How to Register a Company in Bangladesh with Full Compliance – A Detailed Guide

Registering a company in Bangladesh requires several legal and procedural steps, including obtaining approvals, filing documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory authorities. Below is a step-by-step guide that covers all aspects of company formation, ensuring full compliance with Bangladeshi laws.

Step 1: Name Clearance from RJSC

Before incorporating a company, you need to reserve a unique company name through the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC).

Procedure:

  1. Visit RJSC’s official website: www.roc.gov.bd.
  2. Create an account and apply for name clearance by providing:
    • Proposed company name (must be unique).
    • Applicant details (Name, Address, Email, Mobile No.).
    • Payment of BDT 230 as name clearance fee.
  3. Once approved, RJSC issues a Name Clearance Certificate, valid for 30 days.

Step 2: Drafting Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA & AoA)

Once the name is approved, prepare legal documents necessary for company incorporation.

Documents Required:

  1. Memorandum of Association (MoA): Defines company objectives, business activities, and liability of shareholders.
  2. Articles of Association (AoA): Sets out internal rules and regulations for company management.
  3. Form IX: Consent of the directors to act as directors.
  4. Form XII: Details of the company’s first directors.
  5. Subscriber Page: Information on shareholders and their shareholding percentage.

Compliance Considerations:

  • The business objectives in the MoA should comply with Bangladeshi laws and must be clearly defined.
  • At least two directors are required for a Private Limited Company.

Step 3: Open a Bank Account & Deposit Paid-up Capital

For companies with foreign shareholders, it is mandatory to open a bank account in Bangladesh and deposit the paid-up capital before incorporation.

Procedure:

  1. Choose a Bangladeshi commercial bank.
  2. Open a temporary corporate bank account under the proposed company name.
  3. Foreign investors must remit the paid-up capital into this account.
  4. The bank issues a Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate (FIRC) for RJSC.

Compliance Considerations:

  • The minimum paid-up capital requirement depends on the business type (No mandatory minimum for local companies).
  • For foreign investors, a minimum of USD 100,000 may be required if applying for a work permit.

Step 4: Online Submission of Incorporation Documents to RJSC

The next step is to submit incorporation documents via RJSC’s online portal.

Procedure:

  1. Log in to RJSC’s e-filing system.
  2. Upload the required documents (MoA, AoA, Forms IX & XII).
  3. Pay the government registration fee (varies based on authorized capital).
  4. Submit the application and wait for verification.
  5. Once approved, RJSC issues:
    • Certificate of Incorporation (COI)
    • Digital Copies of MoA & AoA
    • Certified Form XII (List of Directors)

Step 5: Post-Incorporation Compliance & Business Licenses

After registration, several compliance steps must be completed before starting business operations.

1. Obtain a Trade License

  • Required from the City Corporation/Municipality where the business operates.
  • Valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
  • Fee depends on the business type and location.

2. Obtain Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

  • Apply for a TIN from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) online.
  • TIN is required for opening bank accounts, tax filings and official transactions.

3. Obtain Business Identification Number (BIN)

  • Apply for a Business Identification Number (BIN) from NBR.

4. Foreign Investment Approvals (if applicable)

  • Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Registration: Required for foreign investors.
  • Work Permit (for foreign employees): Required from BIDA.

Step 6: Annual & Ongoing Compliance Requirements

1. Corporate Tax Compliance

  • Corporate Tax Rate
  • Must file an Annual Income Tax Return with NBR.

2. Annual Return Filing with RJSC

  • Submit an Annual Return within 21 days of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • File Form XXVI (Director’s Report) annually.

3. Financial Statements Audit

  • Private Limited Companies must submit audited financial statements to RJSC.
  • Appoint a licensed Chartered Accountant for auditing.

Conclusion

Registering a company in Bangladesh involves multiple legal steps and compliance requirements. To ensure full compliance:
Obtain name clearance from RJSC.
Prepare and file incorporation documents.
Deposit paid-up capital (for foreign investors).
Register for tax (TIN, BIN).
Obtain a trade license and necessary approvals.
Maintain annual filings and tax compliance.

Would you like assistance in handling company registration and legal compliance? Call us: Cell & WhatsApp # +880 1971686846, Email: shahmdaman@gmail.com

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