# What does 'ordinarily resident in Malaysia' mean for a director?
URL: https://robocompanysecretary.com/answers/ordinarily-resident-director-meaning/

## What does 'ordinarily resident in Malaysia' mean for a director?

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

It means having a principal place of residence in Malaysia — actually living here, not visiting. Citizenship is irrelevant: a Malaysian working abroad long-term may fail the test, while a foreigner genuinely residing here on a long-term pass can satisfy it. SSM looks at the substance of where life is based, and we assess it honestly before filing.

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Sources: Companies Act 2016 s.196

Also asked as: resident director meaning; ordinarily resident definition; foreigner with MM2H director boleh ke; principal place of residence director.

If no shareholder or intended director genuinely resides in Malaysia, the compliant route is a professional nominee director — see our terms — rather than stretching the residence facts on a statutory form.

### Key facts

- Principal place of residence in Malaysia
- Citizenship not the test; substance is

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### Related questions

- What is a nominee director and is it legal?
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