Branch Office Registration

Branch Office Registration in Bangladesh

What is a Branch Office?

A branch office is one of the most viable options for foreign investors looking to initiate business in Bangladesh. It allows for the registration of a branch office of an already incorporated foreign company located outside of Bangladesh, without the need to establish a fully foreign-invested company.

In recent years, Bangladesh has become a hub for foreign investors, and the provision for registering a branch office offers the flexibility of conducting business similar to that of a local company. A branch office in Bangladesh operates under the approval granted by the Board of Investment (BOI), allowing it to carry on business activities identical to those of its parent company.

How to Incorporate a Branch Office in Bangladesh

To set up a branch office, foreign investors must obtain permission from the BOI. The following documents, which must be attested by the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission or the Apex Chamber of Commerce of the country of origin, are required for the application:

• Prescribed application form
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) of the parent company
• Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
• Name and nationalities of the directors of the parent company
• Board resolution to open a branch office in Bangladesh
• Audited accounts for the last financial year
• Proposed organogram of the office indicating posts for expatriates and local personnel
• List of activities the proposed office will undertake

How Much Time is Required to Get Approval from BOI?

Once the required documents are submitted to the BOI, it typically takes about 2-3 weeks to receive approval for setting up a branch office in Bangladesh.