# Can a foreigner be the only director? — Robo Company Secretary
URL: https://robocompanysecretary.com/answers/foreigner-sole-director/

## Can a foreigner be the only director?

Last updated: 20 September 2026 Answer from Robo Company Secretary How we write answers

Only if that foreigner ordinarily resides in Malaysia — the sole director must personally satisfy the Section 196 residence requirement, since there is no one else to carry it. A foreigner living here on a long-term pass can qualify; one managing the company from abroad cannot, and the compliant answer is adding a resident director, professional or otherwise.

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Sources: Companies Act 2016 s.196

Also asked as: all foreign board malaysia; foreigner sole director; no malaysian director possible ke.

### Key facts

- Sole director must be ordinarily resident
- Non-resident owner → add resident/nominee director

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### Related questions

- What is a nominee director and is it legal?
- What does 'ordinarily resident in Malaysia' mean for a director?
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