How to Apply for a Business Licence and Signboard Permit in Johor Bahru — A Complete Guide
Before you can legally display a signboard for your business in Johor Bahru, you need more than just the signboard itself. Most business owners don’t realise that your signboard design must be approved by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) before production even begins — and that this approval is part of the broader Lesen Perniagaan (Business Licence) application process. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step.
Why Your Signboard and Business Licence Are Connected
In Malaysia, the Lesen Perniagaan (Business Licence) issued by your local authority — such as MBJB in Johor Bahru — covers both your right to operate and your right to display a signboard. The two are treated as a single application, not separate ones.
This means you cannot simply order a signboard and put it up. The correct sequence is to get your signboard design approved by DBP first, then apply for your business licence, and only then proceed to production and installation.
The Complete Process — Step by Step
1
Finalise your signboard design Before anything else
Prepare your signboard artwork including your company name, colours, and layout. Your signboard must display your registered company name as per SSM. You cannot use a trading name or logo-only design unless you hold a registered trademark (MyIPO).
2
Submit to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) for approval ~1 week
Your signboard design must be submitted to DBP for language compliance review. DBP checks that Bahasa Malaysia is displayed prominently and that all language usage meets national standards. Approval typically takes around one week. This step must be completed before your signboard goes into production. DBP submission fees are charged separately and vary based on your signboard size and requirements.
3
Prepare your Lesen Perniagaan documents
While waiting for DBP approval, gather all required documents for the business licence application. See the full document checklist below.
4
Submit Lesen Perniagaan application to your local Majlis
Once you have DBP approval in hand, submit your full application to the relevant local authority. In Johor Bahru this is MBJB, while other areas in Johor are served by MBIP, MPKU, or MPPG depending on your location. The Majlis will assess your application and issue a fee notice based on your business type and signboard specifications.
5
Pay the licence fee and receive approval As fast as 1 day
The licence fee is determined by the Majlis — there is no fixed rate. Once payment is made and all documents are in order, some Majlis can issue the licence within a single working day. Overall Majlis processing time is typically 2–3 weeks from submission.
6
Proceed with signboard production and installation After DBP approval
With DBP approval confirmed, your signboard can go into production. You do not need to wait for the full Lesen Perniagaan to be issued before installing — but DBP approval must be in hand before production begins.
Document Checklist for Lesen Perniagaan
The following documents are required for a standard application. Some industries may require additional documents.
- SSM Full Set — Form 9 (Certificate of Incorporation), Form 24 (Return of Allotment of Shares), and Form 49 (Return Giving Particulars in Register of Directors)
- Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Approval Letter — confirming your signboard design complies with national language requirements
- Director’s IC (Identity Card) — copy of the company director’s MyKad
- Director’s Passport-Size Photo — recent photo of the company director
- Cukai Taksiran (Assessment Tax Receipt) — proof of current property assessment tax payment
- Tenancy Agreement — copy of your shop or office tenancy agreement
- Shopfront Photos — minimum 2 photos from inside the premises and 2 photos from outside
⚠️ Certain business types — such as F&B, healthcare, childcare, or businesses handling regulated products — may require additional licences or supporting documents. Always confirm with your local Majlis or a licensed agent before submitting.
Approximate Timeline
Dewan Bahasa (DBP)
~1 week
Signboard design language approval
Majlis Processing
2–3 weeks
Full licence application review and issuance
Best case scenario
1 day
If all documents are complete and correct at submission
Which Local Authority Covers Your Area?
A&T provides licence application assistance for all four Johor local authorities:
| Local Authority | Area Covered |
|---|---|
| MBJB — Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru | Johor Bahru city and surrounding areas |
| MBIP — Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar Puteri | Iskandar Puteri, Gelang Patah, Nusajaya |
| MPKU — Majlis Perbandaran Kulai | Kulai, Senai, Saleng |
| MPPG — Majlis Perbandaran Pasir Gudang | Pasir Gudang, Masai, Plentong |
Not sure which Majlis covers your business address? WhatsApp A&T and we’ll confirm this for you as part of our consultation.
Dewan Bahasa Requirements — What You Need to Know
DBP’s review focuses on one core principle: your signboard must display your officially registered company name. There are two important rules most business owners are not aware of.
Rule 1 — Use your registered company name only
Your signboard must show your company name exactly as registered with SSM. You cannot replace it with a trading name, a shortened version, or a purely visual logo — unless that logo is a registered trademark under MyIPO.
Rule 2 — Bahasa Malaysia must be prominent
If your signboard includes text in multiple languages, the Bahasa Malaysia portion must be displayed more prominently — typically in a larger font size than English or Chinese text.
Does DBP approval need to be renewed?
This depends on your industry. Some business types are required to renew their DBP approval annually, while others do not need to. A&T can advise you on whether your specific business type requires annual DBP renewal as part of our licence application service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install my signboard before getting the full Lesen Perniagaan?
Yes — you can proceed with production and installation once you have your DBP approval letter, even if the Lesen Perniagaan is still being processed. However, DBP approval must be obtained before your signboard goes into production.
How much does the DBP approval cost?
DBP fees are charged separately from your signboard and licence costs. The fee varies depending on your signboard size, number of languages, and other factors. Contact A&T for a full cost breakdown that includes DBP, signboard fabrication, and Lesen Perniagaan fees.
How much does the Lesen Perniagaan cost?
The fee is determined by your local Majlis based on your business type, premises size, and signboard specifications. There is no fixed rate — you will receive a fee notice from the Majlis after submitting your application.
What happens if I display a signboard without DBP approval or a valid licence?
Operating without a valid Lesen Perniagaan or displaying an unapproved signboard can result in compound fines from your local Majlis and potential forced removal of the signboard at your own cost. It is always more cost-effective to go through the proper process from the start.
Can A&T handle the full application process on my behalf?
Yes. A&T provides a full licence application service covering DBP approval submission and Lesen Perniagaan application for MBJB, MBIP, MPKU, and MPPG. This service is available for both new applications and renewals. Contact us to discuss the details and applicable fees.
Do I need to renew my Lesen Perniagaan every year?
Yes — Lesen Perniagaan in Malaysia is renewed annually. Your local Majlis will issue a renewal notice before your licence expiry date. Depending on your industry, your DBP approval may also require annual renewal. A&T can assist with both Lesen Perniagaan and DBP renewals.
Let A&T handle the paperwork for you
From DBP signboard approval to Lesen Perniagaan submission — we provide a full licence application service covering MBJB, MBIP, MPKU, and MPPG. WhatsApp us to get started.