Starting a Business - Bangladesh

100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors with no mandatory local partner. Exceptions include defence/arms, nuclear energy, reserved forest, and security printing (foreign share capped at 40–49%), plus freight-forwarding, C&F agents, and travel agencies (local partner required by sector regulation).

All companies are incorporated under the Companies Act 1994 through the RJSC (roc.gov.bd), the sole authority for private/public limited companies, foreign companies, partnerships, and trade organisations. Most steps are handled through the RJSC's online portal at app.roc.gov.bd.

(1) Name clearance via RJSC portal (1–2 days, valid 30 days); (2) draft and notarially stamp Memorandum & Articles of Association; (3) foreign shareholders remit share capital to a temporary bank account in the proposed company's name and obtain a Bangladesh Bank encashment certificate; (4) submit MoA/AoA, Form IX (director consent), Form XII, subscriber sheet, and encashment certificate to RJSC with fees; (5) receive digital Certificate of Incorporation (3–7 days); (6) register for e-TIN with the National Board of Revenue.

No statutory minimum paid-up capital exists for incorporation. To sponsor work permits for foreign nationals, a minimum inward remittance of USD 50,000 is required; to bring the total foreign workforce threshold up to visa-eligible status, USD 100,000 is commonly cited. BIDA-registered 100% foreign or joint-venture industrial projects must also remit at least USD 50,000 within two months of BIDA approval.

Manufacturing and service-sector enterprises located outside special economic zones (BEZA, BEPZA, BHTPA, BSCIC) must register with BIDA via its One Stop Service portal. Trading and commercial activities are exempt. Fees range BDT 5,000–100,000 depending on investment size; processing takes 10–15 working days once documents are complete.

End-to-end company formation (RJSC only) typically takes 3–5 weeks; add 2–4 more weeks for concurrent BIDA registration. In the World Bank's inaugural B-READY 2024 report Bangladesh scored 74/100 on Business Entry, placing 29th among 50 economies assessed — a marked improvement from its 168/190 rank under the discontinued Ease of Doing Business index.