Business
Myanmar Companies Law 2017 allowing 35 percent foreign ownership of a local company
The Companies Law 2017 modernised registration through the online MyCO system and redefined a local company as one with up to 35 percent foreign ownership, which opened activities previously closed to any foreign participation.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — DICA administers registration; the Myanmar Investment Commission grants permits and endorsements. Thilawa, Dawei and Kyaukphyu SEZs operate under separate rules.
Governing law
- Myanmar Companies Law2017
- Myanmar Investment Law2016
- Special Economic Zone Law2014
In practice
The 35 percent threshold matters because sectors restricted to local companies remain open to a company with minority foreign capital. Investment permits are required for projects that are strategic, capital-intensive above thresholds, or affect the environment or community, while other projects need only an endorsement to access land rights and tax incentives. Since 2021 the practical constraints have been banking and sanctions rather than company law: central bank foreign-currency conversion and repatriation controls, and Western sanctions on military-linked entities, dominate transaction feasibility. Due diligence on military beneficial ownership is now the central compliance task.