WRT License Malaysia: Application Services
Planning to sell, import, export or distribute goods through a foreign-owned company? A WRT license Malaysia approval from KPDN is required before you can trade. We prepare your documents, submit your application and follow it through to approval.
The basics
What is a wholesale retail and trade WRT license?
A wholesale retail and trade WRT license is the approval a foreign-owned company needs from KPDN before it can take part in distributive trade in Malaysia. Distributive trade covers selling physical goods to resellers or end customers, whether through a shop, a warehouse, an online store or a franchise.
In short, if your company is majority foreign-owned and you plan to buy and sell goods here, you will need a WRT license in Malaysia. It also comes before several other approvals, including the employment passes you may need for foreign staff.
- WWholesaleSelling goods in bulk to other businesses or resellers
- RRetailSelling goods directly to consumers, in store or online
- TTradeImporting, exporting and distributing goods
Who needs it
Who needs a WRT license in Malaysia?
Any company with more than 50% foreign shareholding that trades physical goods. These are the most common cases we see.
Retail stores
Specialty shops and other retail outlets owned by foreign shareholders.
Wholesale and distribution
Companies supplying goods in bulk to other businesses.
Import and export
Trading companies moving goods in and out of Malaysia.
F&B and franchises
Foreign-owned restaurant concepts and franchise outlets.
Service-only businesses usually fall under a different licence, and some sectors are closed to foreign ownership. If you're unsure which applies to you, ask us before you apply, as applying for the wrong licence leads to rejection.
Requirements
WRT license requirements
KPDN looks at your capital, your company set-up and your premises. Here are the main conditions for a wholesale retail and trade WRT license.
Minimum paid-up capital (foreign-owned companies)
| Business type | Minimum capital |
|---|---|
| Most distributive trade, including specialty stores | RM1 million |
| Departmental store | RM20 million |
| Superstore | RM25 million |
| Hypermarket | RM50 million |
| Franchise | Assessed by KPDN |
Figures based on current KPDN guidelines for foreign participation in distributive trade. We confirm the latest amounts with you before applying.
- A Malaysian company (Sdn Bhd)Incorporated with SSM under the Companies Act 2016
- Fully paid-up capitalShown in your bank statement or an auditor's letter
- A real business premisesVirtual offices are not accepted, and KPDN may inspect the site
- Tax and EPF registrationLHDN tax file and EPF records for the company
- A clear business planWhat you'll sell, to whom, and how the business will run
Documents
Documents you'll need
We'll give you a full checklist for your business type. Most applications include the following.
Company documents
- Completed WRT application form
- SSM Certificate of Incorporation and company information
- Register of members, and share transfer records if shareholding changed
- LHDN tax registration
- Latest EPF statements (for existing companies)
- Bank statement or auditor's letter confirming paid-up capital
Business and premises documents
- Business plan and company profile
- Tenancy agreement or proof of premises ownership
- Local council premises licence, where applicable
- Photos of the premises (inside and outside) and a floor plan
- Product catalogue
- For F&B: menu with prices and details of the head chef
How to apply
How to apply for a WRT license in Malaysia
Five steps from first check to approval. We handle each one for you.
Eligibility check
We confirm WRT is the right licence and check your capital and business type against KPDN rules.
We handle thisCompany and premises
Incorporate or restructure your Sdn Bhd, inject paid-up capital and secure a suitable premises.
We guide youPrepare documents
We compile your forms, business plan and supporting documents into a complete application.
We handle thisSubmit via BLESS
We submit online, answer KPDN's questions and prepare you for any premises inspection.
We handle thisApproval
Once approved, you can move on to premises and signboard licences and employment passes.
About 2 to 3 months
Before you invest
Businesses closed to foreign ownership
Some types of business are reserved for Malaysian companies, so a WRT license in Malaysia can't be issued for them to a foreign-owned company. In these sectors, the usual route is a joint venture with a Malaysian partner holding the majority stake.
Other products, such as food, cosmetics and medical devices, may also need approvals from other agencies on top of a wholesale retail and trade WRT license. We'll flag these early.
- Supermarkets and mini markets
- Provision and sundry shops
- Textile and clothing stores
- Furniture shops
- Petrol stations
- News agents and bookshops
- Computer shops
- Local cafés and non-specialty restaurants
- Hair and beauty salons
- Laundry services
- Car workshops
- Cybercafés
Examples only. The full list is set by KPDN and can change, so check with us for your specific business.
How we help
Our WRT license services
From company set-up to approval and beyond, one team handles your WRT license Malaysia application so you can focus on opening for business.
Eligibility review
We check your business type, ownership and capital before you commit.
Company incorporation
We set up or restructure your Sdn Bhd with SSM and act as your company secretary.
Document preparation
Forms, business plan and supporting documents, prepared and checked.
BLESS submission and follow-up
We submit your application and handle KPDN's questions until approval.
Premises and signboard licences
We coordinate the local council licences you need after WRT approval.
Renewal reminders
We track your expiry date and handle your WRT license renewal on time.
FAQ
WRT license Malaysia: frequently asked questions
Who needs a WRT license in Malaysia?
What is the minimum paid-up capital for a WRT license?
How long does it take to get a WRT license?
Can I use a virtual office for my WRT application?
Do I need a WRT license before applying for an employment pass?
Is a WRT license the same as a wholesale retail and trade WRT license?
Ready to apply for your WRT license?
Tell us about your business and we'll confirm your requirements and give you a clear quote.
Information on this page is a general guide based on KPDN requirements as of October 2026 and may change. Contact us to confirm the requirements for your business.