Introduction: How to register a company in Myanmar

Companies in Myanmar are incorporated in accordance with the Myanmar Companies Act (1914) and the Myanmar Companies Rules (1940). In December 2017, Former President U Htin Kyaw, has approved new Myanmar Companies Act (2017) which takes effect starting from August 1, 2018.

According to new Company Law, it is now possible to establish a company only with one shareholder and one director. With the requirement of resident director, at least one of the directors must stay more than 183 days in Myanmar within one year. It is good news to all the local and foreign investors that in the new Company Act, Local Investment 65% and Foreign Investment 35% Shares Company is assumed as a local company.

Registering companies in Myanmar are digitalized and depending on the company type, setting up a Company can be done within a few days. Before registering a company, investors need to decide a company type.

Foreign Company

Companies with 35% to 100% foreign investment shares are considered as Foreign Companies. Foreign Companies can be “Private Company, Public Company or a Company limited by guarantee and Unlimited Company”.

Local Company

Companies with 65% to 100% Local Investment Shares are considered as Local Companies. Foreign investors can do joint-investments with local partners and get local company privileges. Local Companies can be “Private Company, Public Company or a Company limited by guarantee and Unlimited Company”.

Oversea Cooperation

Branch office also known as Oversea Cooperation can be established by Mother Company’s investment. Investors can appoint officials and one Resident Representative who has to stay in Myanmar for 183 days according to the new law.

Steps of Company Establishment

Customer first needs to decide a company type or consult with us to decide one. The registration process will start once the customer has handed all required documents and within 5 working days, the incorporation certificate will be delivered to the customer. Nevertheless, we will not take responsibility for the delay from the government side. We will support opening bank account afterwards at the bank of customer’s choice.

Necessary Documents for Company Establishment

What kind of information need to provide for Company Establishment?

1. Company Name
2. Information of Shareholders (Company/ Individual)
3. Information of Managing Director/ Directors
4. Share ratio
5. Number of shares
6. Address and Phone Number of Company in Myanmar

If shareholder is a company, please provide the registration card of that company.