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Invoicing International Clients as a Professional Consultant in Malaysia
Siti is a professional consultant in Malaysia landing clients from Singapore, Australia, and the UK. Getting the invoice right — currency, tax treatment, payment method — is just as important as the work itself. Here's the practical guide.
What currency to use
Invoice in the currency your client expects — USD for US/international clients, SGD for Singapore, AUD for Australia. Include the BNM reference exchange rate on the invoice date so both parties have a clear MYR equivalent. InvoiceLah supports USD, SGD, EUR, AUD, and GBP natively.
SST on overseas invoices
Services exported to overseas buyers are generally zero-rated for Malaysian Service Tax. This means you charge 0% SST on the invoice — but you still need to be registered and file returns if your revenue exceeds the registration threshold. Always confirm with a tax professional for your specific circumstances.
How to receive international payments
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) — lowest fees, fast, supports most currencies
- PayPal — widely accepted, but 3–4% conversion fee
- SWIFT bank transfer — standard for large B2B amounts (RM 10k+)
- Payoneer — popular for marketplace payouts
What to include on an overseas invoice
- Your full business name, address, and TIN
- Invoice currency and exchange rate reference (BNM rate or agreed rate)
- Buyer's full legal name and address
- Clear payment instructions (bank details or Wise email)
- Payment terms and late fee clause
- Zero-rated SST note if applicable
Invoice overseas clients in any currency
InvoiceLah supports multi-currency invoicing with automatic exchange rate notation.
Start Free →Frequently asked questions
What currency should a Professional Consultant use for overseas invoices?
Invoice in the client's preferred currency (usually USD or SGD) and note the BNM reference exchange rate on the invoice date. InvoiceLah supports multi-currency invoicing automatically.
Is foreign income taxable for Malaysian freelancers?
Since March 2024, foreign-sourced income remitted to Malaysia is taxable for individuals. Consult a tax professional — but the invoice itself is straightforward to issue via InvoiceLah.
How do I receive payment from an overseas client?
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the most cost-effective for most freelancers. PayPal works but charges higher fees. SWIFT bank transfer is standard for larger B2B amounts.
Do I need SST on invoices to overseas clients?
Generally, services exported to overseas clients are zero-rated for SST. However, rules vary — a tax consultant familiar with Malaysian service tax can confirm for your specific situation.
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