How to set up a business in Bangladesh
Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, Premier Law Services guides you through company formation, licensing and regulatory approvals — sector by sector.
A growing market with clear rules — if you know them
Bangladesh offers a large domestic market, a young workforce and strong export industries. Investors can operate through local companies, branches or joint ventures, and may benefit from incentives in economic zones, export processing zones and Hi-Tech Parks.
Each sector, however, has its own licences, regulators and timelines. Our sector guides below explain the main steps, and our lawyers can manage the entire process on your behalf.
Six steps common to most businesses
Choose a Structure
Private or public limited company, branch, liaison office, partnership or sole proprietorship.
Incorporate with RJSC
Name clearance, Memorandum and Articles of Association and certificate of incorporation.
Trade Licence
From the relevant City Corporation or local authority for your business premises.
Tax Registration
e-TIN from the National Board of Revenue and VAT/BIN registration where required.
Bank & Investment Registration
Corporate bank account, and BIDA, BEZA or BEPZA registration where applicable.
Sector Licences
Industry-specific approvals, plus fire, environmental, factory and import/export registrations.
Choose your industry — 30 sector guides
Ready-Made Garments (RMG)
Factory set-up, BGMEA/BKMEA membership, bonded warehouse and compliance.
Read guide →02Pharmaceuticals
DGDA licensing, product registration and GMP compliance.
Read guide →03ICT & Software
Software, IT-enabled services, Hi-Tech Parks and BTRC licences.
Read guide →04Real Estate
Developer registration, RAJUK approvals and land due diligence.
Read guide →05Construction
Contractor enlistment, e-GP, building code and site safety.
Read guide →06Power & Energy
BERC licensing, renewable projects and power purchase agreements.
Read guide →07Banking & Finance
Bank, NBFI, MFS and payment-service licensing by Bangladesh Bank.
Read guide →08Food Processing
BSTI certification, food-safety registration and labelling.
Read guide →09Shipping & Logistics
Shipping agency, freight forwarding, C&F and vessel registration.
Read guide →10Trading, Import & Export
Trade licence, IRC/ERC, LCs, customs and e-commerce rules.
Read guide →11Agro
Seeds, fertiliser, contract farming and agri-trade.
Read guide →12Aviation
Airlines, charters, GSA, ground handling and travel agencies.
Read guide →13Cement
Grinding units, jetties, BSTI certification and distribution.
Read guide →14Cosmetics & Toiletries
DGDA and BSTI approvals, labelling and brands.
Read guide →15Automotive
Vehicle import, assembly, dealerships and BRTA rules.
Read guide →16Electronics & Accessories
Assembly, BTRC type approval and e-waste compliance.
Read guide →17Fisheries
Hatcheries, feed, processing and seafood export.
Read guide →18Glass
Float and container glass manufacturing.
Read guide →19Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, diagnostics and pharmacies.
Read guide →20Hotel & Tourism
Hotels, resorts, tour operators and travel services.
Read guide →21Jute
Jute trading, mills, diversified products and export.
Read guide →22Leather
Tanneries, footwear and leather goods for export.
Read guide →23Paper
Paper mills, packaging and printing.
Read guide →24Restaurant
Restaurants, cafés, franchises and cloud kitchens.
Read guide →25Security
Guarding, cash-in-transit and electronic security.
Read guide →26Shipbuilding & Ship Recycling
Shipyards, recycling yards and marine engineering.
Read guide →27Steel & Metal
Re-rolling mills, steel products and fabrication.
Read guide →28Tea
Tea gardens, auction, packaging and export.
Read guide →29Telecommunication
ISP, infrastructure, VAS and BTRC licensing.
Read guide →30Transport
Bus, truck, ride-sharing, inland water and logistics.
Read guide →Speak with our legal team
Tell us about your matter. A Premier Law Services lawyer will review it and advise you on the right next step — in person at our Dhaka chamber or online.