Short answer. Company secretary fees vary by provider and by what is included. The main drivers are the number of filings and meetings, the complexity of the company’s shareholding, whether registered address and statutory registers are bundled, and the provider’s support level. Ask for an itemised written quote, and compare scope, not just price.
Axecta provides company secretarial service for companies across Malaysia. Talk to our team.
In this article
What drives the price
- Number of directors and shareholders. More people mean more records and filings.
- Corporate or foreign shareholders. These need more documentation.
- Frequency of changes. Share issues, transfers and director changes add work.
- Meetings and resolutions. Formal meetings and frequent resolutions cost more than a quiet company.
- Registered address. Some providers bundle it, others charge separately.
- Service level. Reminders, a compliance calendar and advice versus filing only.
What is typically included and excluded
Commonly included:
- Acting as company secretary.
- Maintaining the statutory registers.
- Preparing and lodging the annual return.
- Basic resolutions.
Often charged separately:
- Changes in directors, address, share capital or constitution.
- Late filings or catch-up work.
- Meeting preparation beyond a stated number.
- Registered address and mail handling.
- Financial statements lodgement support.
One-off versus annual retainer
Need this done for you? Axecta’s company secretarial service team can handle this for your company. See the company secretarial service service.
An annual retainer gives you a predictable cost and a named contact. Ad hoc pricing can look cheaper but adds up when events occur. Ask which model suits a company with your activity.
Hidden costs to ask about
- Fees for each SSM filing or each change.
- Charges to hand over records if you leave.
- Price changes after the first year.
- Extra fees for urgent work.
- Whether disbursements, such as government fees, are passed at cost.
How to compare providers
- Ask each provider for a written scope.
- Mark what is included and what is extra.
- Check the secretary’s qualification and who will do the work.
- Ask about response times and how reminders are handled.
- Check what happens if the person handling your file leaves.
How Axecta prices its service
Axecta sets out the company secretarial scope and fee in writing before engagement, separating retainer items from one-off events. Because we also provide accounting and tax, many clients choose a combined package that is simpler to manage. See company secretary vs accountant for how the roles fit.
What is regulated, and why it affects price
Because the secretary must meet the criteria in section 235, be registered under section 241 and hold an active practising certificate to lodge via MBRS 2.0 (see SSM’s guideline and MBRS page), a quote should name the person who will lodge your filings and confirm that they hold an active practising certificate. Ask for both.
Quote comparison sheet
| Question | Provider A | Provider B | Axecta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is the secretary named and licensed? | |||
| Annual return lodgement included? | |||
| Financial statements lodgement included? | |||
| Registered address included? | |||
| Changes and resolutions: charged separately? | |||
| Handover fees on exit? |
Fill it in from written quotes. Ask Axecta for ours with the same scope.
Related costs to plan for
SSM’s government fees for incorporation are separate; see cost of setting up a Sdn Bhd. Accounting, tax and payroll fees are separate again; see what an accountant costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a company secretary per year?
It depends on provider, scope and company complexity. Ask for an itemised quote; do not rely on generic figures.
What does the fee include?
Usually acting as secretary, registers, the annual return and basic resolutions. Changes and meetings may be extra.
Are there extra charges?
Possibly, for filings on changes, late catch-up and registered address. Ask before you sign.
Is the cheapest option safe?
Not necessarily. Check qualification, scope and responsiveness. Axecta provides a clear written scope.
Does the secretary have to be licensed?
The person must meet section 235 criteria and hold an active practising certificate to lodge via MBRS 2.0, according to SSM.
Why do quotes differ so much?
Scope, service level and who does the work differ. Compare the same scope.
Should I pay for a registered address too?
Only if you need one. Ask whether it is included.
Want a transparent, itemised quote?
Axecta Management Services is a full-suite accounting, company secretarial and consulting firm in Kuala Lumpur, serving companies from SMEs to MNCs.
Request a company secretary quote
Keep reading
- Cost of Setting Up a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia
- Company Secretary vs Accountant: What’s the Difference?
- Outsourced Accounting Services in Malaysia: What Is Included?
- How Much Does an Accountant Cost for a Small Business?
- Company Secretary Appointment Fees in Malaysia: What You Pay and Why
- Can You Change Your Company Secretary?
- When Must a Sdn Bhd Appoint a Company Secretary?
- Company Secretary Roles & Duties: the full guide
Official sources to check
- Axecta pricing
- Public provider pages for market context
This article is general information and not legal, tax or accounting advice for your company. Rates, thresholds, deadlines and procedures change, so confirm current requirements with the sources above or with Axecta.