Connecting Malaysia & Australia.
Expert cross-border legal counsel for the historic and vibrant trade relationship between our nations. Trusted by 80+ Malaysian clients across property, franchise, and investment sectors.
A Historic Partnership, A Modern Opportunity
Malaysia is one of Australia's oldest and most significant regional partners. Bilateral trade exceeds $20 billion annually, with strong flows of capital, talent, and cultural exchange between Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne.
Our Malaysia Practice is particularly active in the property development and hospitality sectors, providing end-to-end legal support for Malaysian investors and developers entering the Australian market.
We leverage the shared Commonwealth legal heritage between Malaysia and Australia to provide seamless cross-border advice. Our team includes Bahasa Malay and Mandarin-speaking lawyers who understand the cultural nuances of Malaysian business relationships.
Corridor Advantages
- Strong bilateral trade worth over $20 billion annually
- Malaysia is Australia's 3rd largest trading partner in ASEAN
- Shared Commonwealth legal heritage simplifies cross-border work
- AANZFTA provides preferential trade access
- Thriving Malaysian diaspora community in Melbourne
- Growing education and property investment ties
Comprehensive Legal Support for Malaysian Businesses
From property acquisitions to franchise expansion, we provide integrated legal support across all facets of Malaysian-Australian business operations.
Property Development
Advising Malaysian developers on Victorian planning laws, FIRB residential approvals, off-the-plan sales, and project structuring for Australian residential and commercial developments.
- FIRB residential approvals
- Planning & zoning
- Off-the-plan contracts
Franchise Expansion
Helping successful Malaysian food and beverage brands, retail concepts, and service franchises expand into the Australian market with compliant franchise agreements and operations.
- Franchise disclosure
- Territory agreements
- Brand protection
Education Partnerships
Facilitating partnerships between Malaysian and Australian educational institutions, including twinning programs, student exchange agreements, and VET provider collaborations.
- Twinning programs
- CRICOS compliance
- Student pathways
Business Migration
Assisting Malaysian investors and entrepreneurs with 188 Business Innovation, 132 Business Talent, and Significant Investor Visa pathways for permanent residency in Australia.
- 188 visa pathway
- Significant Investor Visa
- State nomination support
Cross-Border Investment
Structuring inbound Malaysian investment into Australian assets, including joint ventures, equity partnerships, and capital raising for property and infrastructure projects.
- Joint ventures
- Capital structuring
- Tax treaty advisory
Commercial Disputes
Resolving cross-border commercial disputes between Malaysian and Australian parties through mediation, arbitration, and litigation in both jurisdictions.
- Cross-border arbitration
- Contract disputes
- Debt recovery
Sectors We Serve
Our Malaysia Practice has deep sector expertise across the industries driving bilateral trade and investment.
Residential and commercial developments, REITs, and property trusts
Franchise expansion, food manufacturing, and hospitality ventures
Universities, VET providers, and EdTech platforms
Hotel management, tourism ventures, and hospitality brands
Aged care, medical devices, and pharmaceutical distribution
Islamic finance, fintech, and cross-border banking
Kuala Lumpur Presence
We maintain strong connections in Malaysia's capital, with established relationships across the legal, business, and government communities.
Kuala Lumpur
Our Kuala Lumpur network encompasses leading Malaysian law firms, property developers, franchise operators, and government agencies. We coordinate document execution, regulatory filings, and in-person client meetings locally.
- Local counsel coordination
- Document execution support
- Government liaison services
“Collins Quarters made our Melbourne property development project seamless. Their understanding of both Malaysian developer expectations and Victorian planning laws was invaluable.”
Exploring Malaysia-Australia Opportunities?
Our Malaysia desk is ready to support your cross-border legal needs with culturally informed, commercially focused advice.