Bangladesh Business Registration & Company Setup — Free Guidance
Registering a company in Bangladesh takes 2 to 4 weeks and costs between BDT 15,000 and BDT 30,000 in government fees depending on your authorized capital. The process involves name clearance, RJSC registration, TIN, trade license, and optionally VAT registration. This guide walks you through every step — and free personal guidance is available every Saturday and Sunday.
Starting or formalising a business in Bangladesh involves multiple government offices, different forms, and specific sequences that are easy to get wrong. Whether you are a Bangladeshi entrepreneur starting your first company, or a foreign investor setting up operations in Dhaka — this guidance covers every step from name clearance to VAT registration, clearly and at no cost.
Types of business structures in Bangladesh
Before registering, you need to choose the right structure. Each has different requirements, liabilities, and tax implications.
Private Limited Company
Most common for small to medium businesses. Requires minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders. Liability is limited to share capital. Registered with RJSC.
Most recommendedSole Proprietorship
One owner, no separate legal entity. Simplest to set up — only needs a trade license. Full personal liability. Suitable for small local businesses.
Simplest setupPartnership Firm
Two or more partners. Registered with RJSC under the Partnership Act 1932. Partners share profits and liabilities.
2+ peopleBranch / Liaison Office
For foreign companies operating in Bangladesh without a separate local entity. Requires BIDA approval. Cannot earn revenue locally.
Foreign companiesStep-by-step company registration in Bangladesh
This is the complete process for registering a private limited company — the most common business structure.
Name clearance — RJSC
Apply online at roc.gov.bd. Propose up to 3 name options in order of preference. Names cannot imply government affiliation or use restricted words. Rejection rate is 20–30% — always have backup options ready.
Prepare Memorandum and Articles of Association
The MOA defines your company's objectives and relationship with the outside world. The AOA governs internal management rules. Both must follow the Companies Act 1994. Vague objectives in the MOA can limit your future business activities — write them broadly but specifically.
Pay stamp duty
Pay at BRAC Bank using a treasury challan. The amount depends on your authorized capital. For BDT 1 lakh authorized capital: BDT 3,000 on Articles of Association + BDT 1,000 on Memorandum = BDT 4,000 total.
Submit to RJSC and get Certificate of Incorporation
Submit name clearance, MOA, AOA, Forms I/VI/IX/X/XII, stamp duty proof, and director ID copies. RJSC reviews and issues Certificate of Incorporation, certified copies of MOA and AOA, and Form XII (list of directors).
Open company bank account
Present Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, AOA, and board resolution to your chosen bank. Account opens in 1–3 working days. Choose a bank with online banking and good corporate support.
Register for TIN (Tax Identification Number)
Apply online at nbr.gov.bd. TIN is mandatory for all companies. Required for opening bank accounts, paying taxes, and most government transactions. Takes 1–3 working days and is free.
Get Trade License
Apply to your local City Corporation or municipality. Required to legally operate at your business address. Fee and process varies by location. Annual renewal required — typically in July each year.
VAT Registration (BIN) — if required
Mandatory if annual turnover exceeds BDT 50 lakh. Apply at nbr.gov.bd. You receive a Business Identification Number (BIN). Required for tenders, import/export, and many banking transactions even below the threshold.
Cost summary — company registration in Bangladesh
Legal fees for drafting MOA/AOA are additional if you use a lawyer. Professional service fees range from BDT 10,000 to BDT 50,000. This guidance service is free.
Foreign investor registration — additional steps
Foreign nationals and foreign-owned companies follow the same RJSC process plus these additional requirements.
- BIDA registration: Bangladesh Investment Development Authority registration is required for foreign-owned companies. Apply at bida.gov.bd
- Notarized documents: Foreign director passport copies must be notarized and apostilled in the country of origin
- Encashment certificate: Required if foreign equity is being brought in. Issued by the bank after receiving foreign remittance
- Work permit: Foreign nationals working in Bangladesh need a work permit from the Department of Immigration
- Minimum equity: No statutory minimum, but BIDA recommends bringing in at least USD 50,000 as initial equity for practical purposes
Import/Export License
If your business involves importing or exporting goods, you need an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) or Export Registration Certificate (ERC) from the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E).
- Requires: Trade license, TIN, BIN, bank solvency certificate, chamber of commerce membership
- Apply at: ccie.gov.bd
- Validity: 1 year, renewable annually
- Fee: BDT 5,000–20,000 depending on value category
BIDA Investment Registration
Foreign investors and joint ventures should register with BIDA to access investment protection, facilities, and the One Stop Service (OSS) for approvals. BIDA registration also gives access to industrial land and utility connections at investment zones.
- Apply at: bida.gov.bd
- One Stop Service includes: work permits, visa extensions, utility connections, land approvals
- Processing time: 2–4 weeks for initial registration
Annual compliance after registration
Once registered, companies must maintain ongoing compliance to avoid penalties ranging from BDT 5,000 to BDT 500,000 and potential dissolution.
- Annual return filing with RJSC — due within 21 days of AGM
- Audited financial statements — required annually
- Corporate tax return — due by June 30 each year
- VAT return — monthly, if registered for VAT
- Trade license renewal — annually, typically July
- TIN update — if company details change
Official sources and government portals
- RJSC — Company Registration: roc.gov.bd
- NBR — Tax & VAT: nbr.gov.bd
- BIDA — Foreign Investment: bida.gov.bd
- CCI&E — Import/Export: ccie.gov.bd
- Bangladesh Trade Portal
Common questions
How long does company registration take in Bangladesh?
The full process from name clearance to receiving the Certificate of Incorporation typically takes 7 to 14 working days. Adding TIN, trade license, and VAT registration, expect 3 to 4 weeks total if all documents are prepared correctly from the start.
Can a foreigner register a company in Bangladesh?
Yes. Foreign nationals can own 100% of a private limited company in most sectors. Additional steps include BIDA registration and notarized documents. Some sectors require local partnership or have ownership caps — check with BIDA for your specific industry.
Do I need a lawyer to register a company in Bangladesh?
Not legally required, but strongly recommended for drafting MOA and AOA. Errors in these documents can cause rejections or limit your business activities later. Many entrepreneurs use a chartered accountant or legal firm for the initial registration.
What is the difference between TIN and BIN in Bangladesh?
TIN (Tax Identification Number) is your company's income tax registration number, issued by NBR. BIN (Business Identification Number) is your VAT registration number, also from NBR. Both are different registrations, both from the same authority, both required for most formal business activities.
How do I start a business in Bangladesh as a UK/US/EU national?
The process is similar to local registration with three additions: BIDA registration is required, your passport copies must be notarized and apostilled in your home country, and you need an encashment certificate from your Bangladeshi bank if bringing in foreign equity. Contact BIDA's one-stop service for the most current requirements.