Business or Pleasure? A Clear Guide to VEP for Commercial Vehicles

Beyond the Personal Trip

The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is often discussed in the context of personal travel, but a significant portion of the traffic crossing the Causeway is for business. Whether you're in a vehicle registered to your company, or you're a sole proprietor using your own car for work, the VEP rules have important distinctions that you need to understand. Getting it wrong can lead to business disruptions, and no one wants that.

At MyMechanic, we are experts in both personal and commercial VEP applications. We understand the nuances and the specific documentation required for each case. Let's clarify the road ahead for your business travel.

Scenario 1: The Company-Registered Vehicle

This is the most clear-cut commercial case. The vehicle is owned by and registered to a business in Singapore. Here’s what you need to know:

• The Applicant is the Company: The VEP application must be made in the company's name, as it is the legal owner of the vehicle.
• ACRA Profile is a Must: You will need to submit your company's latest ACRA business profile as proof of ownership. This is a non-negotiable document.
• Designated Driver Details: You will still need to provide the details of the primary driver or drivers.
• Fleet Management: If you have multiple company vehicles, each one needs its own individual VEP. This is where our specialized fleet management service can be a lifesaver.

For company cars, the key is to have your corporate paperwork in perfect order.

Scenario 2: The Private Car Used for Business

This is a very common scenario for freelancers, consultants, and small business owners. You own the car personally, but you use it for work-related travel to Malaysia. Here's the breakdown:

VEP Application is Private

Because the car is registered in your name, you will apply for the VEP as a private individual. You will not need to provide any business registration documents for the VEP application itself.

The Crucial Insurance Check

This is the most critical point for this scenario. You must check with your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers business use in Malaysia. A standard private-use policy might be void if you get into an accident while on a business trip. This is an insurance issue that has a direct impact on your VEP compliance.

No Blurring the Lines

It's important not to misrepresent the ownership of the vehicle. If the car is yours, apply as an individual. If it belongs to your company, apply as a company. Keeping these lines clear is essential for a smooth process.

MyMechanic: Your Outsourced VEP Department

For businesses, time is money. Spending hours on VEP administration is not a productive use of your resources. MyMechanic can act as your outsourced VEP department, providing professional and efficient services for all your commercial needs.

• Corporate Fleet Management: We provide a single point of contact for managing the VEPs of your entire fleet, including renewal tracking and updates.
• Expert Document Handling: We know exactly what documents are needed for company applications and ensure they are submitted correctly the first time.
• Clear Advice for Sole Proprietors: We provide clear, practical advice to private car owners using their vehicles for business, ensuring they understand the insurance implications.

Let us handle the VEP, so you can get back to business.

Frequently Asked Questions