Who needs it?
Every shop, office, factory, proprietorship, partnership and company — including online businesses that have an office address. Most other licences (VAT, IRC/ERC, fire, business bank account) ask for a valid trade licence first.
Government fees
Government fees only — paid to the authority. Our professional fee is quoted separately, in writing. Each line shows how it was verified and when.
| Item | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence fee (trade tax) | Set by business type and capital. Model ceiling for a limited company in Dhaka/Chattogram: Tk 1,500 (paid-up capital up to Tk 1 lakh) to Tk 12,000 (above Tk 5 crore). Small shops and other businesses: about Tk 500–1,000.Each corporation applies its own current schedule — we confirm the exact amount for your category before you pay.Source: City Corporation Model Tax Schedule 2016, S.R.O. 13-Law/2016 | Official document — reconfirmChecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Examples (Dhaka North/South/Chattogram ceilings) | Visa processing Tk 10,000 · Tour operator Tk 5,000 · Software maker Tk 5,000 · Educational consultancy Tk 3,000 · Air ticketing Tk 2,500 · Importer/distributor Tk 2,000 · Exporter Tk 1,000Source: City Corporation Model Tax Schedule 2016 | Official document — reconfirmChecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Signboard tax | Up to Tk 80 per sq ft (model schedule)Source: City Corporation Model Tax Schedule 2016 | Official document — reconfirmChecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Late renewal surcharge | After 30 September: Tk 100 a month or 10% of the licence fee a month, whichever is higherSource: City Corporation Model Tax Schedule 2016 | Official document — reconfirmChecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| VAT and advance income tax collected with the fee | VAT on the licence fee plus advance income tax at issue/renewal — amount depends on the areaConfirm on the city corporation's current payment slip. | Confirm with our office |
Required documents
Proprietorship
- Completed application form (DNCC/DSCC form)
- 3 attested passport-size photos of the owner
- NID copy of the owner
- Rent agreement of the premises, or ownership deed + holding tax receipt if own
- No-objection from neighbours/owner (new business, where asked)
- e-TIN certificate (if any)
Partnership firm
- All of the above for the managing partner
- Partnership deed (RJSC-registered, if registered)
- NIDs of all partners
Limited company
- All of the above for the MD
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Form XII (list of directors)
- Board resolution authorising the application
- Company e-TIN
Factory / industrial premises (extra)
- Fire Service licence copy
- Layout plan of the premises
- Environmental clearance where your industry class needs it
Step-by-step process
- 1
Confirm the correct business category and the local authority (city corporation zone, pourashava or union parishad).
- 2
Prepare documents and get photocopies attested by a first-class gazetted officer or the ward councillor.
- 3
Apply online (DNCC/DSCC e-trade licence) or at the zonal office with the form.
- 4
Licence inspector verifies the premises if required.
- 5
Pay the licence fee, signboard tax, VAT and advance income tax.
- 6
Collect the trade licence (digital copy for online applications) and display it at the premises.
Renewal and penalties
Renewal & compliance
Renew every financial year between July and 30 September with the previous licence, fee payment and any changed documents. Under the model schedule a licence fee may be paid up to 5 years in advance.
If you skip it
Running a business without a valid licence can lead to fines, sealing of the premises by mobile court, and refusal of bank, VAT and import services.
Common mistakes we fix
- Choosing the wrong business category — it changes both the fee and later licences.
- Using a residential address that the landlord has not agreed to in writing.
- Missing the 30 September renewal deadline and paying a monthly surcharge.
- Business name on the trade licence not matching the RJSC, bank or VAT name.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a trade licence online in Dhaka?
Yes. Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations accept online applications and payments. Some categories still need a premises inspection.
Do I need a trade licence for an online or Facebook business?
If you want a business bank account, VAT registration or a payment gateway you will need a trade licence for your business address. Digital commerce businesses should also look at DBID registration.
When does a trade licence expire?
At the end of the financial year (30 June). You have until 30 September to renew without surcharge.
Is TIN required for a trade licence?
The form asks for a TIN if you have one. Renewals in city areas and many later services require proof of income tax return, so we recommend getting an e-TIN early.
Legal basis & official sources
- Local Government (City Corporation) Act 2009, section 84
- City Corporation Model Tax Schedule 2016 (S.R.O. 13-Law/2016, gazette 31 Jan 2016)
- Local Government (Pourashava) Act 2009 / (Union Parishad) Act 2009 outside city corporations
- City Corporation / Pourashava / Union Parishad (Local Government Division)
- Dhaka North City Corporation
Last reviewed 21 Oct 2026 by Legal Zone Business Licence Desk. Fees and rules change — we reconfirm every figure before you pay.
