How to set up a Hotel & Tourism business in Bangladesh
We advise hotel developers, resort owners, tour operators and travel agencies on licensing, land and building approvals, management and franchise agreements, and day-to-day compliance.
Hospitality growth from Cox’s Bazar to Sylhet
Domestic tourism and business travel are driving investment in hotels, resorts and tourism services across Bangladesh, including international hotel brands in Dhaka and Chattogram.
Hotels and restaurants require registration under the Bangladesh Hotel and Restaurant Act, 2014, while tour operators and travel agencies have their own registration regimes. Coastal and protected areas carry additional environmental controls.
Key steps to get started
Company Formation
Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.
Land & Building
Land due diligence, building plan approval and environmental clearance.
Hotel Licence
Registration and licence under the Hotel and Restaurant Act, 2014.
Brand & Management
Franchise, management or operating agreements with hotel brands.
Ancillary Licences
Fire, food safety, bar (where permitted) and other service licences.
Tourism Services
Tour operator, tour guide and travel agency registrations.
What you are likely to need
Requirements depend on the scale, location and structure of your business. Common approvals include:
- RJSC incorporation & trade licence
- e-TIN & VAT/BIN registration
- Hotel / restaurant registration & licence
- Building plan approval
- Environmental clearance (DoE)
- Fire licence
- Food-safety registration
- Tour operator / travel agency registration
Key laws & regulators
- Bangladesh Hotel and Restaurant Act, 2014
- Bangladesh Tourism Board Act, 2010
- Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act, 2021
- Safe Food Act, 2013
- Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995
- Narcotics Control Act, 2018
- Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
- Regulators: Ministry of Civil Aviation & Tourism, BTB, DoE
Your legal partner from day one
We advise on the right structure — company, branch, liaison office or joint venture.
We handle name clearance, RJSC incorporation and constitutional documents.
We obtain sector licences, registrations and regulatory approvals.
We support ongoing filings, contracts, employment and disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Does a hotel need a special licence?
Yes. Hotels must be registered and licensed under the Bangladesh Hotel and Restaurant Act, 2014.
Can I operate under an international hotel brand?
Yes, through a franchise or management agreement. These agreements need careful review of fees, standards and termination rights.
Are there restrictions in coastal areas?
Development in coastal and ecologically sensitive areas is subject to additional environmental controls. We check these before you invest.
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.