Quick answer: A Malaysia Digital (MD) status consultant should test whether your business fits an MD activity area, plan the hiring and spending conditions, prepare the application and explain the annual obligations. No consultant can guarantee approval, because MDEC and its Approval Committee decide, and the application fee is paid to MDEC. Choose one who explains the conditions plainly, gives a written scope and fee, and is willing to tell you when MD status is not right for you.
- A consultant tests fit before applying, not after.
- No one can guarantee approval. MDEC decides.
- The processing fee is paid to MDEC and is separate from consultant fees.
- Ask for a written scope covering application and ongoing compliance.
- Be wary of anyone who promises results or tax savings.
What a Good Consultant Does
| Stage | What you should expect |
|---|---|
| Before applying | Eligibility and activity mapping, hiring and spend plan |
| Application | Preparation and submission through MDEC's system |
| After approval | Explanation of conditions and the annual declaration |
| Planning | Advice on whether a tax incentive is worth pursuing |
Questions to Ask
- Which MD activity area do you think fits us, and why?
- What happens if our activity is excluded?
- What is included in your fee and what is not?
- Who deals with MDEC and how will we be updated?
- Do you advise on the annual declaration and conditions?
- Can you explain the hiring and spend conditions in writing?
Red Flags
- Guarantees approval.
- Promises tax savings before assessing eligibility.
- Will not give a written scope or fee.
- Suggests creating hires or spend only to qualify.
- Does not mention the annual obligations.
What We Offer
We provide end-to-end support: company incorporation, accounting and payroll, an eligibility check, including whether expats can be hired, before a foreign investor decides to incorporate, and business and financial plans prepared from your company idea or business model.
Not sure where you stand? WhatsApp us. We will check it before you apply.
Three Scenarios
Scenario 1. A founder asks a consultant to test fit first and learns the activity is excluded, saving the fee.
Scenario 2. A consultant promises approval in a fixed time. MDEC's decision cannot be guaranteed.
Scenario 3. A company agrees a written scope covering application and the first annual declaration.
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.
What does an MD status consultant do?
Tests fit, plans the conditions, prepares the application and explains annual obligations.
Can a consultant guarantee approval?
No. MDEC and its Approval Committee decide.
Who is paid the processing fee?
MDEC. It is separate from the consultant's fee.
What should the scope include?
Eligibility, application, conditions advice and annual compliance.
How do I compare consultants?
By clarity of scope, fee, fit analysis and honesty about risk.
What is a red flag?
Guarantees, unexplained fees or advice to create hires only to qualify.
Do I need a consultant?
Not necessarily. You can apply directly, but planning help can avoid avoidable errors.
Can a consultant file the annual declaration?
The declaration must be verified by an independent external auditor. Ask what the consultant covers.
Should the consultant discuss the tax incentive?
Yes, as a separate decision with its own conditions.
Can they help with expat passes?
Many do, but each pass is approved separately.
How long should it take?
Ask for a plan. MDEC does not publish a processing time.
Can your firm help?
Yes. Contact us to discuss your business model and plan.
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.