China-Malaysia Desk
Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese companies expanding into Southeast Asia. Getting the structure, tax, and compliance right from the start saves time, cost, and difficult conversations later.
Our China-Malaysia Desk gives Chinese investors one team for the full journey, from choosing a structure and obtaining licences to the first statutory audit, with communication in Mandarin and reporting your head office understands.
A practical guide for business owners
Is this the right support for your business?
This service may be relevant when
- Your company in China is planning to set up a subsidiary, branch, or office in Malaysia.
- You already operate in Malaysia and need reliable accounting, tax, and audit support.
- Your head office needs regular reporting on the Malaysian business.
- You want to understand the incentives and tax treaty benefits available.
- You need work permits, import and export licences, halal certification, or trademark protection.
The engagement can cover
- Market entry advice and structuring
- Company set-up and bank account coordination
- Tax, incentives, and transfer pricing
- Accounting, payroll, audit, and ongoing compliance
- Work permits, licences, halal certification, and trademarks
- Introductions to wealth management partners
The right scope depends on your business and what you need it for. Talk to us and we will recommend an approach before any work begins.
How our China-Malaysia Desk supports you:
Market Entry & Structuring
- Advice on the right vehicle for Malaysia: a Sdn Bhd, a branch, or a representative office.
- Holding structures that make use of the Malaysia–China double taxation agreement.
- A clear view of the ongoing reporting and tax obligations before you commit.
Company Set-Up Coordination
- Coordination of incorporation with SSM and opening of corporate bank accounts.
- A single point of contact while we work with company secretarial and legal partners.
Tax & Incentives
- Guidance on incentives available through MIDA, such as Pioneer Status and Investment Tax Allowance.
- Withholding tax on payments to China, including service fees, royalties, and interest.
- Transfer pricing documentation for transactions with your parent or related companies.
Accounting, Payroll & Audit
- Bookkeeping and monthly reporting packs for your parent company in China.
- Payroll for local and expatriate staff, with EPF, SOCSO, EIS, and PCB handled.
- Annual statutory audits under the Companies Act 2016.
Work Permits & Expatriate Staff
- Support with Employment Pass and other work permit applications for staff relocating from China.
- Expatriate payroll and personal tax, including residence status and treaty relief.
Licences & Certifications
- Import and export licence applications for trading and manufacturing businesses.
- Halal certification support for food, cosmetics, and consumer products entering the Malaysian and wider Muslim markets.
Trademark & Brand Protection
- Trademark searches and registration with MyIPO, so your brand is protected in Malaysia before you launch.
- Coordination of wider intellectual property protection across Southeast Asia.
Wealth Management
- Introductions to licensed wealth management and investment partners for business owners and expatriate executives.
- Coordinated advice so that personal investments, tax, and business structures work together.
Ongoing Compliance
- One compliance calendar covering tax filings, audit deadlines, licence renewals, and annual returns.
- Plain-language updates when Malaysian rules change.
Whether you are exploring Malaysia for the first time or already have a team on the ground, talk to us and we will map out what you need, in the order you need it.
