Business
A 2018 Companies Order with local director requirements
The Companies Act was replaced by the Companies Order 2018 (in force 2019), modernising incorporation and filing. Private companies must generally have at least one director ordinarily resident in Brunei, or two directors of whom at least half are resident. Foreign equity is permitted in most sectors, and the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank now regulates financial services.
Governing law
- Companies Order, 2018 — Replaced the Companies Act; in force 2019.
- Brunei Darussalam Central Bank Order, 2010 — Financial services supervision.
In practice
Companies register with the Registry of Companies and Business Names under the Companies Order 2018. Residency requirements apply to directors of locally incorporated companies. Foreign companies operating in Brunei must register as branches. Financial institutions are licensed and supervised by the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank. The director residency rule shapes most inbound structures — plan for a resident director from the outset. Islamic finance is a significant sector with its own Syariah governance requirements under BDCB rules.