Myanmar is strategically located between China, India and Southeast Asia, giving businesses access to several major regional markets. For foreign investors considering trading, manufacturing, services or other commercial activities in Myanmar, establishing a locally registered company can provide a formal structure for conducting business and managing local operations.
Company registration in Myanmar is primarily administered by the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) through the Myanmar Companies Online (MyCO) system under the Myanmar Companies Law 2017.
However, foreign investors should determine their proposed business activities carefully before registration, as foreign ownership and approval requirements can differ by sector.
One of the most common structures for investors is a private company limited by shares.
Myanmar also provides for other structures, including:
Under the Myanmar Companies Law, a private company can generally be established with one shareholder and one director.
Foreign investors should first determine whether establishing a Myanmar-incorporated company or registering an overseas corporation is more suitable for their intended operations.
Foreign ownership is an important consideration before establishing a company in Myanmar.
Under the Myanmar Companies Law, a Myanmar company can have up to 35% foreign ownership without being classified as a foreign company. A company with foreign ownership exceeding this threshold is generally treated as a foreign company.
This does not mean that foreign investors are limited to 35% ownership.
Depending on the business activity, a company may potentially be established with 100% foreign ownership. However, certain activities are restricted, prohibited or subject to specific conditions under Myanmar’s investment framework.
Businesses operating in regulated sectors may also require approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) or the relevant government ministry.
Therefore, investors should conduct an activity and licensing assessment before finalising the shareholding structure.
Myanmar companies may have individual or corporate shareholders, depending on the structure.
A private company can generally have:
Importantly, at least one director must ordinarily reside in Myanmar.
Under the Myanmar Companies Law, an ordinarily resident person generally includes someone who is a permanent resident or resides in Myanmar for at least 183 days within each 12-month period.
Foreign investors planning to manage the company from overseas should therefore consider the resident-director requirement at the beginning of the incorporation process.
The exact documentation depends on the shareholders, directors and proposed company structure.
Typical information and documents include:
For individual shareholders and directors:
For the proposed company:
Additional corporate documents may be required when the shareholder is an overseas company.
Company incorporation applications can be submitted electronically through Myanmar Companies Online (MyCO).
The general process is:
Step 1 – Create a MyCO account
An account must first be created before an online incorporation application can be submitted.
Step 2 – Check and select the company name
The proposed English company name should be checked for availability. A Myanmar-language name may also be provided.
Step 3 – Prepare company information
Details of the registered office, business activities, directors, shareholders and share capital structure must be entered into the application.
Step 4 – Submit the incorporation application
The appropriate incorporation form is completed electronically and supporting documents are uploaded where required.
Step 5 – Pay the government registration fee
The applicable filing fee is paid through the available payment method.
Step 6 – DICA review
The Registrar reviews the application and may request corrections or additional information where necessary.
Step 7 – Receive the Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, the Certificate of Incorporation is issued electronically. The registered company’s information will then appear on the MyCO registry.
Company registration with DICA and investment approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission are separate matters.
Not every foreign-owned company requires an MIC Permit.
However, an MIC Permit or other investment approval may be required depending on factors such as the proposed activity, investment scale, land requirements and whether the project falls within activities regulated under Myanmar’s investment framework.
Foreign investors should therefore avoid assuming that receiving a Certificate of Incorporation automatically authorises every proposed commercial activity.
Sector-specific licences may still be necessary.
Incorporation is only the first stage of establishing operations in Myanmar.
Depending on the company’s activities, post-registration matters may include:
Companies registered under the Myanmar Companies Law are also subject to ongoing filing obligations, including the submission of an Annual Return through MyCO.
Failure to maintain statutory filings may result in late fees or other compliance consequences.
Myanmar’s location connects South Asia, China and the wider ASEAN region, making it potentially relevant for companies exploring regional trade, manufacturing, logistics and market expansion.
However, investors should approach Myanmar as a market requiring careful pre-entry regulatory assessment, rather than treating company incorporation as the only requirement.
Foreign ownership restrictions, investment approvals, licensing requirements and operational conditions should be reviewed according to the company’s actual business activities before registration.
TANNET can assist foreign investors in evaluating and coordinating the establishment of a company in Myanmar, including:
For investors entering Myanmar, confirming the appropriate structure and regulatory requirements before incorporation can help reduce unnecessary restructuring and compliance issues later.
The most useful primary sources to put at the bottom of this article are:
Official Service Hotline: +86-755-82148419
Cell: +86-13823131503;+60 19-309 2363
WeChat ID: 13823131503;
WhatsApp:+86-13823131503;+60 19-309 2363
Email: mytannet08@gmail.com; susiehu@citilinkia.com