Quick answer: A company applies for the Global Services Hub (GS-Hub) incentive online to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) before the project commences. The application is considered by the National Committee on Investments (NCI), and an approval in principle sets the conditions. The company then has 24 months to determine the commencement year. Applications can be submitted from 14 October 2023 to 31 December 2027. MIDA's contact is (603) 2267 3633 or [email protected].
- Apply online to MIDA through its investment portal.
- Apply before the project commences.
- NCI approval leads to approval in principle.
- Commencement year is determined within 24 months.
- The window runs from 14 October 2023 to 31 December 2027.
Steps
Confirm eligibility
Check core activities, related-entity rules and tier conditions.
Prepare the business plan
Describe the services, network companies and hiring.
Apply online to MIDA
Before the project commences.
NCI approval
The application is considered by the National Committee on Investments.
Approval in principle
Conditions are set.
Determine the commencement year
Within 24 months.
Key Timing Rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application window | 14 October 2023 to 31 December 2027 |
| Before commencing | Apply before the project commences |
| Commencement determination | Within 24 months of approval in principle |
What to Prepare
- Company incorporation documents
- Description of core and other services
- List of network and related companies
- Hiring plan with salary levels
- Paid-up capital evidence for Tier 2
- Financial projections
Contact
MIDA can be contacted at (603) 2267 3633 or [email protected], and applications go through MIDA's online investment portal.
Not sure where you stand? WhatsApp us. We will check it before you apply.
Mistakes
Starting operations first
Apply before commencement.
Weak network evidence
Tier 2 counts network and related companies.
Missing the window
It closes on 31 December 2027.
Three Scenarios
Scenario 1. A group applies before it hires its first regional manager.
Scenario 2. A group begins billing related companies before applying and risks the commencement rule.
Scenario 3. A company approved in principle plans its commencement year within 24 months.
How We Help
What we handle for you
Before you apply
- Test your activity, hiring plan and cost base against MDEC's conditions.
- Advise whether MD status, a tax incentive or both make sense for your business.
- Prepare your business plan and financial plan based on your company idea or business model.
Application
- Prepare and submit the application and answer MDEC's questions.
Why companies choose us
End-to-end under one roof
- We handle company incorporation, accounting and payroll, as well as MD status and expatriate pass applications, so your structure, records and hiring plan stay aligned.
- The company is set up correctly from day one.
We check before you invest
- We confirm eligibility, including whether you can hire the expatriates you need, before a foreign investor decides to incorporate in Malaysia.
- Neutral Consulting PLT is a Kuala Lumpur firm led by a Managing Partner who is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers.
How do I apply for the Global Services Hub incentive?
Apply online to MIDA before the project commences.
Who approves it?
The National Committee on Investments.
When can I apply?
From 14 October 2023 to 31 December 2027.
What happens after approval in principle?
You have 24 months to determine the commencement year.
Must I apply before starting?
Yes, before the project commences.
What documents do I need?
Incorporation documents, service descriptions, network company lists, hiring plans, capital evidence and projections.
How long does MIDA take?
The guideline does not publish a processing time.
Who do I contact at MIDA?
(603) 2267 3633 or [email protected].
Does an existing company apply differently?
It can apply with a five-year period, subject to the guideline's conditions.
Is MD status needed?
No.
Is there a fee?
The guideline does not state one.
Can you prepare the application?
We help with the business plan and financial projections.
Sources
Official sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. Agencies change their requirements, so confirm the current rules with MDEC, or with us, before you act. Checked November 2026.
Talk To Us Now
Thinking of applying for MD status? We will assess it first. All consultations are by video call.