A DHL guide to company registration in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s booming e-commerce market offers entrepreneurs a wealth of opportunities to start a new business or grow an existing one. In fact, based on market research conducted by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce market is projected to reach ৳1.5 lakh crore by 2026.

Amidst this growth, several sectors offer numerous business opportunities, including electronics, frozen foods, textiles and garments, agro-based industries, and ceramics. Aspiring entrepreneurs can explore unique business ideas in Bangladesh, focusing on small sectors or even consider entering the top business arenas in the country.

In this article, we will discuss the requirements and steps on how to start a new business in Bangladesh.

1. Develop your business idea

Before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, it is first essential to have a clear and well-thought-out business idea. Begin by conducting extensive market research to identify gaps, opportunities, and potential customer needs within your chosen industry. Analysing the competition, their strategies, and their approaches to addressing market demands is also an essential part of this process.

As you explore different business ideas, consider your interests, expertise, and available resources. Aligning your venture with your passions will help ensure long-term commitment and drive. Moreover, keep in mind the most profitable businesses in Bangladesh while determining your niche. By focusing on high-growth sectors or niches with less competition, you can maximise your chances of success and tap into a lucrative market.

2. Choose the right business structure

Once you have refined your business idea, the next step is to select the most suitable business structure for your venture. In Bangladesh, there are three popular types of business structures available, including:

Type of business structure	Why it is great	Why it may not work
Private Limited Company (PLC)	Highly flexible, permitting complete foreign ownership Shareholders have limited liability, limited to their capital investment Functions as an independent legal entity, capable of purchasing assets, taking on liabilities, signing contracts, employing staff, and paying taxes autonomously	Mandates a minimum of two and a maximum of 50 shareholders Costs for establishment and maintenance may be higher compared to other structures
Branch Office	Can carry out business activities in Bangladesh in line with the parent company's objectives, excluding manufacturing activities Branch profits can be accumulated post-tax, upon approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) or Bangladesh Bank (BB) Suitable for foreign companies interested in trading, research activities, fostering financial and technical collaborations, and providing product-related technical support	Manufacturing activities are prohibited; must be outsourced to a manufacturing firm in Bangladesh Obtaining an establishment licence and a seal bearing the parent company's name is required
Liaison Office	Cost-effective solution for companies entering the Bangladeshi market Serves as a communication bridge between the main business location and other entities in Bangladesh Can explore the Bangladeshi market, establish connections and gather market intelligence	Cannot engage in commercial activities, which may limit its usefulness for some businesses Can only perform specific functions, such as market research and networking, which may not be sufficient for businesses looking to establish a significant presence in Bangladesh Inward remittance is required

3. Register your company

With that, the next thing to do is complete your company registration in Bangladesh. This process consists of several steps, including:

Company name approval: Choose a unique name for your company that represents your business and is easy to remember. The name should not resemble any existing company and must be approved by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC). If successful, you will receive the Name Clearance Certificate from RJSC.
Open a bank account: Establish a bank account in your proposed company’s name for all financial transactions related to your business.
Prepare Memorandum and Articles of Association: Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA and AOA) for your company. These documents outline the purpose, rules, and regulations of your company.
Register with the RJSC: Once you've completed the above steps, submit the required documents to the RJSC to officially incorporate your company in Bangladesh.

4. Obtain necessary licences and permits

Depending on your business, you may also need to obtain various licences and permits to operate legally in Bangladesh. Some of these may include:

Trade Licene
Taxation Identification Number (TIN)
Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration
Import and Export Licences

Ensure you research and secure all necessary permits before starting your e-commerce business in Bangladesh.

Unleash your entrepreneurial potential with DHL Express

Embarking on a new business venture in Bangladesh can be a rewarding experience, with numerous opportunities for growth and success. By choosing the appropriate business structure and navigating the company registration process, you can successfully launch your e-commerce startup in this emerging market and start bringing your business ideas to life. So, whether you're interested in starting an online business, pursuing unique business ideas in Bangladesh, or looking to invest in one of the country's many thriving industries, now is the time to dive in and commence your entrepreneurial journey.

As a partner in your success, DHL Express is here to support you every step of the way. With our extensive network, we ensure that your business will have access to reliable and efficient logistics services, making it easier for you to connect with customers and suppliers both locally and globally. Experience the difference that DHL Express can make in improving your operational efficiency and driving your new business forward in Bangladesh and beyond. Open a DHL Express business account online to get started.

ENJOY SPECIAL CORPORATE SHIPPING RATE WITH US TODAY!