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Registration of a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh in 2022

Barrister Remura Mahbub

Barrister Remura Mahbub
 Senior Associate, The Law Firm in Bangladesh

24 Jan 2022

Table of Contents (Jump through sections) hide
1) Registration of a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh in 2022

This article will explain in details about formation and registration of a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh.

It will focus on five easy steps: business name clearance, drafting required documents, opening a bank account, company registration with the RJSC, and post registration formalities.

Moreover, it will outline essential points for foreign investors and alternative ways to set up a company in Bangladesh.

 Private Limited Company in Bangladesh

There are five ways of doing business in Bangladesh:

  • It restricts the ability to transfer shares [section 2(q)]
  • The minimum number of members is 2 (two) [s. 5]; the maximum number of members is 50 (fifty), excluding employees of the Company [s. 2(q)].
  • It must have at least two directors [s. 90 (2)]
  • It prohibits any public invitation to subscribe for the Company’s shares or debentures [s. 2(q)].

After completion of Registration of a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh, it can begin operations as soon as it is registered with  The Registrar of Joint Stock Companies (RJSC), subject to obtaining the other licenses listed below in the post-registration section of this Report.

We will explain the whole thing in this article, but here is a table outlining the steps involved in forming a company in Bangladesh:

StepDescription
1Choose a business name and register it with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC).
2Obtain any necessary licenses or permits for your business.
3Draft the memorandum and articles of association for your company.
4Hold a meeting with the directors to adopt the memorandum and articles of association.
5Submit the memorandum and articles of association, along with other required documents, to the RJSC for registration.
6Pay the registration fees and obtain a certificate of incorporation from the RJSC.
7Obtain a tax identification number (TIN) from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
8Register for any necessary taxes with the NBR.
9Obtain any necessary approvals or permits from relevant government agencies.
10Start operating your business.

Please note that this is a general overview of the process and may vary depending on the specific type of company you are forming and the nature of your business. It is advisable to seek legal and professional guidance to ensure that all necessary steps are taken and all necessary documents are properly completed and filed. Now let’s get into details!

    Procedure for Registration of a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh

    The 5 steps listed below correctly outlines the procedure for the registration of a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh.

    Step 1: Business Name Clearance 

    The first step in forming a private limited company in Bangladesh is to fix a desired name for the company.  Following the selection of a name, the applicant must apply for name clearance in order to obtain the name approval certificate RJSC.

    The certificate is usually delivered within 1 to 2 days. Investors are required to pay RJSC the necessary fees for name clearance and verification.The government fee for name clearance is currently 230 BDT or  around 3 USD.

    Step 2: Drafting Required Documents

    In order to form a Private Limited company in Bangladesh, a Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of association (AoA) must be prepared by the company.

    Drafting Memorandum of Association (MoA):

    A limited company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) states the company’s objectives, company’s authorized capital, and list of the shareholders along with their respective shareholdings.

    However, it should be noted that in order to begin a banking, finance, school, or hospital business, prior approval from the relevant authority is required.

    Drafting Articles of Association (AoA):

    The AoA outlines all of the regulations that govern how a limited company operates. The AoA should include the number and list of directors, the board’s power, the Managing Director’s power, the meeting process, quorum, notice procedure, and the appointment of auditors.

    It also specifies how the company’s bank account will be managed.

     

     

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    Step 3: Opening a Bank Account

    To start a private limited company in Bangladesh, you will need to open a temporary bank account in the proposed company name with any scheduled bank in Bangladesh.  

    This stage is solely applicable if the proposed company has foreign shareholding. The following documents need to be filed to the respective banks in order to open the bank account:

    • Name Clearance
    • Draft copy of your MoA and AoA
    • Board Resolutions of the foreign company
    • Passports copies of the representative shareholders
    • bank account opening forms.

    Foreign investors wanting to form a private limited company in Bangladesh must deposit the requisite paid-up capital into the company’s bank account.

    The remitted funds will be held by the bank. The bank will produce an Encashment Certificate, which will be required by RJSC in order for the company to be incorporated.

    This certificate states that the appropriate capital contribution has been duly deposited in the proposed company’s temporary bank account.

     

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    Step 4: Company Registration with the RJSC

    In order to register the private limited company in Bangladesh, all the required information and documents must be submitted to the RJSC. They are as follows:

    • Details of Directors (name, parents name, passport number, email ID, mobile number)
    • National Identification Number (if Bangladeshi national)
    • Tax Identification Number (if Bangladeshi national)
    • Limit of paid up capital and authorized capital
    • Photo of all shareholders (1 copy)
    • Address of the company
    • Signatories of the bank account

    The registration fee and stamp duty must be paid in the RJSC’s designated bank.
    The government fee will be calculated depending on the proposed company’s approved share capital.
    A certificate of incorporation must be obtained from the RJSC after all processes have been completed successfully in order to register a private limited company in Bangladesh.

    Step 5: Post-registration Formalities

    After successful company formation, the last step in order to form a private limited company in Bangladesh is to acquire the following certificates/licenses:

    (a) Trade License 

    The companies must obtain a trade license from the local authorities. The proposed Company must submit an application to the local City Corporation, together with all essential paperwork and payments.

    The cost of getting a trade license is around USD 200, and it can be renewed annually. Three to four working days are typically required to receive it.

    b) TIN (Tax Identification Number)

    A private limited company in Bangladesh must obtain an E-TIN from the National Board of Revenue‘s (NBR) website, which can be done free of cost.

    c) VAT Registration Certificate

    The newly formed company must also obtain a VAT registration Certificate from the National Board of Revenue. This should take about 5-7 working days.

    d) Fire Certificate

    Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense Authority will need to issue a fire certificate to the private limited company.

    e) Environmental Clearance Certificate

    A private limited company in Bangladesh must collect an environment clearance certificate from the Department of Environment if it intends to be involved in industrial activity.

    Furthermore, each year, the company must submit to the RJSC the following documents:

    • Schedule X which is a list of shareholders and an annual summary of share capital.
    • Balance Sheet within 30 days of Annual General Meeting (AGM).
    • Profit and Loss Account within 30 days of AGM.
      Form 23B which is a letter of approval from the auditor that must be provided within 30 days of the appointment date.
    How To Form A Private Limited Company In Bangladesh_Best Corporate Law Firm In Dhaka

    If you want to open a liaison office in Bangladesh or about branch formation click here!

    Essential Information for Foreign Investors

    Foreign investors need to keep the following things in mind when they plan to form a private limited company in Bangladesh:

    • The costs of registering a company are primarily determined by the company’s authorized capital. The average cost is between USD 1800.
    • Shelf companies are not permitted and must have a physical place of business in Bangladesh.
    • Bangladesh Forex Regulations allow for the full repatriation of profits and investments.
    • Foreign nationals may be employed at a 20:1 (local: expat) ratio, subject to obtaining the necessary work permit.
    • Except in a few restricted areas, 100 percent FDI investment is permitted.
    • Directors can be either foreign or domestic nationals.
    • The typical corporate income tax rate ranges from 25% to 45 percent, depending on the sector and nature of the company.

      However, tax exemptions are available for selected sectors and areas for 5-7 years.

    • There are also additional tax exemptions  for investing in Special Economic Zones.

     

    “Tahmidur Rahman – The Law Firm in Bangladesh is considered as one of the leading corporate firms in Dhaka, Bangladesh”

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    What are some alternative ways to set up a company in Bangladesh?

    Branch Office:

    A branch  is not a separate incorporated entity, but rather an extension of its parent company. In other words, the parent company is liable for the liabilities of its branches. 

    With Bangladesh Investment Development Authority’s (BIDA) approval, a branch can engage in commercial activities. The Exchange Control Guidelines, on the other hand, strictly monitor its operation.
    In Bangladesh, the average time to open a branch officis 45- 60 days.

    Liason Office:

    A liaison, also known as a representative office, is subject to BIDA approval  similarly as a branch.

    It must have an overseas parent company, and its activities are limited because it only serves as a communication or coordination instrument for Bangladesh’s business resources.

    Also, keep in mind that a liaison office in Bangladesh cannot earn any local income. Through remittance, the parent company bears all of its expenses and operational cost. It also adheres to the general business registration procedure in Bangladesh.

     

    How To Register A Private Limited Company In Bangladesh Infographics Remura Mahbub

    “To start a private limited company in Bangladesh, you will need to open a temporary bank account in the proposed company name with any scheduled bank in Bangladesh.

     This stage is solely applicable if the proposed company has foreign shareholding.”

     -Barrister Remura Mahbub

    Are you planning to register a private limited company in Bangladesh?

    Company formation and registration at Tahmidur Rahman Remura: The Law Firm in Bangladesh:

    The legal team of Tahmidur Rahman, The Law Firm in Bangladesh Remura: The Law Firm in Bangladesh are highly experienced in providing all kinds of services related to forming and registering a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh . For queries or legal assistance, please reach us at:

    E-mail: [email protected]
    Phone: +8801847220062 or +8801779127165

    Address: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS

     

    FAQ

    How much money is required for company registration in Bangladesh?

    The governmental fees for registering a company are determined by the amount of authorized capital. Government fees for the issuance of an Incorporation Certificate shall be BDT 1000.

    How long does it take to register a company in Bangladesh?

    Once the aforementioned formalities have been completed, RJSC will usually issue the certificate of incorporation (Company registration certificate) within 6-8 working days.

    It usually takes 2-3 weeks from the date of submission of all documents to RJSC to register a company.

    What is BIDA?

    Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is in charge of facilitating foreign investments in the country.

    BIDA's responsibilities include issuing work permits for foreign employees, visas for foreign investors, processing loans from foreign sources, approving remittance of royalties and technical fees, assisting in the acquisition of industrial plots, facilitating utility connections, approving foreign loans, suppliers credit, and providing assistance and advice on a variety of investment-related issues.

    Foreign investors with industrial projects are strongly advised to register with BIDA after forming their limited company. However, there is no requirement for a commercial or trading company to register with BIDA. The average time frame for obtaining registration is 7-10 working days.

    What documents are needed to set up a private limited company in Bangladesh?

    1. Memorandum of Association
    2. Article of Association
    3. Certificate of Incorporation
    4. Trade License
    5. TIN
    6. VAT Registration Certificate
    7. Name Clearance
    8. Environmental Clearance Certificate
    9. Fire Certificate

    What is the minimum capital required for a private limited company in Bangladesh?

    In Bangladesh, there is no minimum or maximum authorised capital for a local company.

    However, for practical reasons and to obtain complete flexibility in terms of expatriation and bringing in foreign expatriates, a minimum of USD 50,000/- must be invested in the Company.

    Can a single person start a company in Bangladesh?

     Bangladesh does not allow a single person to open a private limited company or One Person Company (OPC).

    A private limited company must have at least two shareholders. In the case of a public limited company, however, the total number of shareholders required is seven.

    Can a private limited company have one director in Bangladesh?

    A private limited company must have at least two directors. Local or foreign nationals may serve as directors.

    Directors must be at least 18 years old and have never been bankrupt or convicted of a crime. A director is required by law to own the qualification shares specified in the Articles of Association.

    What is the difference between authorised capital and paid-up capital?

    - Authorised capital: The amount of authorised capital must be specified in the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. It is the maximum amount of share capital that a company may allocate to shareholders.  

    In Bangladesh, there is no minimum or maximum authorised capital for a local company. However, for practical reasons and to obtain complete flexibility in terms of expatriation and bringing in foreign expatriates, a minimum of USD 50000/- must be invested in the Company.

    -Paid-Up Capital : The minimum paid-up capital for registering a Bangladeshi company is Taka 1 (for local companies) and USD 50000 (for foreign companies).

    Infographics
    How To Form A Private Limited Company In Bangladesh_Best Corporate Law Firm In Bangladesh
    Video Tutorial
    Author’s Bio
    About Barrister Remura Mahbub | One of the most innovative young lawyers in Bangladesh

    Barrister Remura Mahbub is a finance partner and one of the Bangladesh's market leading international lawyers. She is head of the firm's Mergers and Acquisitions practice, which advises corporates and financial institutions on outbound and inbound investments, projects and financings.

    Meheruba has a diverse finance practice , representing large banks, financial sponsors, and corporations. She specializes in acquisition and structured financings, loan portfolio purchase and financing, real estate financings, and inbound and outbound transactions. She has extensive expertise in the energy and infrastructure industries.
    Work highlights

    Meheruba has acted on many high-profile Finance and Commercial deals in Bangladesh and India. These include advising:

    ⦾ Standard Chartered Bank on the sale of a portfolio of loans in Bangladesh, the first in a series of similar deals in Bangladesh as part of the government’s directive to banks to focus on the robustness of their balance sheets.

    ⦾ the lending and underwriting banks on the refinancing of US$6.9bn worth of debt uninsured by the Summit Group

    ⦾ Brookfield Property Partners on the acquisition and financing of Unitech’s real estate portfolio

    ⦾ Enron on the US$3bn Dhabol power project (since renamed Ratnagiri Gas and Power), the first ever inward investment into the power sector

    ⦾ the sponsor and borrowers on the Sakhalin LNG project, the world’s largest integrated oil and gas project and the largest LNG financing in Russia

    Email: [email protected]

    Address: 2 Turner Street, Canning Town, E16 1FH, United Kingdom

    Gender: Female

    Job Title: Barrister and Senior Associate

    Have a Different Question?

    Email us anytime : [email protected]

    Or call — +8801847220062 or +8801779127165

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