Trade License
How to Obtain a Trade License in Bangladesh
Every business entity in Bangladesh requires formal permission from the relevant office of the Dhaka City Corporation or Municipality (Union Parishad, Pouroshava, upazila, or zilla parishad) to operate. This permission is granted in the form of a Trade License. The legal basis for this requirement is found in the Dhaka City Corporation Ordinance, 1983, and the Municipal Taxation Rules, 1986. Operating a business without a trade license is illegal in Bangladesh. To successfully obtain a trade license, the entrepreneur must complete the appropriate form and apply through the relevant authority’s office. For example, Dhaka City Corporation is divided into North and South, and the applicant must choose the correct form based on the business location.
Required Documents:
- Application Form from Dhaka City Corporation (North Form or South Form)
- National ID card of the entrepreneur
- Recent receipt or proof of ownership
- Holding Tax payment receipt
- Recent passport-sized photo of the entrepreneur
- Declaration on a non-judicial stamp to abide by the rules and regulations of the City Corporation/Municipality/Union Parishad
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Agreement of partnership (if applicable)
- Work Permit from the Board of Investment
- Statement of Bank Solvency
- TIN Certificate
Procedure:
- Obtain the designated Application Form from the City Corporation or relevant Municipality’s Office.
- Submit the filled-in Application Form along with the prescribed supporting documents to the taxation officer, who will inspect them.
- Upon payment of the scheduled fees at the City Corporation or Municipality’s office, the applicant shall receive the trade license, provided all requirements are met.
Time Limit:
The estimated processing time for issuing the license is 3-4 working days; however, this may vary depending on the nature and type of business.
