Quick answer: MDEC's guidelines do not set out one consolidated document checklist for Malaysia Digital (MD) status. In practice, prepare a clear description of the MD activity, a business plan and financial plan, a hiring plan with job scopes for key roles, and incorporation and shareholding records. After approval, keep records for the annual Self-Declaration Form and be ready to supply SSM documents and audited accounts if MDEC asks.
- MDEC publishes no single document checklist, so prepare to evidence each condition.
- Core set: activity description, business plan, financial plan, hiring plan, incorporation records.
- Have a job scope ready for each key position.
- After approval, MDEC can ask for SSM documents and annual audited accounts.
- Keep payroll and spending records that prove the RM5,000 salary and RM50,000 expenditure conditions.
Documents Before You Apply
| Group | What to prepare | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| Company | SSM incorporation records, director and shareholder details | Incorporated under the Companies Act 2016 and resident in Malaysia |
| Capital | Evidence of paid-up capital of at least RM1,000 | The paid-up capital test |
| Activity | A precise description of the MD activity and how it maps to an MDEC activity area | A qualifying activity |
| Plan | Business plan based on your company idea or business model | A real operation to be run in Malaysia |
| Finance | Financial plan covering revenue, costs and hiring | Capacity to meet the RM50,000 spend and payroll |
| People | Hiring plan and job scope for each key role, with salary | Two full-time knowledge workers at RM5,000 average base salary |
Documents MDEC Can Ask For Later
| Document | When |
|---|---|
| SSM documents | During annual monitoring |
| Annual audited accounts | During annual monitoring |
| Self-Declaration Form or other MDEC forms | Within seven months after each accounting period |
| Supporting documents for changes | When you notify changes in capital, shareholding, name or product names |
Your Pre-Submission Checklist
- Company is incorporated under the Companies Act 2016.
- Paid-up capital is at least RM1,000.
- The MD activity is described precisely and matches an MDEC activity area.
- No part of the plan falls on the non-qualifying list.
- Business plan is based on the real business model.
- Financial plan shows at least RM50,000 a year of spending on the MD activities.
- Two knowledge worker roles are defined, each with a job scope and salary.
- You know where the knowledge workers will be based in Malaysia.
- A named contact can answer MDEC quickly.
Records to Keep After Approval
| Condition | Records that prove it |
|---|---|
| Two knowledge workers | Employment contracts, payroll and EPF records showing full-time status and the average base salary |
| RM50,000 operating expenditure | Ledgers and invoices for salaries, rent, utilities, professional fees and administration tied to the MD activities |
| Activity carried out in Malaysia | Project records, customer contracts and product documentation |
| Paid-up capital | Company records showing at least RM1,000 |
Not sure where you stand? WhatsApp us. We will check it before you apply.
Common Document Mistakes
Vague activity description
MDEC cannot map it to an activity area.
No job scopes
Key positions may need justification.
Records not tied to MD activities
Spend and salaries must relate to the MD activities.
Forgetting annual evidence
The annual declaration is verified by an independent auditor.
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 documents do I need for Malaysia Digital status?
MDEC's guidelines do not set a single checklist. Prepare incorporation records, an activity description, a business plan, a financial plan and a hiring plan with job scopes.
Does MDEC publish a document checklist?
The guidelines do not give a consolidated list. They refer to forms and supporting documents for specific steps.
Do I need a business plan?
A business plan based on your company idea or business model is the best way to show a real operation. We prepare it with you.
Do I need a financial plan?
Yes in practice, to show how the company will meet the RM50,000 spending condition and the salary commitments.
Does MDEC ask for job scopes?
It can. Prepare a job scope for each key position.
What company documents are needed?
SSM incorporation records and director and shareholder details.
What proof of paid-up capital is needed?
Evidence that the company has at least RM1,000 paid-up capital.
What can MDEC ask for after approval?
SSM documents and annual audited accounts.
What is the Self-Declaration Form?
An annual form submitted within seven months after each accounting period ends, verified by an independent external auditor.
What records prove the two knowledge workers?
Employment contracts, payroll and EPF records showing full-time status and average base salary.
What records prove the RM50,000 spend?
Ledgers and invoices for salaries, rent, utilities, professional fees and administration related to the MD activities.
Do I need supporting documents for changes?
Yes. Notify MDEC of changes in capital above the minimum, shareholding, company name or product names, with supporting documents.
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.