To set up a foundation in Malaysia, you’ll need to choose the right legal structure, appoint a council, register with the Labuan FSA, and meet capital and governance requirements.
Foundations in Malaysia, especially Labuan foundations, are popular for asset protection, estate planning, and wealth preservation.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What is the meaning of foundation in Malaysia?
- How can you create your own foundation in Malaysia?
- What is the minimum amount to set up a foundation?
- Is a trust the same as a foundation in Malaysia?
- What are the benefits of a foundation in Malaysia?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What Is a Foundation in Malaysia?
A foundation in Malaysia is a legal entity established to manage and protect assets for purposes such as charitable giving, family succession planning, or long-term wealth preservation.
Unlike companies, foundations do not have shareholders; and unlike trusts, they operate as standalone legal entities rather than relationships based on fiduciary duty.
Foundations are governed by a charter or constitutive documents and are typically overseen by a council or board of directors, depending on the legal framework.
In Malaysia, there are two broad categories of foundations:
- Domestic foundations, which are typically set up under:
- Companies Act 2016
Foundations are often registered as Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLBGs). These are widely used for charitable, educational, or public-interest purposes. They are regulated by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and must adhere to strict governance and financial reporting standards.
- Trustee (Incorporation) Act 1952
This structure is common for religious, educational, or philanthropic bodies, especially in Peninsular Malaysia. It allows a group of trustees to be incorporated into a single legal entity to manage property or donations.
- Societies Act 1966
This act governs non-profit associations formed by groups of individuals with common interests (e.g., sports, culture, welfare). These entities are less formal than CLBGs or incorporated trustees and are not considered corporate bodies.
- Companies Act 2016
- Labuan foundations, established under the Labuan Foundations Act 2010, are more commonly used for private wealth management, cross-border estate planning, and asset protection. These are preferred by high-net-worth individuals and families due to their flexibility, confidentiality, and favorable tax treatment. Labuan foundations are regulated by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA).
How to Establish a Foundation in Malaysia
For foundations with charitable, religious, or educational aims, the most common route is to incorporate a CLBG under the Companies Act 2016.
Key steps include:
- Name reservation through the SSM.
- Drafting the constitution, stating non-profit objectives, governance structure, and membership rules.
- Filing incorporation documents with SSM, including:
- Declaration of compliance
- Identity documents of directors and members
- Constitution and statutory forms
- Seeking approval from relevant ministries, particularly for activities involving public funds or sensitive sectors (e.g. education, health).
- Registering for tax exemptions, if eligible, under Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act.
For individuals or families seeking to structure private wealth or manage cross-border estates, a Labuan foundation offers a more flexible offshore-style solution.
Steps for Labuan setup:
- Engage a licensed Labuan trust company, which will serve as the official agent.
- Submit required documentation to Labuan FSA, including the charter, details of the founder, officers, and governance framework.
- Pay registration fees, after which the foundation can be incorporated within one to two weeks.
- Establish a registered office in Labuan (typically provided by the trust company).
- Appoint officers and, optionally, a council or supervisory person to oversee foundation operations.
Typical Timelines
- Domestic foundation (CLBG): 2–4 weeks, subject to document quality and external approvals.
- Labuan foundation: 5–10 business days with complete documentation.
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Foundation?
- Registration Fee:
Labuan FSA charges a standard fee of around USD 200 to register a foundation under the Labuan Foundations Act 2010. - Annual License Fee:
An annual fee of approximately USD 200 is required to maintain the foundation’s status with Labuan FSA. - Professional Setup and Compliance Services:
Engaging a licensed Labuan trust company typically costs between USD 700–1,200 for incorporation, and USD 500–1,500 per year for administration and nominee services.
Legal and charter drafting, compliance advice, and governance structure setup may add USD 3,000–6,000, depending on complexity and additional services.
- Ongoing Maintenance / Audit & Substance Costs:
If the foundation holds income-generating assets or qualifies under economic substance rules, audited financial statements and bookkeeping are required. These services can cost USD 1,000–2,000+ per year, possibly higher for complex or trading entities.
What Is the Tax Rate for Labuan Foundation?
If a Labuan foundation conducts trading activities, it is taxed under the Labuan Business Activity Tax Act 1990 (LBATA) and can choose one of the following each year:
- Pay a flat tax of MYR 20,000, or
- Pay 3% of net audited profits
Qualifying activities include consulting, licensing, reinsurance, and managing active investments.
This election must be made annually and reported accordingly.
Non-Trading Foundations: Tax-Exempt in Most Cases
Foundations that are non-trading, such as those holding passive investments (e.g., dividends, interest, real estate income), managing family assets, or serving estate planning purposes, are typically not subject to tax under LBATA.
However, to retain non-trading and tax-exempt status, the foundation must:
- Be correctly structured and classified
- Ensure that no part of its activities is construed as active trading or commercial enterprise
Charitable Foundations: Full Exemption with Conditions
A Labuan foundation established exclusively for charitable purposes may qualify for full tax exemption, provided:
- Its activities fall within Labuan’s definition of public benefit,
- It is registered and approved by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA), and
- Its charitable activities are well-documented and non-commercial in nature
Foundations that mix charitable and commercial activities may not be fully exempt.
Reporting and Substance Requirements
Despite low or zero tax, Labuan foundations must comply with minimum substance requirements, which include:
- Maintaining a registered office in Labuan
- Appointing local officers or a council
- Engaging approved Labuan service providers
Annual returns must be filed with the Labuan FSA, regardless of whether the foundation is taxable or exempt.
What Is the Difference Between a Trust and a Foundation in Malaysia?
The key difference is this: a trust is a legal relationship where assets are managed by a trustee for beneficiaries, while a foundation is a separate legal entity that owns the assets in its own name.
Trusts follow common law, foundations follow civil law, and each has distinct rules on control, duration, and asset protection.
- Legal structure: Common law vs civil law influence
- Trusts in Malaysia are rooted in English common law and regulated under statutes such as the Trustee Act 1949 and Civil Law Act 1956.
- In contrast, Labuan foundations follow a hybrid model, influenced by civil law jurisdictions (e.g., Liechtenstein, Panama) but integrated into Malaysia’s dual legal system through the Labuan Foundations Act 2010. Foundations are independent legal entities, whereas trusts are not.
- Ownership, control, and asset segregation
- In a trust, the trustee legally owns the assets and must act in the best interest of the beneficiaries under fiduciary duty.
- In a foundation, the foundation itself owns the assets, and decisions are made by appointed officers or a council, based on a governing charter. This creates a stronger firewall between the founder and the assets, often making foundations more resistant to creditor claims or family disputes.
- Duration and revocability
- Trusts may be revocable or irrevocable, depending on how they are established, and often include fixed terms (e.g., 80 years under the rule against perpetuities unless structured offshore).
- Foundations are typically irrevocable and may have perpetual existence, especially under Labuan law, making them well-suited for dynastic or intergenerational planning.
- Use cases for HNWIs: Which one suits your goals?
- Choose a trust if you value flexibility, privacy, and potential revocability, especially for estate administration or tax planning.
- Choose a foundation if your priorities are asset protection, succession certainty, and a formal governance structure that can withstand legal scrutiny in cross-border situations.
Why Set Up a Foundation in Malaysia?
- Tailored Asset Protection Structures
With properly structured Labuan foundations, assets are legally separated from the founder’s estate. This can serve as a strategic firewall against personal liabilities, regulatory risk, or political uncertainty. - Multi-Generational Wealth Transfer
Foundations allow long-term planning tools that can span generations, offering founders the ability to embed rules for succession, governance, and access without relying on traditional wills or probate systems. - Global-Standard Jurisdiction for Private Foundations
Labuan’s financial ecosystem is known for combining international compliance with strategic privacy. Its midshore status appeals to those who seek tax efficiency without the reputational concerns often tied to opaque offshore havens. - Dual Purpose Flexibility
Foundations in Labuan may support purely philanthropic missions, personal estate management, or a hybrid of both. Founders are not locked into a single objective and may evolve the foundation’s priorities as needs change.
Foundation Risks in Malaysia
Regulatory uncertainty and compliance burdens
Foundations in Malaysia especially those established in Labuan, are subject to evolving tax regulations and international reporting standards.
Regulatory shifts related to economic substance, CRS compliance, or anti-money laundering (AML) protocols can introduce additional obligations.
Failure to keep up with these updates or to meet filing requirements may result in administrative penalties, reputational damage, or the loss of preferential tax treatment.
Risk of structural failure through founder overreach
One of the key advantages of a foundation is the legal separation between the founder and the assets.
However, if the founder retains excessive informal control or decision-making influence, the foundation risks being seen as a sham.
Courts or regulators may then pierce the structure, potentially exposing the assets to creditors, lawsuits, or tax authorities.
Reputation of jurisdiction and perceived offshore risks
Labuan remains Malaysia’s primary jurisdiction for foundation setup and is generally viewed as compliant with global standards.
Still, it has, at times, drawn scrutiny from international bodies focused on tax transparency.
Foundations established in offshore jurisdictions may raise red flags if not backed by strong governance and transparency.
Working with reputable, licensed trust companies can help reduce these reputational risks.
Governance failures and internal conflicts
Foundations rely on proper administration by their council members and officers.
Disputes between council members, breaches of fiduciary duty, or lax record-keeping can disrupt the foundation’s operations.
In severe cases, these failures may result in legal action or regulatory intervention, undermining the foundation’s ability to achieve its intended purpose.
Conclusion
A foundation in Malaysia—whether structured under Labuan law or domestic legislation—can serve as a powerful tool for asset preservation, succession certainty, and philanthropic intent.
For globally mobile families and high-net-worth individuals, the appeal lies in its formal governance, potential tax advantages, and ability to ring-fence assets across generations.
Still, effectiveness hinges on proper setup, regulatory compliance, and the use of qualified local advisers.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
