Required Business License in Bangladesh

 

Navigating the complex landscape of business licenses in Bangladesh can be challenging. LegalSeba.com offers comprehensive guidance on the necessary licenses and approvals required for business operations in the country. Our services ensure that entrepreneurs and investors are well-informed about legal documentation and procedures, from obtaining a name clearance certificate to securing VAT registration. LegalSeba simplifies each step, providing detailed requirements and processing times, ensuring a smooth setup for your business.

Below is a list of various commercial licenses that a business may require based on its nature of operations in Bangladesh:

0 Name of the License/permit Issuing Authority Documents/Conditions for getting the license/permit or pre-requisites in getting the license/permits Applicable Law

Required time

     &

Renewal process

1. Name Clearance Certificate RJSC

·      Online application after opening an E-account on the RJSC Website

·      Payment of fees after preliminary name search

Companies Act 1994

01-02 working day

 

Not required

2. Incorporation of 100% foreign company RJSC

·      Filled-in Form VI Notice of the address of the registered or principal office of the Company.

·      Filled in Form IX Director’s Consent

·      Passport size photo of shareholders & Directors

·      Photo ID and Passport Info page of Shareholders and Directors

·      Foreign Currency Encashment Certificate from a scheduled Bank [transfer of paid-up capital]

·      Treasury Challan

·      Permission from BIDA

Companies Act 1994

07-21 working days

 

Not required. Automatically renewed with the filing of returns.

3. Bank Account Opening  

·      One of the Director must be physically present before the bank.

·      All the foreign shareholders’ documents must be attested by the concerned Bangladeshi embassy (depending on the respective banking policy)

·      All the Draft Company Incorporation Documents

  5-10 working days
4. Company Tax Identification Number National Board of Revenue

·      Contact Number & Email

·      Incorporation number of the company

·      Date of incorporation of the company

·      Name of the authorised person

·      Address of the Company

·      Details of the JV Agreement

Income Tax Ordinance 1984

15-20 minutes

 

           
4. Trade License for manufacturing firms Dhaka North/South City Corporation

·      Application form

·      National ID Card

·      Rent receipt or ownership proof

·      Holding tax payment receipt

·      Passport size photograph of the entrepreneur

·      Declaration on the non-judicial stamp to abide by the rules & regulations of city corporation/municipality/union parishad

·      NOC declaration from the locality

·      Location map

·      Sketch along with details of the proposed factory/surroundings of the factory

·      Fire License

·      Environment clearance License

·      Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association

·      Certificate of incorporation

·      Work permit from BIDA

·      Statement of Bank Solvency

·      TIN Certificate

Dhaka City Corporation Ordinance 1983

Municipal Taxation Rules 1986

10-20 working days

 

 

Yearly renewal required

5. BIDA Registration of Foreign Investment Project

Bangladesh Investment Development

Authority (BIDA)

 

·      Forwarding letter to be submitted by Chairman/Managing Director of the company/Organization in official pad

·      Application in prescribed form of BIDA duly filled in (2 copies)

·      Certificate of Incorporation along with Memorandum & Articles of Association in case of public/private Limited Company

·      Joint venture agreement duly signed by both parties in case of joint venture project (2 copies)

·      List of Shareholder/Directors to be submitted in the official pad of the company (SL No, Name and address, Position & Nationality)

·      Copy of Trade License issued by the concerned authority of the factory location mentioning the specific sector

·      Copy of TIN Certificate of the Company

·      List of Machineries Local & Imported to be submitted in the official pad of the company (SL No, Name of Machine, Quantity, and value in million Tk./US$)

·      Copy of agreement/deed (in case of rental/lease land), ownership document (in case of own land) in the name of the Company

·      Encashment certificate

·      Project profile

·      NOC from BSCIC if the project location is in BSCIC Area

·      According to the industrial policy, 2016, NOC from the concerned Ministry/Directorate/Department for the controlled sector to be submitted

·      In case of a power plant, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

·      Pay order/Bank draft in favor of “BANGLADESH INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY”

BIDA Act 2016

Guideline 2011

1-2 weeks

 

Not required

6. IRC Office of Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E)

·      Valid Trade License

·      Valid Membership Certificate from a local Chamber of Commerce and Industry or concerned Trade Associations

·      Financial solvency certificate From bank

·      Citizenship Certificate

·      Treasury Challan Original

·      TIN Certificate

·      Joint Venture Agreement

·      Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Import Policy Order 2015-2018  1-2 weeks
7. VAT Registration National Board of Revenue

·      Valid Trade License

·      Import License

·      Financial solvency certificate From bank

·      Citizenship Certificate

·      Treasury Challan Original

·      TIN Certificate

·      Joint Venture Agreement

·      Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association

·      BIDA Registration

·      Rent Agreement

·      List of Invoices and sorted product

 

VAT and Supplementary Duty Act 2012

 2-3 weeks

 

Not required

8. Approval of remittance  BIDA
  • Forwarding letter to be submitted by Chairman/Managing Director of the company/Organization in official pad
  • Application in prescribed form of BIDA duly filled in (2 copies)
  • Certificate of Incorporation along with Memorandum & Articles of Association in case of public/private Limited Company
  • Joint venture agreement duly signed by both parties in case of joint venture project (2 copies)
  • List of Shareholder/Directors to be submitted in the official pad of the company (SL No, Name and address, Position & Nationality)
  • Copy of Trade License issued by the concerned authority of the factory location mentioning the specific sector
  • Copy of TIN Certificate of the Company
  • List of Machineries Local & Imported to be submitted in the official pad of the company (SL No, Name of Machine, Quantity, and value in million Tk./US$)
  • Copy of agreement/deed (in case of rental/lease land), ownership document (in case of own land) in the name of the Company
  • Encashment certificate
  • Project profile
  • NOC from BSCIC if the project location is in BSCIC Area
  • According to the industrial policy, 2016, NOC from the concerned Ministry/Directorate/Department for the controlled sector to be submitted
  • In case of a power plant, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
  • Pay order/Bank draft in favor of “BANGLADESH INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY”
   2-3 weeks
9. Environment License Department of Environment

·      Application through prescribed form-3 under Environment Conservation Rules 1997.

·      Prescribed fees under schedule-13 under Environment Conservation Rules 1997 (Amended 2002)

·      Report on the feasibility of the industrial unit or project (applicable only for proposed industrial unit or project);

·      Report on the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) relating to the industrial unit or project, and also the terms of reference (ToR) for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the unit or the project and its Process Flow Diagram; or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report prepared on the basis of terms of reference previously approved by the Department of Environment, along with the Layout Plan (showing location of Effluent Treatment Plant), Process Flow Diagram, design and time schedule of the Effluent Treatment Plant of the unit or project, (these are applicable only for a proposed industrial unit or project);

·      Report on the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the industrial unit or project, and also the Process Flow Diagram, Layout Plan (showing the location of the Effluent Treatment Plant), design and information about the effectiveness of the Effluent Treatment Plan of the unit or project (these are applicable only for an existing industrial unit or project);

·      No objection certificate (Prescribed Form) of the local authority

·      Emergency plan relating to adverse environmental impact and plan for mitigation of the effect of pollution

·      Outline of relocation, and rehabilitation plan (where applicable)

·      Other necessary information (where applicable).

Environment Conservation Rules 1997 (Amended 2002)

 1-2 months

 

Yearly renewal

10. Approval of Layout plan and registration/license for factories and establishment Department of Inspection of Factories and Establishments (DIFE)

Layout Plan Approval

·      Copy of Trade License (if applicable)

·      Copy of Rental Agreement/Land Ownership Document (if applicable)

·      Copy of National ID Card (Owner/MD/CEO/Manager)

·      Soil Test Report (if applicable)

·      Structural Design/Drawing prepared by a certified engineer/engineering firm (if applicable)

·      Load Bearing Capacity Certificate issued by a certified engineer/engineering firm (if applicable)

·      Building Construction Certificate issued by a certified engineer/engineering firm (if applicable)

·      Approved Building Plan from the local authority

 

Factory Approval

·      Land documents, if rental, rent receipt and agreement are required. If owned, a tax receipt is required

·      Site plan/layout master plan

·      Detailed construction plan

·      Machine layout and flow chart of the manufacturing process

·      Project Profile

·      Employee Organogram

·      Fire License

·      Environmental License

 

As per the ILO Convention

Maximum 2 months.

 

Yearly renewal required

11. Fire License Fire Service and Civil Defense

·      Filled in prescribed Application Form. The application form can be collected either from the office of Fire Service and Civil Defence or from the internet

·      Trade License

·      Description of the products including their quantity

·      Annual value of the warehouse (determined by the City Corporation/Municipality/Union Parishad)

·      Two copies of the layout plan of the Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting system

·      No-Objection Certificate from the local (elected) representative

·      Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the Company

·      Name and address of the Directors of the Company

 

 2-4 months

 

Yearly renewal required

12. Membership of Chambers/trade body?  Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries

·      Trade License

·      TIN

·      Bank Solvency Certificate

·      Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.

·      Certificate of Incorporation

·      Photograph of the applicant

·      Visiting card of the applicant

·      National ID / Passport

·      IRC

·      VAT

·      BIDA Certificate

·      Work Permit

·      Bank pay order

The Trade Organization Ordinance  1961

 1-2 weeks

Yearly Renewal

13 Potential Investor (PI) Visa in Bangladesh BIDA and the concerned Bangladesh Embassy/High Commission

·      Copy of the parent company’s memorandum and articles of association;

·      Copy of board resolution mentioning the name, nationality, and passport number of the foreign investor;

·      Photograph of the foreign investor;

·      Copy of PI visa recommendation;

·      Complete copy of foreign investor’s passport (including PI visa copy, all arrival and departure stamps);

·      Copy of appointment letter/contract specifying the foreign investor’s actual salary, allowances, and all financial and non-financial benefits;

·      Description of the activities of the applicant organization;

·      Updated list of local employees and foreign workers in the applicant organization (including designation, nationality, salary, main duties, and date of joining);

·      For commercial establishments: Bank certification confirming minimum foreign investment (foreign equity) of US$ 100,000 (one hundred thousand) in the applicant organization and attestation of individual investment of US$ 40,000 (forty thousand) by the PI visa seeking foreign investor;

·      For private industrial establishments: Bank certification confirming minimum foreign investment (foreign equity) of US$ 100,000 (one hundred thousand) in the first phase in Bangladesh in the applicant organization and attestation of individual investment of US$ 40,000 (forty thousand) by the PI visa seeking foreign investor. However, at the time of work permit extension for the foreign investor, the industrial establishment must have a minimum investment of US$ 200,000 (two hundred thousand) in Bangladesh.

·      Updated income tax certificate of the commercial establishment (if applicable);

·      Audited financial statement (audit report) of the previous fiscal year [only audited financial statements with VDP code will be acceptable] (if applicable);

·      Copy of BIDA industrial registration (if applicable);

·      Copy of encashment certificate (for work permit seeking investors);

·      Declaration that no additional financial/non-financial benefits beyond those mentioned in the work permit will be provided in Bangladesh or outside Bangladesh.

 

Note:

1. Documents submitted with the application must be signed/certified by the head of the company/managing director;

2. The authority/inter-ministerial committee may request additional information and documents beyond those listed above if necessary;

BIDA Act 2006

Guideline 2023.

 

After obtaining a recommendation letter the Investor may apply for a PI Visa.

It may take 3 working days to get a recommendation letter.

 

7 working days to obtain a visa

 

1 + 2 + 2 years in phases for PI Visa

 

1 year for E Visa

14 Work Permit BIDA

·      Copy of Memorandum & Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation of the company, duly signed by the shareholders in case of local incorporation.

·      Board resolution regarding employment of foreign national(s), including honorarium and other benefits to be provided.

·      Copy of passport (whole used part) with arrival stamp, E-type visa for employees, and PI-type visa for investors, each of the pages arranged chronologically.

·      Service contract/agreement and appointment letter/transfer order in case of an employee.

·      Copies of all academic qualifications and professional experience certificates for the employee.

·      Statement of the manpower showing a list of local and expatriate personnel employed, with designation, salary break-up, nationality, and date of first appointment.

·      Up-to-date income tax clearance certificate of the company.

·      Encashment certificate of inward remittance of a minimum of US$ 50,000 as initial establishment cost for branch, liaison, joint-venture, and 100% foreign ownership company incorporation in Bangladesh.

·      Visa Recommendation Letter of the Investors/Employee.

·      Attachment of the company’s comments as per remarks (if any).

BIDA Act 2006

Guideline 2023.

1-2 months

 

 

1 + 2 + 2 years in phases for PI Visa

 

1 year for E Visa

15 Winding up a company and fund repatriation

RJSC

Bangladesh Bank

NBR

BFIU

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Return of Allotment (Form-XV)
  • Latest annual summary of share capital and list of shareholders/directors (Schedule-X)
  • Instrument of Transfer of Shares (Form-117)
  • Encashment Certificate
  • Import permit and related documents for shares issued against capital machinery
  • Intimation of share issuance/transfer as per relevant guidelines
  • Latest audited financial statements
  • Certified copies of Form VIII evidencing special resolution for voluntary liquidation
  • Liquidator’s certificates confirming full payment of liabilities and compliance with the Companies Act
  • Winding up documents in accordance with the Companies Act
  • Certification of overdue export proceeds and unmatched bill of entry
  • Tax clearance certificate
  • Police Clearance Certificate (where applicable)
  • CIB report
  • List of non-resident shareholders to whom proceeds are payable
  • Liquidator’s undertaking regarding ineligible remittance amounts
  • Obtaining any Clearance Letter from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit

 

Income Tax Act 2023

Companies Act 1994

Bangladesh Bank Guideline

Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012

 
16. Remittance of dividends to non-resident shareholders Bangladesh Bank

·      The Ads are allowed to remit dividends (both final and interim) to the non-resident shareholders on receipt of the application in the prescribed form (Appendix 5/75) in triplicate from the companies concerned, duly certified by their Auditors and supported by the following documents:

·      Attested copy of the certificate of incorporation of the company (to be submitted only once).

·      Audited Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account of the Company for the year to which the dividend relates.

·      Copy, certified by the Auditor, of the Board resolution declaring the dividend.

·      List of non-resident shareholders to whom the dividend is payable.

·      Certificate from the Auditor of the company to the effect that the taxes payable by the non-resident shareholder on account of the dividend earned have been deducted.

·      Auditor’s certificate to the effect that the provision for income tax and/or any additional liability (such as surcharge etc.) in connection with such taxes made in the accounts of the company is sufficient to meet all past and present tax liabilities of the company in Bangladesh up to the period for which remittance of dividend is applied for, i.e., the provision should cover not only the current year but also the previous years for which taxes have not yet been finally assessed and paid.

·      Final income tax assessment order as and when obtained.

·      Undertaking to the effect that in case of remittance of any ineligible amount, the amount so remitted will be repatriated to Bangladesh on demand by Bangladesh Bank/the AD.

 

Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Transactions

 

 1-2 weeks

 

 

Renewal N/A

17 Export License Office of Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E)

·      Completed Application Form:

·      Trade License: A valid trade license issued by the City Corporation, Municipal Corporation, or Union Parishad.

·      Partnership Deed or Articles of Association: For partnerships or companies, provide the partnership deed or memorandum and articles of association.

·      Chamber Membership: Proof of membership in a recognized chamber of commerce.

·      Treasury Challan: Evidence of payment of the required fees through a treasury challan.

·      Valid Trade License (Original)

·      eTIN Certificate

·      VAT registration certificate (BIN)

·      Bank Solvency Certificate

·      Office rent deed

·      Two copies Photograph of the applicant

·      NID/Passport of the applicant

·      Any other documents as require

 

Import Policy Order 2015-2018 1-2 weeks
18

Bonded Warehouse License

 

Customs Bond Commissionerate

·      Application on Standard Format with appropriate revenue stamp

·      BIDA/BSCIS Registration and BIDA Recommendation

·      Company TIN and Certified copy of wealth statement issued by Income Tax Department (IT-10B) for all directors/owners

·      Trade License

·      Fire License

·      VAT Registration Certificate (Business Identification Number -BIN)

·      Recommendation by concern business association. If applicant is not member

·      of association, he can apply without recommendation for Bond License

·      Name, Designation, present and permanent address, signature and photo attached/put on non-judicial stamp of value BDT 300/- of owner/directors

·      Boiler certificate

·      One original copy of Memorandum and Article of Association and Certificate of

·      Incorporation issued by RJSC

·      Purchase document for machinery. Invoice and Bills of Entry for import and VAT invoice (Challan) for local purchase.

·      Two copies of layout plan of factory

·      Deed of land/space ownership or Duly notarized Rental deed

·      Affidavit (Halafnama) to follow the law, rules and procedures on non-judicial stamp of value BDT 300/- by Managing Director/Proprietor/Sole Partner.

·      Certificate from lien bank(s) that the applicant has financial strength to submit General Bond of appropriate amount of money

·      License fee of BDT 50,000/ + 15% Vat

NB:

1. License fee to be deposited to the treasury in Account Code: 1/1136/0005/1854

2. General Bond to be printed on non-judicial stamp of value BDT 2000/- after approval

of license.

3. 15% VAT is applicable on license fee. It could be deposited in the treasury using

Account code of the concern VAT Commissionerate under which the applicant is

registered for VAT.

 

  2-3 months

Foreign investors are permitted to invest in industrial enterprises within Bangladesh, with the exception of a limited number of reserved sectors as specified in the prevailing “Industrial Policy” issued by the government. An industrial enterprise in Bangladesh can be established either in partnership with local investors or entirely owned by foreign investors. Various licenses, permissions, and clearances from multiple government and autonomous bodies are necessary to undertake investment activities in Bangladesh. Below are the pertinent legal requirements:

  1. Sectoral Restrictions: Investment is generally open in all industrial sectors except those explicitly reserved by the current government policy. It is crucial for investors to consult the latest version of the “Industrial Policy” to ensure compliance.

  2. Forms of Investment: Industrial enterprises in Bangladesh may be set up through joint ventures with local partners or as wholly foreign-owned entities. The choice between these forms will dictate specific regulatory requirements and benefits.

  3. Regulatory Compliance: Investing in Bangladesh necessitates obtaining a variety of approvals from different regulatory authorities. These may include:

    • Board of Investment (BOI): Registration of the investment and securing necessary approvals.
    • Bangladesh Bank: Approvals related to foreign exchange and repatriation of profits.
    • Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC): Incorporation of the company.
    • Department of Environment (DOE): Environmental clearances if the enterprise involves activities impacting the environment.
    • Local Government Authorities: Various local permits and licenses.
  4. Specific Licensing Requirements: Depending on the industry and the nature of the investment, additional specific licenses and permits might be required from respective regulatory bodies such as:

    • Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA): For various facilitation services and approvals.
    • Export Promotion Bureau (EPB): For enterprises involved in export activities.
    • Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA): For enterprises intending to operate within special economic zones.
  5. Compliance with Local Laws: Foreign investors must adhere to the local laws and regulations governing labor, taxation, corporate governance, and environmental standards.

By ensuring adherence to these legal requirements, foreign investors can establish and operate industrial enterprises in Bangladesh effectively and in compliance with the relevant regulatory framework.

Why Choose LegalSeba.com?

Navigating the complexities of obtaining licenses and approvals for your business in Bangladesh requires expert knowledge and experience. LegalSeba.com excels in facilitating this process, ensuring compliance and efficiency in all business operations. Our strategic support is invaluable for businesses looking to establish and expand their presence in the competitive landscape of Bangladesh.

As a leading law firm, LegalSeba.com offers precise guidance and assistance in securing the necessary licenses and approvals, helping your business thrive in an environment of growth and investment. Trust us to streamline your setup and ensure all legal requirements are met seamlessly.

Our services include:

Expert Consultation: We provide expert advice on eligibility criteria, documentation, and regulatory compliance, tailored to your specific needs.

Document Preparation: Our team assists in preparing and collecting all necessary documentation, ensuring that your application meets all legal requirements.

Application Management: We manage the entire application process, from submission to approval, ensuring meticulous adherence to all procedural steps.

Continuous Follow-up: We maintain regular communication with regulatory bodies to track the status of your application and promptly address any queries or additional requirements.

Inspection Preparation: We assist in preparing for regulatory inspections, ensuring that your infrastructure and operations comply with all standards.

Lobbying with Authorities: We facilitate effective communication with government authorities to streamline the registration process.

 

Contact Us

To learn more about our services or to start the process of obtaining licenses and approvals for your business in Bangladesh, contact LegalSeba.com today. Our expert team is ready to provide you with tailored assistance to ensure a smooth and efficient setup.

 

Let LegalSeba.com be your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of investing and conducting business in Bangladesh. Our expertise and comprehensive services will ensure your investment is successful and compliant with all regulatory requirements.

 

 
 
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