Wholesale, Retail & Trade
WRT Licence Malaysia
Mandatory for any company importing, wholesaling, retailing or distributing physical goods in Malaysia.
What is a WRT Licence?
In short: a WRT licence is required for companies that import, wholesale, retail or distribute physical goods in Malaysia. The company needs RM1,000,000 paid-up capital, KPDN charges no application fee, and the process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.
The Wholesale, Retail and Trade (WRT) licence is issued by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN, also called KPDNHEP). It covers distributive trade, including importing, wholesaling, retailing, online selling, F&B trading and franchise operations.
Neutral Consulting handles the BLESS application, KPDN queries and the compliance that follows approval. Before anything is submitted, our KPDN specialists confirm your capital, shareholding and premises.
Who Needs a WRT Licence?
If your company buys, sells or distributes physical goods, a WRT licence is likely required. Services that do not trade physical goods are generally exempt.
✅ Needs a WRT licence
- 📦 Importers: bringing goods into Malaysia for sale
- 🏬 Wholesalers and distributors: selling goods in bulk to other businesses
- 🛍️ Retailers: selling physical products to consumers, in store or online
- 🛒 Online sellers: marketplace sellers (Lazada, Shopee) and own websites
- 🍽️ F&B retail or wholesale: food and beverage trading
- 🔌 EV charging operators: may need the licence and extra permits
- ⚠️ Restricted goods traders: such as pharmaceuticals and alcohol, which may need extra ministry permits
❌ Generally does not need a WRT licence
- 💼 Consulting and advisory: no physical goods are traded
- 🧾 Accounting and tax services: service work only
- 💻 IT and software licensing: digital services, not goods
- 🎓 Training and education: services delivered to clients
- 📱 Digital-only products: no physical goods are sold
- 🧑💻 Freelance work: personal services, not a trading business
Core Requirements
Published guides list the requirements below. Confirm each one with KPDN before you apply.
| Capital and shareholding | Directors | Company and premises |
|---|---|---|
| Capital and shareholdingRM1,000,000 paid-up capital, proven by a bank statement | DirectorsAt least one director who is a Malaysian citizen | Company and premisesSdn Bhd incorporated under the Companies Act 2016 |
| Capital and shareholdingHigher amounts for hypermarkets and large retailers. Confirm with KPDN | DirectorsAged 18 or above and resident in Malaysia | Company and premisesPhysical office in Malaysia. Published guides state virtual offices are not accepted |
| Capital and shareholdingForeign nationals can be shareholders | DirectorsForeign nationals can be other directors | Company and premisesTenancy or ownership document, and a utility bill matching the address |
| Capital and shareholding– | Directors– | Company and premisesValid local authority (PBT) licence |
How the Process Works
Eligibility and documents
We run an eligibility check on your company structure and capital, then prepare the business plan, financials and document checklist.
BLESS and KPDN review
We handle BLESS registration and uploads, answer KPDN queries and track the file until a decision. KPDN may inspect the premises.
After approval
We help with the ongoing conditions, renewals and reporting that keep the licence valid for trading.
Documents Checklist
Submit the WRT application through the BLESS portal (bless.gov.my). The exact list depends on whether the company is new or existing. Confirm the final list against the official KPDN checklist.
| Group | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| GroupCompany records | What to prepareSSM certificate of incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and SSM forms showing current directors and shareholders |
| GroupDirectors and shareholders | What to prepareIdentity documents for each director, and a shareholder list |
| GroupTax and statutory | What to prepareLHDN tax registration (new company) or latest tax filing (existing company), and EPF registration (new company) or EPF records (existing company) |
| GroupFinancial | What to prepareAudited financial statements, and a bank statement evidencing paid-up capital |
| GroupBusiness and premises | What to prepareCompany profile or business plan, tenancy or sale agreement, utility bill, colour photos of the premises, and a valid PBT licence |
| GroupProduct and sector | What to prepareProduct catalogue or samples. F&B applicants add a menu and outlet photos. Restricted goods need ministry permits first |
How Long Does It Take?
Published guides quote 8 to 12 weeks from first contact to approval, and 1 to 3 months for processing after submission. A site inspection can add time. KPDN has not confirmed stage-by-stage durations, so the stages below are listed without fixed times.
| Phase | What happens | Led by |
|---|---|---|
| Phase1. Eligibility check | What happensCompany structure, capital and any blocking issues | Led byNeutral Consulting, with you |
| Phase2. Document preparation | What happensBusiness plan, financial schedules and supporting documents | Led byNeutral Consulting, with you |
| Phase3. BLESS registration and submission | What happensPortal registration, data entry and uploads | Led byNeutral Consulting |
| Phase4. KPDN review | What happensThe first review, which may include a site inspection | Led byKPDN |
| Phase5. Answering queries | What happensReplies to any questions KPDN raises | Led byNeutral Consulting, with you |
| Phase6. Decision and licence | What happensApproval and collection of the licence | Led byKPDN, then you |
What Does It Cost?
Published guides state that KPDN does not charge an application fee for the WRT licence. The table shows what you should budget for.
Why many foreign-owned companies use a consultant
KPDN does not require a consultant. Many foreign-owned companies still engage one, because the BLESS file is document-heavy, capital and premises must be proven in detail, and KPDN may raise queries. You can apply yourself if your company is already incorporated and fully prepared.
| Item | Who pays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ItemKPDN application fee | Who paysNone | NotesPublished guides state there is no government application fee. |
| ItemNeutral Consulting service fee | Who paysRM6,500 | NotesStandard application. We confirm the final fee in writing after the eligibility check. |
| ItemSSM incorporation | Who paysYou, if not yet registered | NotesFees vary. |
| ItemPremises | Who paysYou | NotesA physical office with a tenancy agreement. Rent is an ongoing cost. |
| ItemMinistry permits | Who paysYou, if needed | NotesNeeded for restricted goods and F&B clearance. Costs vary by product. |
Licence Validity and Renewal
KPDN sets the validity period when it approves the licence. Published guides differ: one cites 2 years, and others cite 1 to 3 years. Confirm the period on your approval letter.
Validity
Set by KPDN at approval. Confirm the period on your approval letter.
Renewal
Some published guides advise submitting the renewal through BLESS about 3 months before expiry, so trading rights do not lapse. Confirm the lead time and documents with KPDN.
After approval
Published guides state that changes in directors, shareholding, address or business scope should be reported to KPDN. Confirm the requirements and deadlines before you make the change.
Why Choose Neutral Consulting?
Published guides list these common causes of delay or refusal. We check each one before anything is submitted.
| Common reason for delay or refusal | How we check it before submission |
|---|---|
| Common reason for delay or refusalInsufficient capital | How we check it before submissionWe confirm the RM1,000,000 paid-up capital and the bank proof before anything is filed |
| Common reason for delay or refusalVague business plan | How we check it before submissionWe check that the plan matches the products and sales channels you declare |
| Common reason for delay or refusalM&A mismatch | How we check it before submissionWe compare the memorandum and articles with the business scope in the application |
| Common reason for delay or refusalMissing import permits | How we check it before submissionWe confirm which goods need ministry permits, and that they are in place |
| Common reason for delay or refusalAddress mismatch | How we check it before submissionWe match the premises document and utility bill to the registered address |
| Common reason for delay or refusalOutdated financials | How we check it before submissionWe check that the financial statements are current for the application date |
Diagnostic first. We confirm capital, structure and business scope before you spend on the application, and tell you honestly if a WRT licence does not fit.
Checked before submission. Every document is matched against the checklist above, so the file is complete when it reaches KPDN.
Support after approval. We help with renewals, change notifications and ongoing conditions, so your licence stays in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a WRT licence if I am a sole proprietor?
Published guides state the licence is for companies incorporated under the Companies Act 2016 (Sdn Bhd). Sole proprietors and partnerships generally need to incorporate first.
Can I apply before having RM1m paid-up capital?
No. Published guides require proof of the full paid-up capital, usually by bank statement, before the application.
Is a WRT licence needed if the company is 51% Malaysian-owned?
Published guides suggest a Malaysian-owned company may be exempt, but this is not guaranteed and depends on KPDN’s assessment. Confirm this before you set up the structure.
Can a foreigner be a director?
Published guides state that the company must have at least one director who is a Malaysian citizen, aged 18 or above, and resident in Malaysia. Foreign nationals can be shareholders and other directors.
Is a WRT licence needed for an Employment Pass (EP)?
Some guides link the two. Check with KPDN and Immigration whether a WRT licence is required for your EP application.
What is the timeline?
Published guides quote 8 to 12 weeks from first contact to approval, and 1 to 3 months for processing after submission.
What if my application is rejected?
Fix the issues raised and resubmit through BLESS. Confirm the process and timing with KPDN.
Can I trade before approval?
No. Trading without a valid licence is an offence. Confirm the governing law and penalties with KPDN.
How long is the licence valid?
KPDN sets the validity period when it approves the licence. Published guides differ, citing 1 to 3 years, with 2 years mentioned in one guide. Confirm the period on your approval letter.
How do I renew my WRT licence?
Some guides advise submitting the renewal through BLESS about 3 months before expiry, with updated financial statements and tax and EPF records. Confirm the lead time and documents with KPDN.
Can I change product categories?
Yes, through a BLESS amendment. Obtain ministry permits first for restricted goods.
Is the WRT issued federally or by state?
Published guides state the licence is issued by KPDN at federal level. Some categories may need separate ministry approvals.
Can the licence be transferred?
Confirm with KPDN. Changes in ownership or company structure must be reported, and some may require a new application.
Is WRT needed for Lazada or Shopee sales?
Published guides state that online sellers on marketplaces also need the licence, and a physical Malaysian office address is required.
Official Sources
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026, from published guides. KPDN confirmation of the open items is pending.
KPDN: WRT application forms and documents (Borang J)
Application portal: BLESS (bless.gov.my)