Form A SSM: What is It, How To Register, Free Download Form

Starting a business is an exciting journey. You have an idea, a vision, and maybe even a business plan ready to go.

But before you can officially open your doors, there’s one crucial step. You need to register your business.

In Malaysia, business registration is legally required, and the process starts with Form A, the official document for registering a business under the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

Without further ado, let’s discuss everything you need to know about Form A! What it is, who needs it, how to complete it, and what happens after submission.

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to getting your business legally registered and ready for success.

What is Form A?

Form A is the official business registration form for sole proprietorships and partnerships in Malaysia.

It is used to legally establish a business under the Registration of Businesses Act 1956 (ROBA 1965), which applies to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Many business owners don’t realize that operating without proper registration can lead to severe consequences. If you fail to register your business, you might face:

Fines of up to RM50,000
Two years of imprisonment
Difficulties in opening a business bank account
Limited access to government support, business loans, and grants

By submitting Form A, your business gains legal recognition, credibility, and access to financial services, which are crucial for long-term success.

Who Needs to File Form A?

Not all businesses require Form A. It is specifically designed for two types of business structures:

Sole Proprietorship: A business owned and run by one person. The owner is fully responsible for all profits, losses, and liabilities.
Partnership: A business formed by two or more individuals who share ownership, profits, and liabilities.

Who Does Not Use Form A?

While Form A applies to sole proprietorships and partnerships, other business entities require different forms:

Private Limited Companies (Sdn. Bhd.): Must register using Form 13A under the Companies Act 2016.
Public Limited Companies (Berhad): Require Form 24 and other corporate registration documents.
Foreign-Owned Businesses: Cannot use Form A. Foreigners must register a Sdn. Bhd. instead.

If you plan to start a large-scale business, Form A might not be the right option. Instead, consider setting up a Sdn. Bhd. for better financial security and limited liability.

Documents Required for Form A Submission

When submitting Form A, you need to attach several supporting documents to verify your business details. These include:

Owner’s identification card (MyKad or MyPR).
Business name approval (if using a trade name).
Proof of business address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, or official correspondence).
Partnership agreement (for partnership registrations).
Licenses or permits, if applicable (e.g., for tuition centers, childcare businesses, or food-related businesses).
Supporting letters from relevant authorities, if required by SSM.

You can download Form A from the SSM website or the link below. If you prefer to fill it manually using pens, you can get a physical copy from an SSM counter.

Free Download Form A

How to Complete Form A for Business Registration?

Filling out Form A correctly is crucial to avoid rejection or delays. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections:

1. Business Name/Nama Perniagaan

If using a personal name (e.g., "Ahmad bin Ali"), no prior approval is needed. If using a trade name (e.g., "Elite Printing Services"), you must obtain SSM’s approval first.

2. Commencement Date of Business/Tarikh Mula Berniaga

Fill in with the date your business operations started.

3. Business Sharing Status/Perjanjian Perkongsian

If your business is a sharing business, tick ‘Ada’ and fill in the date of the official sharing business time. If not, check ‘Tiada.’

4. Principal Place of Business/Alamat, Bandar, Poskod, Negeri

Provide the full address where your business operates.

5. Type of Business Activity/Jenis Perniagaan yang Dijalankan

Explain with a clear description of what your business does.

6. Branch Information (if applicable)/Alamat Cawangan

If your business has multiple locations, include branch details.

7. Owner/Partner Details/Maklumat Pemilik

Fill in your and your business partner's full name, IC number, nationality, DOB, and contact information.

8. Owner/Partner Signatures/Tandatangan

All business owners must sign Form A with the right thumbprint before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Form A SSM Online

Using a trade name without prior approval.
Providing incorrect business details (e.g., wrong address or business nature).
Forgetting to attach the required documents.
Submitting an incomplete form without signatures.

If SSM finds errors in your submission, your application will be rejected, and you’ll have to reapply.

Steps to Submit Form A for Business Registration

There are two ways to submit Form A: online via the SSM Portal or manually at an SSM Office.

Online Submission via the SSM Portal

Visit the SSM e-Lodgement system.
Register for an SSM user account.
Fill out Form A and upload the required documents.
Make payment online.
Receive a business registration certificate via email.

Manual Submission at SSM Counters

Visit the nearest SSM office.
Collect and complete Form A.
Attach the required documents.
Pay the registration fee.
Receive the Business Registration Certificate within one (1) hour after payment.

Fees for Registering a Business Using Form A

The registration fee depends on the business type:

Business Type	Fee (RM)
Sole Proprietorship (personal name)	RM30
Sole Proprietorship or Partnership (trade name)	RM60
Registration of each additional branch	RM5
Business Information Printout	RM10

To pay, you can use the payment methods below:

Online payment via the SSM portal.
Bank payment at designated banks.
Cash or credit/debit card at SSM counters.

Processing Time for Form A Submission

The time it takes for Form A to be processed depends on how you submit it.

If you choose to register your business manually at an SSM office, the approval process is usually completed within one hour.

On the other hand, if you opt for online submission through the SSM portal, it typically takes one to two working days for processing.

Once Form A is submitted, it goes through a verification and approval process:

Document Review: SSM officers will check if all required details are correctly filled out and whether supporting documents are attached.
Verification of Business Name: If you are registering with a trade name, SSM will verify its availability and compliance with naming guidelines.
Approval or Rejection: If everything is in order, your business will be approved, and the Business Registration Certificate (BRC) will be issued. If there are errors or missing documents, the application may be rejected, and you will need to correct the mistakes before resubmitting.

Once approved, the Business Registration Number (BRN) will be issued, allowing you to move forward with opening a business bank account, applying for permits, and officially operating your business.

What Happens After Your Form A is Approved?

Once Form A is approved, the business owner will receive:

A Business Registration Certificate (BRC) as proof of legal registration.
A Business Registration Number (BRN) for tax filing and banking.

After you get the approval, you need to do these things:

Open a business bank account using the BRN.
Apply for necessary business licenses or permits.
Begin operating legally and marketing the business.

What If Your Form A is Rejected?

If your Form A submission is rejected, it may be due to:

Incomplete or incorrect information
Business name conflicts (if using a custom name)
Missing required documents

Don’t worry, you can fix these things by:

Identify the issue stated in the rejection notice.
Correct any errors or missing documents.
Resubmit the form through the online portal or SSM office.

How to Renew or Update Business Registration After Filing Form A

All active registered businesses must renew their registration annually.

The renewal period can range from one (1) to five (5) years, depending on the preference of the business owner or partners.

Any changes to business details (such as address or business name) require submitting Form B.

When to Renew?

Business owners or partners can renew their certificate anytime before the registration expiry date.
Renewal is still allowed up to twelve (12) months after the expiry date. However, failing to renew within this period may result in penalties or business deregistration.

Where to Renew?

Business owners have multiple options to renew their registration certificate conveniently:

Online Services: Renew through EzBiz Online, an official platform provided by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Ezbiz Kiosk Machines: Available at all SSM offices nationwide.
SSM Registered Agents: Renewal services are also available at:
- Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN)
- Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia

How Much Does It Cost?

The renewal fee varies based on the chosen duration. For detailed information on fees and guidelines, visit the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) website.

FAQs

How long does it take for SSM to process Form A?

Manual submission requires 1 hour process and online submission 1-2 working days.

Can I register a business if I am a foreigner?

Yes, but you must meet additional requirements, including work permits and local partnerships.

What happens if I forget to submit Form A within the prescribed time?

Operating without registration can lead to fines and legal consequences.

Can I submit Form A without having a business name yet?

If using your personal name, you can submit without additional approval. If using a unique name, you must check availability first.

Do I need to submit Form A if I am registering an online business?

Yes, online businesses must be registered like any other physical business.

What are the fees for registering a sole proprietorship versus a partnership?

Sole proprietorship: RM30 (if using personal name) / RM60 (if using a business name).
Partnership: RM60.

Every successful business starts with the right paperwork. Form A is your gateway to making your business official and gaining the credibility you need to thrive.

Take the time to complete the process correctly, and soon, you’ll be focusing on your next big step, growing, and expanding your business.

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