Business Premise License Malaysia
Opening an office, shop, restaurant or warehouse? You'll need a business premise license Malaysia approval from your local council before you open your doors. We check your premises, prepare your documents and handle the application with the council for you.
The basics
Premise license vs trade license Malaysia: what's the difference?
A business premise licence (lesen premis) is issued by the local council (PBT) for the area where your business operates, under the Local Government Act 1976 and the council's own by-laws. It approves your location for the activity you plan to carry out there.
When people search for a trade license Malaysia, they usually mean this council business licence, which covers the trading activity at your premises. Some businesses also need a separate licence for their activity, such as a WRT license for foreign-owned trading companies.
- Premise licenceApproves the location. Issued by your local council.
- Signboard licenceApproves your outdoor sign. Usually filed together with the premise licence.
- Activity licencesApprove what you do, e.g. WRT for foreign-owned trading or food handler rules for F&B.
Who needs it
Who needs a business premise licence?
Any business that operates from a physical location, whether it's Malaysian or foreign-owned. These are the most common types we help.
Offices
Company offices and professional service firms.
Shops and retail
Retail outlets, showrooms and service counters.
Restaurants and cafés
F&B outlets, which have extra hygiene requirements.
Factories and warehouses
Industrial premises, usually in industrial zones.
Running a business from home? Many councils only allow low-impact activities from residential premises, and some ask for written consent from your neighbours. Check with us first before you invest in the space.
Before you apply
Check these before you sign a lease
Most rejections happen because the premises doesn't suit the business. A quick check up front saves time and money.
- The right zoningCommercial use must be allowed. Some activities need a ground-floor unit or an industrial zone.
- The right councilYour property's assessment tax bill shows which council you apply to.
- Approved layout and renovationsNew partitions or major renovations may need council approval first.
- Fire safety supportMany councils ask for a supporting letter from BOMBA.
- A compliant signboardBahasa Malaysia must be prominent. In Kuala Lumpur, the wording is checked by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
- Food premises extrasFood handlers need a food handling course and typhoid vaccination.
- Activity licencesSome businesses also need licences from other agencies, such as a WRT license.
- Council-specific rulesEach council has its own by-laws, so requirements differ between areas.
Documents
Documents you'll usually need
Each council sets its own checklist. We'll confirm the exact list for your council, but most applications include the following.
Business documents
- Completed council application form
- SSM registration documents
- Copy of the applicant's IC or passport and a photo
- Any other licences your activity needs
Premises documents
- Tenancy agreement or proof of ownership
- Latest assessment tax and quit rent receipts
- Location plan and floor plan with measurements
- Photos of the premises, inside and outside
- Signboard design, if you're applying for one
- BOMBA supporting letter, where required
How to apply
How a business premise license Malaysia application works
We recommend starting six to eight weeks before you plan to open. Here's how the process runs.
Premises check
We check zoning, the right council and any layout or signboard issues.
We handle thisPrepare documents
We prepare your forms, plans and photos to the council's checklist.
We handle thisSubmit to the council
We submit online or in person, depending on the council.
We handle thisPayment and inspection
Once approved in principle, you pay the fee and the council may inspect the premises.
We guide youLicence issued
Display your licence at the premises and diarise the yearly renewal.
Weeks to about 2 months
How we help
Our business premise license Malaysia services
We handle the paperwork and the follow-up with the council, so you can focus on getting your premises ready to open.
Premises suitability check
Zoning, council and layout checked before you commit to a lease.
Document preparation
Forms, plans and photos prepared to your council's checklist.
Submission and follow-up
We submit your application and handle the council's questions.
Signboard licence
We apply for your signboard licence alongside the premise licence.
WRT and other licences
We coordinate any activity licences your business also needs.
Yearly renewals
We remind you before expiry and handle the renewal each year.
FAQ
Business premise licence: frequently asked questions
Who issues a business premise licence in Malaysia?
Is a trade license Malaysia the same as a premise licence?
How long does it take to get a premise licence?
How long is the licence valid?
How much does a premise licence cost?
What happens if I operate without a licence?
Opening new premises soon?
Not sure which premise or trade license Malaysia councils will ask you for? Tell us your address and business type, and we'll confirm what your business premise license Malaysia application needs, with a clear quote.
Information on this page is a general guide as of October 2026. Requirements, fees and processing times differ between local councils and may change. Contact us to confirm the requirements for your premises.