Myanmar Business Registration Guide

Business registration in Myanmar is administered by the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) under the Myanmar Companies Law 2017. Company incorporation is done online through the MyCo online registration system. The most common business form is the private limited company (LLC). Foreign companies may operate as a branch, representative office, or incorporate a Myanmar subsidiary. Additional registrations include tax registration with IRD and investment permits for certain activities.

Company Types in Myanmar

Businesses in Myanmar may operate under the following legal structures:

Private Limited Company (Ltd): The most common business vehicle — limited liability, minimum 1 shareholder (up to 50), minimum 1 director. Shares are privately held.
Public Limited Company (Plc): Shares offered to the public, minimum 7 shareholders, minimum 3 directors.
Foreign Branch: A registered branch of a foreign company — treated as a foreign company for tax purposes (25% CIT).
Representative Office: Limited to non-revenue activities such as market research and liaison.
Sole Proprietorship: Owned by a single individual — unlimited liability.
Partnership: Two or more partners — general or limited partnership.
Joint Venture: Collaboration between foreign and Myanmar entities, often required for certain restricted sectors.

Registration Process via DICA

Company registration in Myanmar is done through the MyCo online system administered by DICA. The process involves: reserving the company name, submitting incorporation documents (memorandum and articles of association), providing shareholder and director details, paying the registration fee, and obtaining the certificate of incorporation. The process typically takes 1-3 weeks. After incorporation, the company must obtain a tax identification number (TIN) from IRD.

Foreign Ownership Restrictions

Myanmar restricts foreign ownership in certain sectors reserved for Myanmar citizens. The Myanmar Companies Law allows foreign ownership up to 35% without losing Myanmar company status. Above 35% foreign ownership, the company is treated as a foreign company for legal purposes. Sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services may require a Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) permit under the Myanmar Investment Law.

Tax Registration

After incorporation, companies must register for tax with the Internal Revenue Department (IRD) to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Additional registrations may include Commercial Tax registration (if turnover exceeds MMK 50 million), SSB registration (if employing 5+ workers), and specific licence registrations depending on the business activity.

FAQs

How long does it take to register a company in Myanmar?

Company registration through the MyCo system typically takes 1-3 weeks, depending on the completeness of documentation and the complexity of the company structure.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Myanmar company?

In many sectors, yes. However, certain sectors are restricted to Myanmar citizens. A Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) permit may be required for foreign investment in specific sectors.

What is the minimum capital requirement?

There is no statutory minimum capital requirement for most companies under the Myanmar Companies Law 2017. However, MIC-permitted projects may have specific capital requirements.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about business registration in Myanmar for 2026. Regulations may change. Always consult with a qualified Myanmar legal or business advisor for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide legal advice.