if you are interested to do business in Bangladesh, then you must need a trade license. without trade license you are not allowed to do any business. as a foreign investor you also need a trade license to start business in Bangladesh.

Trade License

Trade license is issued to companies, proprietors and partnership firms by concerned city corporation, municipality or a union council and is a requirement for every business operating in Bangladesh.

If a business has more than one place of operation, it is required to obtain trade licenses from each local government. A trade license is issued for a year and must be renewed every year. Online application forms are available on local government websites.

Documents required for Trade License:

• Copy of Incorporation Certificate/Permission for Branch or Liaison office
• Certified copy of the Memorandum of Association
• Address of the business in a valid document.(eg. rental deed, land ownership.)
• Applicant’s photo (3 attested copies)
• Copy of the National ID card or copy of passport

To obtain a factory trade license, some additional documents are required.

• NOC declaration from locality
• Holding tax receipts (for renewal)
• Sketch map of factory and surrounding area
• Description of machineries to be used in the factory
• Location map
• Fire license/environment clearance certificate

Useful links:

• http://www.etradelicense.gov.bd/
• http://dncc.portal.gov.bd/
• http://www.dhakasouthcity.gov.bd/
• http://efirelicense.gov.bd/

Renewal Procedure of Trade License in Bangladesh

A trade license has to be renewed every financial year, which begins in the month of July and ends in June of the following year. Fee for renewal is same as for a new license.