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:
- Visit RJSC’s official website: www.roc.gov.bd.
- 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.
- 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:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA): Defines company objectives, business activities, and liability of shareholders.
- Articles of Association (AoA): Sets out internal rules and regulations for company management.
- Form IX: Consent of the directors to act as directors.
- Form XII: Details of the company’s first directors.
- 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:
- Choose a Bangladeshi commercial bank.
- Open a temporary corporate bank account under the proposed company name.
- Foreign investors must remit the paid-up capital into this account.
- 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:
- Log in to RJSC’s e-filing system.
- Upload the required documents (MoA, AoA, Forms IX & XII).
- Pay the government registration fee (varies based on authorized capital).
- Submit the application and wait for verification.
- 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