7 Steps on How to Register a Company in Bangladesh in 2025

If you are planning to start a business, the first thing that comes to mind is how to register a company in Bangladesh. The registration process in 2025 is simple because most of it is done online. 

You just clear your company name, prepare papers, file with the RJSC, and then register for tax. That is the short answer, but if you stay with us, we will show you every step in detail so you do not get stuck.

Starting a company is exciting but also full of questions. You want it done fast, without wasting money or time. That is why we will explain everything in detail, step by step, so you can follow easily and set up your business with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting a company in Bangladesh in 2025 is easier because most steps are now online.
• You need to clear your company name, prepare documents, and submit them to RJSC.
• After that, you must do tax and VAT registration with NBR.
• Foreign and local businesses follow almost the same steps, only with a few extra papers.
• Costs and time depend on your company type, but you can plan better if you know the process.
• If you follow the steps carefully, you can register your company without much trouble.

Types of Companies in Bangladesh

First, you must know what type of company you want. Each has its own rules.

• Private Limited Company – This is the most common type. It needs 2 to 50 shareholders. Owners only risk what they invest. Great for most businesses.
• Public Limited Company – This one needs at least 7 shareholders. It can sell shares to the public. It must follow stricter rules and regular audits.
• One Person Company (OPC) – This is for just one owner. But you must put in at least 2.5 million taka as capital.
• Branch or Liaison Office – This is for foreign companies that want to work in Bangladesh. Activities are limited to things like research or support.
• Company Limited by Guarantee – This is common for non-profit groups. Members’ responsibility depends on the guarantee they give.
• Unlimited Liability Company – This is not common. Suitable for Sole Proprietorship. Here, owners must pay all debts, even with personal money.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Register a Company in Bangladesh in 2025

The process is clear if you follow step by step. Some steps change depending on the type of company.

1. Name Clearance

This is always the first step. You must reserve your company name with the RJSC.

• You can apply online on the RJSC website.
• The fee is 500 BDT for each name.
• The name is valid for 30 days only.
• If you miss the 30 days, you have to apply again.
• If you need more time, you can extend it by paying 200 BDT per extension.

• If you miss the deadline, you must apply again.

It’s simple, just pick your name and secure it first.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Before you register your company, you need to get all the documents ready. Different types of companies need different papers. Let’s go through them one by one.

Private Limited Company

• You need a Memorandum of Association, called MoA, and Articles of Association, called AoA. These are the rules and objectives of your company.
• You also need a copy of the National ID or passport of all directors.
• You must have a registered office address in Bangladesh.

Public Limited Company

• You need the same documents as a private company: MoA, AoA, director IDs, and office address.
• If you want to raise money from the public, you also need a prospectus, which explains your company and shares it with potential investors.

One Person Company (OPC)

• You need MoA and AoA like other companies.
• You also need your own ID and proof of the minimum capital, which is 2.5 million taka.

Branch or Liaison Office

• You need documents from the parent company.
• A board resolution from the parent company is required.
• You must have approval from BIDA before starting.

Remember, Liaison Offices cannot earn money. Branch Offices can do some business, but need BIDA approval.

Non-Profit Company

• First, you need approvals from the ministries related to your work. For example, if your company is in education, you may need approval from the Ministry of Education. 
• You have to prepare all documents carefully. They must clearly show that your company will not make a profit for owners. All money should be used only for the purpose of the organization.
• Your Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association should explain your mission, goals, and how funds will be used.
• You also need the IDs of directors or trustees and a registered office address.
• Sometimes the ministry may ask for additional proof or documents to make sure your non-profit really works for public benefit.

Tip: Draft your MoA and AoA carefully. Many people face delays or rejection because of mistakes in these two documents. Double-check everything before submission.

You can download all the necessary forms from the RJSC website.

3. Bank Account Opening

After preparing your documents, the next step is to open a bank account for your company. This is important before you can complete registration with RJSC. Let us explain in detail.

For companies with foreign shareholders

• You need to open a temporary bank account in Bangladesh. The account is called a Non-resident Taka Account (NRTA).

• You must bring the investment money from the foreign country into this bank account. This shows that the company has capital.

• The bank will give you an encashment certificate. This is official proof that the money has been deposited in Bangladesh.

• You must submit this encashment certificate to RJSC. Without it, you cannot get approval for company registration.

For local-only companies

• If all shareholders are local, this step is simpler.
• You just open a bank account in your company’s name and deposit the minimum required capital if needed.
• No foreign investment proof is required.

Tips:

• Choose a reliable bank that handles company accounts.
• Keep all receipts and certificates safe. RJSC will need them.
• Make sure the account is in the exact name of your company as registered with the RJSC.
• Opening a bank account properly ensures smooth approval and avoids delays in company registration.

4. Submission to RJSC

After preparing all documents and opening your bank account, the next step is to submit everything to the RJSC for company registration. Let us explain clearly.

• First, go to the RJSC online portal. You can submit most documents through their website. This is faster and easier than going in person.
• You need to pay registration fees. The fees depend on your company’s authorized capital. Higher capital means higher fees.
• Scan all your documents carefully. Upload copies of the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, director IDs, bank encashment certificate, and office proof. Make sure the files are clear and readable.
• After uploading, RJSC will review your submission. Sometimes they may ask for hard copies of certain documents. If that happens, you need to take the original documents to the RJSC office.
• Keep a copy of the payment receipt and all uploaded files. You may need them later.

Tips:

• Double-check all documents before submission. Mistakes can cause delays.
• Make sure your company name on all documents matches exactly with the name you reserved.
• Be ready to respond quickly if RJSC asks for more information or documents.
• Submitting properly to RJSC is a key step. Once approved, your company can officially start.

5. Verification by RJSC

After you submit your documents, RJSC will carefully check everything. This is called verification. 

• RJSC reviews all your submitted documents, including the Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, director IDs, bank certificate, and office proof. They make sure everything is complete and correct.
• They also check that your company name matches the name you reserved. They verify that fees have been paid properly based on authorized capital.
• If everything is correct, RJSC approves your application. This is an important step before your company is officially registered.
• If they find any mistakes, missing documents, or unclear information, they will contact you and ask for corrections. You need to fix the issues quickly and resubmit.
• Sometimes, they may ask for hard copies or additional proof to verify certain details. Be ready to provide these.

6. Certificate of Incorporation

• Once approved, RJSC issues this certificate.
• From this date, your company legally exists.
• You can now operate in Bangladesh.

7. Post Registration Compliance

After your company is registered, your work is not finished. You must complete all post-registration compliance to legally operate your business. Let’s go through each step clearly.

Trade License

• You must get a trade license from your local city corporation or union.
• This license allows you to legally run your business in that area.
• The process and fees depend on your location and type of business.

TIN (Tax Identification Number)

• You need a TIN from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
• This is your company’s tax ID and is required for all financial transactions.
• Without a TIN, you cannot pay taxes or open certain accounts.

VAT Registration (BIN)

• If your business sells products or services that are subject to VAT, you need a VAT registration number, also called a BIN (Business Identification Number).
• This lets you collect VAT from customers and pay it to the government.
• VAT registration is mandatory for certain businesses depending on turnover and product type.

Import or Export License

• If you plan to trade internationally, you need an import or export license from the relevant authority.
• This is required to legally bring goods into Bangladesh or sell them abroad.

BIDA Registration

• If your company has foreign shareholders, you must register with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
• BIDA keeps track of foreign investments and ensures compliance with regulations.

Fire, Environmental, or Sector-Specific Licenses

• Some industries need extra approvals. For example, factories may need fire safety certificates.
• Environmental clearance is required for businesses that affect the environment.
• Other sector licenses may be needed depending on your industry.

Besides, if you want to learn in detail how to start a business in Bangladesh in just 9 steps, here’s a guide for you to check.

Timeline of Company Registration in Bangladesh

Here’s how long each step takes in 2025.

Total Time: 10–15 working days for local companies. 20–25 days for foreign companies.

Capital Requirements to Register a Company in Bangladesh

Capital rules differ by company type:

Company Type	Minimum Paid-Up Capital / Requirement
Private Limited	No legal minimum (can start from Tk 1). Higher (e.g., Tk 100,000) is often used for credibility.
Public Limited	No fixed legal minimum. Capital depends on the BSEC rules if listed.
OPC	Minimum Tk 2.5 million, Maximum Tk 50 million.
Branch or Liaison Office	No fixed minimum; USD 50,000 inward remittance required for setup & 6 months’ expenses.

Also, for the most current and precise information on RJSC fees, use the RJSC Fee Calculator available on the official RJSC website.

Benefits of Registering a Company in BD

Why should you register instead of running an informal business?

• Protects personal assets. Liability is limited.
• Easy to get investors and funding.
• Legal recognition builds trust.
• 100 percent foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors.
• Access to tax benefits and government incentives.
• Easier to do business with banks and international partners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Company in BD

Many new business owners make the same mistakes:

• Not checking if the company name is already taken.
• Drafting a wrong or unclear MoA and AoA.
• Missing the 30-day validity of name clearance.
• Forgetting TIN and VAT registration.
• Ignoring annual return filing with the RJSC.
• Not renewing the trade license every year.

Important Things People Must Know

• A company must hold annual general meetings (AGM).
• Every year, you must file annual returns with the RJSC.
• Companies must maintain proper accounts and audits.
• Foreign companies must report remittances and investments to the Bangladesh Bank.
• Some sectors, like telecom, banking, and insurance, need extra approvals from regulators.
• Work permits are needed for foreign directors and employees.
• Delays often happen if documents are not notarized or translated properly.

Protect Your Business with Expert Legal Support

Running a business in Bangladesh can be tricky. You may face problems with company registration, the RJSC rules, or managing your company properly. Taxes like VAT, income tax, and customs can be confusing. Foreign investors need FDI approvals, and startups often struggle with contracts, agreements, or legal planning. Property disputes, unpaid dues, or conflicts with partners and employees can slow your growth.

I’m Nashir Ahmed Kushol, a corporate and business lawyer in Bangladesh with over 10 years of experience. I help with company registration, tax advice, FDI support, business disputes, and legal planning for startups. 

I guide you step by step, fix problems, and keep your business safe and fully legal. 

Book your consultation today and get your business’s legal issues solved fast!

Wrapping Up

So, coming to this point, we can say that you now know how to register a company in Bangladesh in 2025. Registering a company in Bangladesh is possible in a few weeks if you follow the steps correctly. Always prepare documents carefully and finish post-registration compliance. If you are unsure, it is wise to seek help from a lawyer or company secretary. That way, you avoid mistakes and save time.

FAQs

Q.1: How long does it take to register a company in Bangladesh?

Normally, it takes 10 to 15 working days for a local company. If you have foreign shareholders, it can take 20 to 25 working days. The delay usually comes from the bank account and the encashment certificate part.

Q.2: Can foreigners own 100 percent of a company in Bangladesh?

Yes, in most sectors, foreigners can own 100 percent. But in some restricted areas like defense, telecom, and insurance, you need local partners or special permission. Always check the sector rules before you apply.

Q.3: What is the minimum capital needed to start a company?

For a private limited company, there is no legal minimum, but people usually start with 100,000 taka or more. For a one-person company, you must have at least 2.5 million taka. For a branch or liaison office, normally, you need a 50,000 US dollar inward remittance.

Q.4: What documents do I need for registration?

You need the MoA, AoA, details of shareholders and directors, their national ID or passport, and office address proof. For foreign companies, you also need approval from BIDA and documents from the parent company. All documents must be clear and correct.

Q.5: Do I need to renew my company registration?

You do not need to register the company again, but you must file annual returns every year. You also need to renew your trade license yearly and pay taxes on time. If you skip these, you may face fines or even the cancellation of your license.