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Starting an Investment Holding Company in Malaysia


Starting an Investment Holding Company in Malaysia
Starting an Investment Holding Company in Malaysia

Why Start an Investment Holding Company in Malaysia


There are several reasons why you might want to start an investment holding company in Malaysia. Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Tax benefits: IHCs are taxed at a lower rate than other types of companies in Malaysia. This can save you a significant amount of money on your taxes.

  • Asset protection: IHCs can help to protect your assets from creditors and lawsuits. This is because the assets of the IHC are separate from the assets of its shareholders.

  • Flexibility: IHCs offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of how you can structure your investments. This means that you can tailor the IHC to your specific needs.

  • Access to the Malaysian market: Malaysia is a growing economy with a large and increasingly affluent population. Setting up an IHC in Malaysia can give you access to this market.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to starting an investment holding company in Malaysia. These include:

  • Cost: The cost of setting up and maintaining an IHC can be significant.

  • Regulation: IHCs are subject to a number of regulations in Malaysia. This can make it more complex to manage an IHC.

  • Foreign ownership restrictions: There are some restrictions on foreign ownership of IHCs. This may limit your ability to invest in Malaysia.

Overall, there are both benefits and drawbacks to starting an investment holding company in Malaysia. It is important to weigh these factors carefully before making a decision.


Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether to start an investment holding company in Malaysia:

  • Your investment goals: What are you hoping to achieve by setting up an IHC? Are you looking to save money on taxes, protect your assets, or gain access to the Malaysian market?

  • Your investment portfolio: What types of investments do you plan to hold in the IHC? The type of investments you hold will affect the tax benefits you can enjoy.

  • Your risk tolerance: How much risk are you comfortable taking? IHCs can offer a degree of asset protection, but they are not a guarantee against losses.

  • Your financial resources: How much money do you have to invest in setting up and maintaining an IHC? The cost of setting up and maintaining an IHC can be significant.

If you are considering starting an investment holding company in Malaysia, it is important to speak to an experienced financial advisor. They can help you to assess your individual needs and goals and determine whether an IHC is the right structure for you.


Starting an Investment Holding Company in Malaysia

An investment holding company (IHC) in Malaysia is a company specifically established to hold investments. It is a separate legal entity from its subsidiaries, and its main purpose is to manage and control the investments of those subsidiaries.

To qualify as an IHC in Malaysia, the company must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 80% of its gross income must be derived from holding investments.

  • It must not be involved in any business activities other than holding investments.

  • It must be incorporated in Malaysia.


There are several benefits to setting up an IHC in Malaysia, including:

  • Tax benefits: IHCs are taxed at a lower rate than other types of companies in Malaysia.

  • Asset protection: IHCs can help to protect your assets from creditors and lawsuits.

  • Flexibility: IHCs offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of how you can structure your investments.

If you are considering setting up an IHC in Malaysia, there are a few things you need to do:

  1. Choose a company name and register your company with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

  2. Open a bank account for your company.

  3. Prepare and file your company's annual returns with the SSM.

  4. Pay your company's taxes.

You will also need to appoint a company secretary and a auditor for your IHC.

Here are some of the steps involved in starting an investment holding company in Malaysia:

  1. Plan your business: Before you start the incorporation process, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of business you want to set up. This includes deciding on the company's name, its objectives, and its structure.

  2. Choose a business structure: There are different types of business structures available in Malaysia, and the best structure for you will depend on your specific needs. For an investment holding company, the most common structure is a private limited company.

  3. Obtain the necessary approvals: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain certain approvals from the relevant authorities before you can start operating. For example, if you plan to invest in real estate, you will need to obtain a license from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

  4. Incorporate your company: Once you have obtained all the necessary approvals, you can proceed with the incorporation of your company. This involves filing the necessary documents with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

  5. Open a bank account: Once your company is incorporated, you will need to open a bank account in the company's name. This will allow you to receive and manage the company's funds.

  6. Register for taxes: All businesses in Malaysia are required to register for taxes. The type of taxes you will need to register for will depend on the nature of your business.

  7. Set up accounting and bookkeeping systems: It is important to set up proper accounting and bookkeeping systems for your company. This will help you to track your finances and ensure that you are compliant with tax laws.

Starting an investment holding company in Malaysia can be a complex process, but it can also be a rewarding one. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your company is set up on the right footing and that you are able to take advantage of the many benefits that IHCs



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