Manpower, Labour & BPO License in Bangladesh
Choosing your business model in Bangladesh? This guide provides a complete analysis of the three main pathways: the Overseas Manpower License (MOEWOE), the Domestic Labour Outsourcing Agency License (DIFE), and the BPO/Service Outsourcing Business License (BTRC/BIDA). Understand the legal frameworks, costs, and risks to make an informed decision.
Overseas Manpower License
Exporting Human Capital
A high-risk, high-liability sector governed by the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare (MOEWOE). This path is heavily regulated to control activity and ensure worker protection abroad.
Labour Outsourcing License
Supplying Human Capital (Locally)
A "Contracting Agency" license governed by the Ministry of Labour (DIFE). This license is for supplying workers to factories and establishments *within* Bangladesh.
Navigate Bangladesh's Business Licensing with LegalSeba LLP
Feeling overwhelmed by the complex processes for a Manpower License, Labour Outsourcing License, or BPO Registration? Our expert legal team simplifies the entire journey, from application to approval. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your business.
Full Application Service
We manage your DIFE, MOEWOE, or BTRC/BIDA application from start to finish.
Document Preparation
We ensure every form, deed, and certificate is correct and attested.
Compliance Advisory
Stay compliant with all Labour Act and Ministry rules, post-license.
Get Expert Help Today
Email Us [email protected] Call Us +8801753718223 Book a Meeting legalseba.com/book-nowPart 1: The Overseas Manpower License in Bangladesh (MOEWOE)
This is the primary license for exporting human capital. We detail the high-risk, high-reward process for obtaining your Manpower License in Bangladesh from the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment (MOEWOE) and BMET.
Phase I: Prerequisite Legal & Corporate Establishment
Before you can apply to BMET, your company must be a valid Bangladeshi legal entity. This phase is non-negotiable.
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1
Company Incorporation (RJSC)
Register as a Private Limited Company. The "Objects Clause" in your Memorandum of Association (MoA) must explicitly state "manpower recruitment" as its purpose.
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2
Trade License
Obtain a Trade License from the local authority (e.g., City Corporation) for your physical office space.
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3
TIN Certificate
Get a 12-digit Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
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4
Bank Solvency Certificate
Open a corporate bank account and obtain a Bank Solvency Certificate as proof of financial soundness.
Part 2: The Domestic Labour Outsourcing Agency License (DIFE)
This section covers the "Contracting Agency" license (ঠিকাদার সংস্থা) for supplying workers to factories and establishments *within Bangladesh*. This Labour Outsourcing Agency License is governed by the Ministry of Labour (DIFE). For a deeper understanding of the governing laws, see our Employment Law Guide and our Guide to the Bangladesh Labour Court.
Application Process & Key Facts
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1
Governing Law
Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 & Bangladesh Labour Rules, 2015.
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2
Application (Form-77)
Submit Form-77 online via the LIMA Portal (lima.dife.gov.bd) or manually at the DIFE office.
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3
Pay Fees (Treasury Challan)
Pay the government license fee via a Treasury Challan (e.g., Code 1-3143-0000-1854, must be verified) plus 15% VAT. The original challan is required.
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4
Inspection & Approval
A DIFE inspector reviews the application and may conduct a physical inspection of your office before the license is issued by the Inspector General.
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5
Validity & Renewal
The license is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. Processing time is approx. 15 working days.
Required Documents
(Per Labour Rules, 2015)
- Identification (for all directors/partners):
- 5 passport-sized photographs
- Citizenship Certificate
- Photocopy of National ID (NID)
- Company & Tax Registration:
- Attested Trade License
- Attested TIN Certificate
- Attested VAT Registration Certificate
- Bank Solvency Certificate
- Partnership Deed or MOA/AOA
- Proof of Payment:
- Proof of Schedule-7 deposit
- Bank Draft, Pay-Order, or Challan
- Operational & Premises:
- Address & description of office
- List of modern comms (internet, etc.)
- Training arrangement details (if any)
DIFE License & Renewal Fees (Excl. 15% VAT)
| Number of Workers | New License Fee (BDT) | Annual Renewal Fee (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 200 | 20,000 | 5,000 |
| 201 – 400 | 30,000 | 7,000 |
| 401 – 600 | 50,000 | 10,000 |
| 601 – 1,000 | 70,000 | 15,000 |
| 1,001 – 2,000 | 90,000 | 18,000 |
| 2,001 – 4,000 | 1,25,000 | 20,000 |
| 4,001 + | 1,50,000 | 25,000 |
Part 3: The BPO Business License & Service Frameworks (BTRC/BIDA)
This is the government-promoted path for technology and services. A BPO Business License is not one document, but typically a registration with BTRC (for call centers) or BIDA (for ITES/investment).
Path A: The BTRC BPO/Call Center Registration
This path is for telecom-based services (e.g., call centers, data entry). The regulator (BTRC) is concerned with telecom infrastructure, not labor.
Key Facts & Financials
- Governing Authority: BTRC
- Process: Fully online via BTRC's LIMS portal.
- Fee: BDT 5,000 (one-time)
- Validity: 5 years (renewable)
- Minimums: Requires a facility of 5 seats/agents.
- Scope: Covers both international and domestic BPO.
Document Checklist (Highlights)
- Application on Letter Head Pad
- Valid Trade License (Updated)
- TIN Certificate
- Detailed Business Proposal
- Office Lease Agreement
Part 4: Comparative Analysis: Manpower License vs. Labour Outsourcing vs. BPO
Compare the three pathways side-by-side. Understand the key differences in cost, risk, and liability for your Manpower License, Labour Outsourcing License, or BPO Business License before you commit.
Business Model Comparison (Relative Scale)
Head-to-Head Comparison Framework
| Feature | Overseas Manpower (MOEWOE) | Domestic Labour (DIFE) | Service Outsourcing (BTRC/BIDA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Business Model | Export of Human Labor (Abroad) | Supply of Human Labor (Local) | Export of Digital Services / IP |
| Primary Regulator | MOEWOE & BMET | DIFE (Ministry of Labour) | BTRC / BIDA |
| Legal Character | High-Barrier License (Control) | Mid-Barrier License (Control) | Low-Barrier Registration (Promote) |
| Key Financial Hurdle | Massive Security Deposit (Forfeitable) | Tiered Fees (e.g., 20k-150k BDT) | Nominal Fee: BDT 5,000+ |
| License Validity | 2 Years | 1 Year (Annual Renewal) | 5 Years (BTRC) / One-time (BIDA) |
| Key OperationalRisk | License Cancellation (e.g., 100-worker quota) | Non-renewal, Labour Act compliance | Standard market risk |
| Key Liabilities | Extreme: Worker welfare, trafficking laws. | Medium: Labour Act compliance, worker payments. | Low: Standard corporate compliance. |
Final Strategic Guidance
Aspiring Overseas Agency (MOEWOE)
This path requires significant liquid capital for the security deposit and a high tolerance for regulatory risk and severe penalties.
Aspiring Domestic Agency (DIFE)
This path has a lower financial barrier but requires strict adherence to the Labour Act and an annual renewal process, tying your business to DIFE compliance.
Aspiring Service Agency (BTRC/BIDA)
This is the most accessible, low-cost path. The government framework is designed to encourage and promote this business, not police it.
