Bangladesh Business Licence Guide
Like a visa guide — but for your business. Search a licence to see who issues it, what documents you need, what it costs and how long it takes.
54 results
- Asset Valuation (Land, Building, Machinery, Business)সম্পদ মূল্যায়নProfessional valuers / surveyors acceptable to banks and regulatorsTypically 1–3 weeks including site visit
- ATAB Membership (Travel Agents)আটাব সদস্যপদAssociation of Travel Agents of BangladeshSeveral weeks; zonal committee review
- BIDA Project Registration (Local / Foreign / JV)বিডা প্রকল্প নিবন্ধনBangladesh Investment Development AuthorityTypically 7–15 working days after a complete online application (confirm current service standard on OSS)
- Boiler Registration & Inspection Certificateবয়লার নিবন্ধন ও পরিদর্শন সনদOffice of the Chief Inspector of Boilers, Ministry of IndustriesRegistration and inspection typically 2–4 weeks
- Bond Licence (Customs Bonded Warehouse)বন্ড লাইসেন্সCustoms Bond CommissionerateSeveral weeks: document scrutiny (about 3 days), physical inspection, risk assessment, approval and bond signing
- Branch / Liaison Office Permission (BIDA)ব্রাঞ্চ / লিয়াজোঁ অফিস অনুমোদন (বিডা)Bangladesh Investment Development Authority16 working days (BIDA service standard), subject to Inter-Ministerial committee approval
- BSTI Certification Mark (CM) Licenceবিএসটিআই সার্টিফিকেশন মার্কস লাইসেন্সBangladesh Standards and Testing InstitutionUsually 1–2 months: application, factory inspection, sample testing, licence
- Building Plan Approval & Occupancy Certificateভবন নকশা অনুমোদন ও অকুপেন্সি সনদRAJUK / CDA / KDA / RDA / PourashavaLand-use clearance and plan approval typically 1–3 months; occupancy certificate after completion inspection
- Buying House Registrationবায়িং হাউজ নিবন্ধনDepartment of Textiles, Ministry of Textiles and JuteUp to 60 days after complete documents (service charter screenshot says 20 working days)
- Certificate of Origin (CO) for Exportsসার্টিফিকেট অফ অরিজিনChambers of commerceOften same or next working day once documents are complete
- Company Income Tax Return Submissionকোম্পানির আয়কর রিটার্ন দাখিলNational Board of RevenueReturn filing takes days once audited accounts are ready; plan the audit 2–3 months ahead
- Company Registration (RJSC)কোম্পানি নিবন্ধন (আরজেএসসি)Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and FirmsName clearance: usually 1–2 working days
- Cooperative Society Registrationসমবায় সমিতি নিবন্ধনDepartment of Cooperatives7–60 days per the Citizen's Charter
- Copyright Registrationকপিরাইট নিবন্ধনBangladesh Copyright OfficeTypically 1–3 months including a public-notice period
- DCCI Membership (Dhaka Chamber)ঢাকা চেম্বার সদস্যপদDhaka Chamber of Commerce & IndustryName clearance then membership approval — usually 1–3 weeks
- Deep Tube-Well / Water Extraction Permitগভীর নলকূপ / পানি উত্তোলন অনুমতিWASATypically several weeks with site verification
- Drug Licence (Retail / Wholesale Pharmacy)ড্রাগ লাইসেন্সDirectorate General of Drug AdministrationUsually 2–6 weeks including inspection
- e-TIN & Income Tax Returnই-টিআইএন ও আয়কর রিটার্নNational Board of Revenuee-TIN: instant online when NID data matches
- Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC)পরিবেশ ছাড়পত্রDepartment of EnvironmentGreen/Yellow: roughly 15–30 working days
- EPB Exporter Registration (EMS) & Cash Incentiveইপিবি রপ্তানিকারক নিবন্ধনExport Promotion BureauUsually a few working days after online submission and document review
- Explosives, Petroleum & Chemical Storage Licenceবিস্ফোরক ও দাহ্য পদার্থ মজুদ লাইসেন্সDepartment of Explosives, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral ResourcesTypically 3–8 weeks with site inspection
- Export Registration Certificate (ERC)রপ্তানি নিবন্ধন সনদ (ইআরসি)Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & ExportsUsually 7–15 working days online with complete documents
- Factory Licence & Layout Plan Approval (DIFE)কারখানা লাইসেন্স (ডাইফ)Department of Inspection for Factories and EstablishmentsDepends on inspection; plan for 2–6 weeks (confirm current DIFE service charter)
- Fire Licenceফায়ার লাইসেন্সBangladesh Fire Service and Civil DefenceTypically 7–30 working days including site inspection
- Food Safety Registration (BFSA)নিরাপদ খাদ্য নিবন্ধন (বিএফএসএ)Bangladesh Food Safety AuthorityVaries — confirm with BFSA
- IATA Travel Agency Accreditationআইএটিএ অ্যাক্রেডিটেশনInternational Air Transport AssociationUsually 1–3 months
- Import Permit (IP) & Other CCI&E Permitsআমদানি অনুমতিপত্র (আইপি)Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & ExportsUsually 3–10 working days depending on the permit
- Import Registration Certificate (IRC)আমদানি নিবন্ধন সনদ (আইআরসি)Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & ExportsUsually 7–15 working days online with complete documents (industrial IRC needs the sponsoring authority's recommendation first)
- Industrial Electricity Load Sanction & CEI Approvalশিল্প বিদ্যুৎ লোড অনুমোদনPower utilityTypically 1–3 months depending on load and line work
- Industrial IRC & Sponsoring-Authority Recommendationশিল্প আইআরসি ও সুপারিশOffice of the Chief Controller of Imports & ExportsRecommendation 1–3 weeks + IRC 1–2 weeks (confirm)
- Industrial Licence Roadmap: Everything a Factory Needsশিল্প কারখানার লাইসেন্স রোডম্যাপMultiple authorities — coordinated by Legal ZoneTypically 3–9 months end to end, run in parallel where possible
- Manpower Supplier / Labour Contractor Licence (DIFE)জনবল সরবরাহকারী লাইসেন্সDepartment of Inspection for Factories and EstablishmentsTypically several weeks including inspection (confirm)
- NGO Registration (NGO Affairs Bureau)এনজিও নিবন্ধনNGO Affairs Bureau, Prime Minister's OfficeUsually 2–4 months including security clearance
- Outward Remittance Approval (Royalty, Technical Fee)রয়্যালটি ও টেকনিক্যাল ফি প্রেরণ অনুমোদনBangladesh Investment Development AuthorityVaries — typically several weeks with document review
- Partnership Firm Registration (RJSC)অংশীদারি প্রতিষ্ঠান নিবন্ধনRegistrar of Joint Stock Companies and FirmsUsually a few working days after filing
- Personal Income Tax Return Submissionব্যক্তিগত আয়কর রিটার্ন দাখিলNational Board of Revenuee-Return: same day; acknowledgement issued on submission
- Premises Licence / Premises Registrationপ্রিমিসেস লাইসেন্সDepends on sectorUsually 2–6 weeks including inspection
- Recruiting Agency Licence (BMET)রিক্রুটিং এজেন্সি লাইসেন্সMinistry of Expatriates' Welfare & Overseas Employment / BMETSeveral months including investigation
- REX Registration (EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey)রেক্স নিবন্ধনExport Promotion BureauTypically 1–3 weeks after EPB verification
- RJSC Annual Return & Change Filingsআরজেএসসি রিটার্ন দাখিলRegistrar of Joint Stock Companies and FirmsOnline filing; certified copies follow after RJSC review
- Society Registration (RJSC)সোসাইটি নিবন্ধনRegistrar of Joint Stock Companies and FirmsName clearance first; registration typically a few weeks after complete filing
- Statutory Company Audit (with DVS)কোম্পানি অডিটICAB-registered chartered accountant firmTypically 2–6 weeks once books are ready
- Tea Licence (Bangladesh Tea Board)চা লাইসেন্সBangladesh Tea Board, Ministry of CommerceVaries by licence type — typically several weeks with inspection
- Temporary Bank Account for Foreign Investors (BIDA OSS)বিদেশি বিনিয়োগকারীর অস্থায়ী ব্যাংক হিসাবBangladesh Investment Development AuthorityBank review within about 1 working day after online submission, then a branch visit for signatures (per BIDA OSS guide)
- Textile Factory Registration (Department of Textiles)বস্ত্র কারখানা নিবন্ধনDepartment of Textiles, Ministry of Textiles and JuteAbout 20 working days per the Department's service list (confirm)
- Trade Association Membership (BGMEA, BKMEA, MCCI & more)বাণিজ্য সংগঠন সদস্যপদRelevant association or chamberTypically 1–4 weeks
- Trade Licence (Business Licence)ট্রেড লাইসেন্সCity Corporation / Pourashava / Union ParishadUsually 3–7 working days once documents are complete (online applications in DNCC/DSCC are often faster)
- Trade Organisation (Association / Chamber) Licenceবাণিজ্য সংগঠন লাইসেন্সDepartment of Trade Organisations, Ministry of CommerceSeveral months
- Trademark Registrationট্রেডমার্ক নিবন্ধনDepartment of Patents, Designs and TrademarksTypically 12–24 months from filing to certificate (search, examination, journal publication, 2-month opposition window)
- Travel Agency Registration (MOCAT)ট্রাভেল এজেন্সি নিবন্ধনMinistry of Civil Aviation and TourismSeveral weeks including verification and police clearance
- VAT Registration (BIN)ভ্যাট নিবন্ধন (বিআইএন)National Board of RevenueUsually 1–3 working days online when the information matches NID and trade licence records
- VAT Return Filing (Mushak 9.1)ভ্যাট রিটার্ন দাখিলNational Board of RevenueMonthly — file by the 15th of the following month
- Visa Recommendation (E / E1 / PI) & Visa on Arrivalভিসা সুপারিশ (বিডা)Bangladesh Investment Development AuthorityOften 3–7 working days on OSS (confirm current timeline)
- Work Permit for Foreign Nationals (BIDA)বিদেশি নাগরিকের ওয়ার্ক পারমিটBangladesh Investment Development AuthorityUsually 2–4 weeks for a new permit including Inter-Ministerial review (confirm current timeline)
At a glance
Authority, typical processing time and fee-verification status for every licence on this site.
| Licence / registration | Issuing authority | Processing time | Fee status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Registration (RJSC) | Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms | Name clearance: usually 1–2 working days | Official document — reconfirm |
| e-TIN & Income Tax Return | National Board of Revenue | e-TIN: instant online when NID data matches | Official document — reconfirm |
| Trade Licence (Business Licence) | City Corporation / Pourashava / Union Parishad | Usually 3–7 working days once documents are complete (online applications in DNCC/DSCC are often faster) | Official document — reconfirm |
| Trademark Registration | Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks | Typically 12–24 months from filing to certificate (search, examination, journal publication, 2-month opposition window) | Confirm with our office |
| VAT Registration (BIN) | National Board of Revenue | Usually 1–3 working days online when the information matches NID and trade licence records | Official document — reconfirm |
| Asset Valuation (Land, Building, Machinery, Business) | Professional valuers / surveyors acceptable to banks and regulators | Typically 1–3 weeks including site visit | Confirm with our office |
| ATAB Membership (Travel Agents) | Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh | Several weeks; zonal committee review | Confirm with our office |
| BIDA Project Registration (Local / Foreign / JV) | Bangladesh Investment Development Authority | Typically 7–15 working days after a complete online application (confirm current service standard on OSS) | Confirm with our office |
| Boiler Registration & Inspection Certificate | Office of the Chief Inspector of Boilers, Ministry of Industries | Registration and inspection typically 2–4 weeks | Confirm with our office |
| Bond Licence (Customs Bonded Warehouse) | Customs Bond Commissionerate | Several weeks: document scrutiny (about 3 days), physical inspection, risk assessment, approval and bond signing | Official document — reconfirm |
| Branch / Liaison Office Permission (BIDA) | Bangladesh Investment Development Authority | 16 working days (BIDA service standard), subject to Inter-Ministerial committee approval | Official source checked |
| BSTI Certification Mark (CM) Licence | Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution | Usually 1–2 months: application, factory inspection, sample testing, licence | Confirm with our office |
| Building Plan Approval & Occupancy Certificate | RAJUK / CDA / KDA / RDA / Pourashava | Land-use clearance and plan approval typically 1–3 months; occupancy certificate after completion inspection | Confirm with our office |
| Buying House Registration | Department of Textiles, Ministry of Textiles and Jute | Up to 60 days after complete documents (service charter screenshot says 20 working days) | Official document — reconfirm |
| Certificate of Origin (CO) for Exports | Chambers of commerce | Often same or next working day once documents are complete | Official source checked |
| Company Income Tax Return Submission | National Board of Revenue | Return filing takes days once audited accounts are ready; plan the audit 2–3 months ahead | Official document — reconfirm |
| Cooperative Society Registration | Department of Cooperatives | 7–60 days per the Citizen's Charter | Official document — reconfirm |
| Copyright Registration | Bangladesh Copyright Office | Typically 1–3 months including a public-notice period | Confirm with our office |
| DCCI Membership (Dhaka Chamber) | Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry | Name clearance then membership approval — usually 1–3 weeks | Official source checked |
| Deep Tube-Well / Water Extraction Permit | WASA | Typically several weeks with site verification | Confirm with our office |
| Drug Licence (Retail / Wholesale Pharmacy) | Directorate General of Drug Administration | Usually 2–6 weeks including inspection | Official document — reconfirm |
| Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) | Department of Environment | Green/Yellow: roughly 15–30 working days | Official document — reconfirm |
| EPB Exporter Registration (EMS) & Cash Incentive | Export Promotion Bureau | Usually a few working days after online submission and document review | Official document — reconfirm |
| Explosives, Petroleum & Chemical Storage Licence | Department of Explosives, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources | Typically 3–8 weeks with site inspection | Confirm with our office |
| Export Registration Certificate (ERC) | Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports | Usually 7–15 working days online with complete documents | Official document — reconfirm |
| Factory Licence & Layout Plan Approval (DIFE) | Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments | Depends on inspection; plan for 2–6 weeks (confirm current DIFE service charter) | Official document — reconfirm |
| Fire Licence | Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence | Typically 7–30 working days including site inspection | Official document — reconfirm |
| Food Safety Registration (BFSA) | Bangladesh Food Safety Authority | Varies — confirm with BFSA | Confirm with our office |
| IATA Travel Agency Accreditation | International Air Transport Association | Usually 1–3 months | Confirm with our office |
| Import Permit (IP) & Other CCI&E Permits | Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports | Usually 3–10 working days depending on the permit | Official document — reconfirm |
| Import Registration Certificate (IRC) | Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports | Usually 7–15 working days online with complete documents (industrial IRC needs the sponsoring authority's recommendation first) | Official document — reconfirm |
| Industrial Electricity Load Sanction & CEI Approval | Power utility | Typically 1–3 months depending on load and line work | Confirm with our office |
| Industrial IRC & Sponsoring-Authority Recommendation | Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports | Recommendation 1–3 weeks + IRC 1–2 weeks (confirm) | Official document — reconfirm |
| Industrial Licence Roadmap: Everything a Factory Needs | Multiple authorities — coordinated by Legal Zone | Typically 3–9 months end to end, run in parallel where possible | Confirm with our office |
| Manpower Supplier / Labour Contractor Licence (DIFE) | Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments | Typically several weeks including inspection (confirm) | Official document — reconfirm |
| NGO Registration (NGO Affairs Bureau) | NGO Affairs Bureau, Prime Minister's Office | Usually 2–4 months including security clearance | Official document — reconfirm |
| Outward Remittance Approval (Royalty, Technical Fee) | Bangladesh Investment Development Authority | Varies — typically several weeks with document review | Confirm with our office |
| Partnership Firm Registration (RJSC) | Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms | Usually a few working days after filing | Official document — reconfirm |
| Personal Income Tax Return Submission | National Board of Revenue | e-Return: same day; acknowledgement issued on submission | Official document — reconfirm |
| Premises Licence / Premises Registration | Depends on sector | Usually 2–6 weeks including inspection | Confirm with our office |
| Recruiting Agency Licence (BMET) | Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare & Overseas Employment / BMET | Several months including investigation | Confirm with our office |
| REX Registration (EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey) | Export Promotion Bureau | Typically 1–3 weeks after EPB verification | Official document — reconfirm |
| RJSC Annual Return & Change Filings | Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms | Online filing; certified copies follow after RJSC review | Official document — reconfirm |
| Society Registration (RJSC) | Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms | Name clearance first; registration typically a few weeks after complete filing | Official document — reconfirm |
| Statutory Company Audit (with DVS) | ICAB-registered chartered accountant firm | Typically 2–6 weeks once books are ready | Confirm with our office |
| Tea Licence (Bangladesh Tea Board) | Bangladesh Tea Board, Ministry of Commerce | Varies by licence type — typically several weeks with inspection | Confirm with our office |
| Temporary Bank Account for Foreign Investors (BIDA OSS) | Bangladesh Investment Development Authority | Bank review within about 1 working day after online submission, then a branch visit for signatures (per BIDA OSS guide) | Official source checked |
| Textile Factory Registration (Department of Textiles) | Department of Textiles, Ministry of Textiles and Jute | About 20 working days per the Department's service list (confirm) | Official document — reconfirm |
| Trade Association Membership (BGMEA, BKMEA, MCCI & more) | Relevant association or chamber | Typically 1–4 weeks | Confirm with our office |
| Trade Organisation (Association / Chamber) Licence | Department of Trade Organisations, Ministry of Commerce | Several months | Official document — reconfirm |
| Travel Agency Registration (MOCAT) | Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism | Several weeks including verification and police clearance | Official document — reconfirm |
| VAT Return Filing (Mushak 9.1) | National Board of Revenue | Monthly — file by the 15th of the following month | Official document — reconfirm |
| Visa Recommendation (E / E1 / PI) & Visa on Arrival | Bangladesh Investment Development Authority | Often 3–7 working days on OSS (confirm current timeline) | Confirm with our office |
| Work Permit for Foreign Nationals (BIDA) | Bangladesh Investment Development Authority | Usually 2–4 weeks for a new permit including Inter-Ministerial review (confirm current timeline) | Official document — reconfirm |
Can't find your licence?
Hundreds of sector licences exist in Bangladesh. Ask us — we'll confirm requirements from the official source.