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Doing Business in Bangladesh

How to set up a Real Estate business in Bangladesh

Developer registration, approvals and secure land titles.

We advise developers, landowners, investors and buyers on developer registration, land due diligence, joint-venture development agreements, RAJUK and local-authority approvals, and the sale of apartments and plots.

Sector Overview

Where title, approvals and contracts all have to align

Real estate development in Bangladesh — especially in Dhaka and Chattogram — involves land records that must be checked carefully, building approvals from development authorities and a specific statute governing developers and their obligations to buyers.

Many projects are built on a joint-venture basis between landowners and developers. A clear development agreement, a properly verified title and full approvals are the foundations of a successful project and of buyers’ confidence.

Set-Up Roadmap

Key steps to get started

01

Company Formation

Incorporate with RJSC and obtain a trade licence, e-TIN and BIN.

02

Developer Registration

Register as a real estate developer with the competent authority (for example, RAJUK in Dhaka).

03

Land Due Diligence

Verify ownership through khatian, mutation, registered deeds and land-development-tax records.

04

Development Agreement

Negotiate and register the joint-venture agreement and power of attorney with the landowner.

05

Building Approvals

Land-use clearance, building plan approval and other authority permissions before construction.

06

Sales & Handover

Allotment and sale agreements, registration of deeds and handover in line with the law.

Licences & Approvals

What you are likely to need

A typical development project will require:

  • RJSC incorporation & trade licence
  • e-TIN & VAT/BIN registration
  • Real estate developer registration
  • Land-use / location clearance
  • Building plan approval (RAJUK or local authority)
  • Environmental clearance (for larger projects)
  • Fire Service clearance
  • Utility connection approvals
  • Registered development agreement
  • REHAB membership (optional)
Legal Framework

Key laws & regulators

  • Real Estate Development and Management Act, 2010
  • Building Construction Act, 1952
  • Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules, 2008
  • Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020
  • Transfer of Property Act, 1882
  • Registration Act, 1908
  • State Acquisition and Tenancy Act, 1950
  • Regulators: RAJUK, CDA, KDA, RDA, local authorities
How We Help

Your legal partner from day one

Plan

We advise on the right structure — company, branch, liaison office or joint venture.

Incorporate

We handle name clearance, RJSC incorporation and constitutional documents.

License

We obtain sector licences, registrations and regulatory approvals.

Comply

We support ongoing filings, contracts, employment and disputes.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I check that land is free from disputes?

We examine the chain of title, khatians, mutation records, registered deeds, tax receipts and court records, and make searches at the relevant offices before you commit.

Is a joint-venture agreement with the landowner enough?

It should be a carefully drafted, registered agreement supported by a registered power of attorney, clearly setting out shares, timelines and remedies.

What are a developer’s obligations to buyers?

The Real Estate Development and Management Act, 2010 sets out duties on approvals, timelines, specifications and handover, and remedies for buyers. We advise both developers and buyers.

Can foreigners buy property in Bangladesh?

Foreign ownership of land is subject to restrictions and approvals. We advise on the available structures for foreign investors.

Consultation

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.

This guide is a general overview and not legal advice. Licensing requirements, fees and timelines in Bangladesh change from time to time and depend on the size, location and structure of each business — please speak with our lawyers before you proceed.
Consultation

Need legal advice? Speak with our team.