Myanmar Investment Law
MIC Permit vs Endorsement
A Permit is mandatory for listed project types. An Endorsement is optional when you want tax holidays or a long land lease. Most trading companies need neither.
Under the Myanmar Investment Law, three outcomes are possible: you must obtain an MIC Permit, you may apply for an MIC Endorsement to take incentives, or you operate after DICA incorporation with neither. Mixing those routes is the usual reason a file is delayed.
MIC Permit — mandatory for listed projects
A Permit is the Commission’s approval to carry out an investment that falls under section 36 of the law. You invest only after the Permit is issued. Typical heads:
- Projects essential to the national strategy
- Large, capital-intensive investments
- Projects with a large environmental or community impact
- Use of state-owned land or buildings
- Activities the Government has designated as requiring a proposal
The Investment Rules add working tests — including investments above USD 20 million in listed strategic sectors, cooperation with a government body above that amount, border or conflict-area projects, and land footprints above 1,000 acres (agriculture) or 100 acres (other uses). Confirm the current rule before you treat a project as “too small to need a Permit”.
MIC Endorsement — optional, for benefits
If section 36 does not apply, you do not need a Permit. You apply for an Endorsement only if you want one or more of: income-tax exemption, customs relief, or long-term land-use rights. An Endorsement is not a licence to operate; the company already exists on MyCO. It is the MIC order that unlocks the benefit.
Neither — ordinary companies
Many trading, professional-services and small manufacturing companies incorporate, take a sector licence if required, and never file with the MIC. That is lawful. Do not file an Endorsement “just in case” — an unused order still creates reporting duties.
| Permit | Endorsement | Neither | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is it mandatory? | Yes, if a section 36 head applies | No | — |
| What you are asking for | Right to carry out the investment | Tax and/or land benefits | Ordinary operation after incorporation |
| Usual clock (complete file) | Assessment within 60 days; order within 10 working days | Often faster; state/regional endorsements around 30 days | MyCO incorporation only |
| Ongoing duties | Permit conditions, reports, MIC inspection | Conditions attached to the benefit | Company and tax law only |
If you are unsure which column you sit in, file an investment screening application first. Then follow how to apply for an MIC Permit only if screening (or the Rules) says a Permit is required.
Need this filed, not just explained?
The Yangon desk prepares MIC papers, attends PAT and MIC sessions, and calendars the tax and land conditions after the order.
Practical commentary for business owners. Not legal advice. Confirm the current MIC notification with DICA before you file.