifies your primary business activity.
• Why it’s essential: This code is used by banks, local councils (PBT) for business licenses, and government agencies for grants and statistical purposes.
• Example: If you run an e-commerce store, your MSIC code would be 47914 (Retail sale via Internet). If you run a cafe, it would be 56303 (Cafes/Coffee houses).
• For more details, see: MSIC Code Malaysia: A Guide to Finding Your Business Code

4. EPF & SOCSO Employer Numbers (The Hiring Identities)

These numbers are not required for registration, but they become mandatory as soon as you hire your first employee (even if that employee is just you, as a director of a Sdn. Bhd.).

• EPF Employer Reference Number: Issued by the Employees Provident Fund (KWSP) for managing your employees’ retirement savings contributions.
• SOCSO Employer Code: Issued by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) for managing employee insurance for workplace accidents and invalidity.

Did You Know? 

In 2016, SSM introduced a new 12-digit format for company registration numbers (e.g., 201601000123). This new format directly incorporates the year, month, and day of incorporation. Businesses registered before this date still use their original “old” number (e.g., 123456-V), but SSM now assigns all new companies the 12-digit format.

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Conclusion: Your Business’s Foundation

Think of your registration numbers as your business’s official “identification papers.” Your SSM number proves your business exists legally, your TIN number allows you to operate financially and pay taxes, and your MSIC code defines what your business does. Securing these numbers in the correct order is the essential first stage of building a compliant and successful enterprise in Malaysia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Malaysian Businesses

Is my SSM registration number the same as my Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

No. This is a common point of confusion. Your SSM number is issued by the Companies Commission of Malaysia and identifies your business entity. Your TIN is issued by the LHDN (Inland Revenue Board) and identifies your business for tax purposes. You need your SSM number first to apply for your TIN.

I am a sole proprietor. Do I need a separate TIN for my business?

No. For sole proprietorships, your business’s income is filed under your personal Tax Identification Number (the 11-digit ‘IG’ number). You do not need a separate ‘C’ (Company) number. However, you must still inform LHDN that you have commenced a business.

Do I need all these numbers to start selling?

To operate legally, you must have an SSM registration number. To open a corporate bank account (which is highly recommended), you will need both your SSM number and your TIN. The EPF and SOCSO numbers are only required once you hire your first employee.

Can I use my personal bank account for my business?

For a sole proprietorship, you technically can, but it is strongly discouraged. It creates a major headache for accounting and tax filing. For a Sdn. Bhd., you are legally required to have a separate corporate bank account, as the company is a separate legal entity.