Doing Business in Malaysia VS Canada – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs and investors deciding where to expand often find themselves comparing Malaysia and Canada. Both countries are attractive for different reasons, and choosing between them can be challenging. Malaysia stands out for its competitive cost structure, high quality of life, and ease of entry for small and mid-sized businesses. Canada, with its strong legal system, stable economy, and access to North American markets, is equally compelling. This article breaks down key differences to help you make a clear and confident decision.
Malaysia: Malaysia offers political stability, a pro-business government, and sector-specific support through initiatives like the Digital Economy Blueprint and various SME grants.
Canada: Canada provides a highly transparent legal and regulatory framework, strong protection for intellectual property, and broad support for innovation-driven enterprises.
Taxation
Malaysia: Malaysia’s corporate tax rate is 24%, and most businesses are not subject to capital gains tax. Special tax incentives are available for promoted sectors.
Canada: Canada has a combined federal and provincial corporate tax rate of approximately 26.5%. Capital gains are taxed at 50% of the gain, and various R&D credits are available for eligible companies.
Ease of Company Incorporation
Malaysia: The process is fast and digital through the MyCoID platform. Full foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors, making company incorporation in Malaysia smooth and efficient.
Canada: Company incorporation is transparent and fully digital in most provinces. However, additional registration at the federal and provincial level may add steps and timelines.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
Malaysia: Office rentals, labor, and daily living costs are much lower than in Western markets, making it an ideal hub for startups and SMEs looking to grow efficiently.
Canada: Business operating costs and salaries are significantly higher, particularly in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. However, infrastructure and talent quality are among the best globally.
Access to Markets
Malaysia: Located in the heart of ASEAN, Malaysia provides direct access to over 600 million consumers through trade agreements like RCEP and CPTPP.
Canada: Canada offers strategic access to the US and Mexico via USMCA, along with other agreements like CPTPP and CETA, making it a key entry point into North American and European markets.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference.
Factor
Malaysia
Canada
Business Environment
Pro-business, stable, and government-supported
Transparent, well-regulated, and innovation-driven
Corporate Tax Rate
24%
26.5%
Capital Gains Tax
Not applicable (in most cases)
50% of capital gains taxable
Ease of Incorporation
Fast, digital, foreigner-friendly
Digital but multi-step depending on province
Business Costs
Low operational and living expenses
High operational and labor costs
Market Access
Strong ASEAN + Asia-Pacific access
USMCA, CPTPP, and European markets
Benefits of Choosing 3E Accounting
Selecting the right partner is crucial when it comes to starting a business in Malaysia. At 3E Accounting, we offer a comprehensive range of solutions designed to simplify the entire process of company incorporation in Malaysia. From ensuring compliance with local regulations to providing expert guidance tailored to your specific needs, we make the journey seamless.
To explore our services or discuss your business needs, contact 3E Accounting. With our strong presence in Malaysia and a proven track record, we are your trusted partner for success in Asia.
Ready to Expand into Malaysia? Choose 3E Accounting Today!
Stay Secure, Stay Successful With 3E Accounting Services
Malaysia offers a fast, fully digital process via MyCoID, while Canada’s process is also digital but involves more steps. See the Malaysia company registration guide for more details.
Malaysia has a flat corporate tax rate of 24%, while Canada’s average combined federal and provincial rate is around 26.5%.
Yes, Canada’s costs for labor, office rent, and living expenses are significantly higher. In contrast, Malaysia offers a more cost-effective base for growth.
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.