How to Set Up a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh. This article will guide setting up a private limited company in Bangladesh. There are various ways to start a business in Bangladesh and one of the most preferred options and useful modes is to incorporate a Private Limited Company.
Therefore, this article will focus on the procedure of registering a private limited company in Bangladesh. In addition, the legal compliances such as Tax compliance of a private limited company in Bangladesh after incorporation will also be reflected in this article.
Ways of doing business in Bangladesh
There are five ways of doing business in Bangladesh. They are as follows:
- Private Limited Company
- Public Limited company
- Branch office
- Liaison Office
- Proprietorship
Why a private limited company is a popular way of doing business
It is comparatively easier and less costly compared to public limited companies. In addition, a private limited company is a full-fledged way to generate income compared to a branch office and liaison office. Furthermore, a proprietorship will not create a legal entity that a private limited company does create.
Steps to set up a private limited company in Bangladesh
Name clearance
To form a private limited company, the first step is to choose a name for the company which should be unique. After choosing the name, one needs to apply for name clearance to get the name approval certificate from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC). It usually takes 1 to 2 days to get the certificate. Currently, the government fee for name clearance is 230 BDT or 3 USD.
It should be noted that there are some differences in terms of forming a limited company in Bangladesh between Bangladeshi nationals and foreign nationals/entities. How to set up a private limited company in Bangladesh
Drafting Memorandum of Association
A Memorandum of Association (MOA) of a limited company includes the objectives of a company. One can add as many objectives as one wants. However, it needs to be kept in mind that to start a business in banking, finances, school, or hospital, prior approval from the concerned authority is required. In addition to the objectives of a company, an MOA also includes the authorized capital of the company.
Drafting the Article of Association
(AOA) is the constitution of the company. An AOA contains all the rules of how a limited company will run and who will be the Managing director, Chairman, and Director of the company. In addition, an AOA also includes how the company bank account will be operated, how the decision will be made among the shareholders, and what will be the minimum quorum for making a decision.
Bank account opening (for foreign nationals/entities)
At what stage one can open a bank account, will defer between foreign national / entity and Bangladeshi nationals? In the case of foreign nationals/entities, after getting the name clearance certificate, the signatory of the bank account will go to the bank and deliver the following documents to open a provisional bank account in the name of the company.
The documents that need to be submitted are
- Photocopy of the name clearance certificate
- Draft AOA and MOA
- Photocopy of passport (application for foreign nationals)
After receiving the above-mentioned documents, the bank will open a provisional account in the name of the company.
Share money deposit (for foreign nationals/ entities)
After opening the provisional bank account, a share money deposit will be sent from the country of the foreign shareholder to the provisional account. The money is required to be sent from the person or entity account of the shareholder. After receiving the payment the bank in Bangladesh will issue an encashment certificate.
Registration to RJSC
After receiving the encashment certificate, a few documents need to be submitted to the RJSC namely AOA, MOA, encashment certification all other necessary information. After receiving all the necessary documents and information, RJSC will generate an invoice to be paid to the recognized bank.
Required documents and information for company formation
The documents and information required for company formation are as follows:
- Particulars of Directors i.e. name, parents’ name, passport number, email ID, mobile number
- Name of Managing Director
- Name of Chairman
- NID (if Bangladeshi national)
- TIN (if Bangladeshi national)
- Limit of paid-up capital
- Limit of authorized capital
- Photo of all shareholders (1 copy)
- Address of company
- Signatories of the bank account
Government cost
The government cost for registration depends upon the authorized capital of the company. For instance, if the authorized capital is 50lakh, the government fee will be BDT 13570 or USD 160 along with 15% VAT.
Incorporation certificate
After receiving all the above-mentioned documents, RJSC will verify all the information given in the AOA and MOA and will also verify the encashment certificate with the bank. After being satisfied with all the information, the RJSC will issue an incorporation certificate in the name of the company.
What are the steps to be taken post-registration?
TIN
After receiving the incorporation certificate, an application needs to be made to the National Board of Revenue (NRB) for a tax identification number. Upon receiving the application, a tax certificate will be issued under the name of the company.
Trade license
To get a trade license, an application needs to be made to the concerned city corporation. Along with the application, the following information needs to be submitted:
- Photocopy of AOA and MOA
- Photo of Managing Director or Chairman
- TIN of the company
- Rental agreement
- Nature of business
It usually takes 3 to 4 working days to get a trade license. to learn more about how to get a trade license in Bangladesh please click here.
Bank account opening (for Bangladeshi nationals/entities)
To open a bank account under the name of the company, a Bangladeshi national needs to submit the incorporation certificate, AOA, MOA, TIN, and Board resolution to the bank. Thereafter, a bank account will be opened under the name of the company and the company can start transactions with the bank.
Return Filling
Every limited company is required to file documents related to the management or operation of the entity to the RJSC in prescribed forms and schedules. This is called Return Filing. There are two types of return filing namely Annual Return Filing and Returns Filing for any change in an entity.
Procedure for return filing
- Returns need to be submitted by entities for filing at RJSC
- The filing fee needs to be paid by the entity to the RJSC counter and if applicable, we need to pay the late filing fee as well.
- If the submission is incorrect or incomplete, RJSC will notify the remedial measures the entity
- Annual summary of share capital, list of shareholders and Directors (required to be filled within 21days of AGM)
- Balance Sheet (required to be filled within 30 days of AGM)
- Profit and Loss Account (required to be filled within 30 days of AGM)
- Form 23B Notice by Auditor (required to be filled within 30 days of receiving appointment information from the company)
What are the Types of Returns for change to be submitted?
- Notice for division, sub-division, consolidation, or conversation into the stock of shares to be filled in Form III within 15 days of consolidation and division, etc
- Notice of increased share capital/member to be filled in Form IV within 15 days of increase of share capital or member
- Notice of any change in the Registered Office to be filled in Form VI within 28days of change
- Special Resolution or Extraordinary Resolution to be filled in Form VIII within 15 days of the meeting
- Director’s consent to act to be filled in Form IX within 30 days of appointment
- Particulars of the Directors, Manager, and Managing Agents and of any change therein to be filled in Form XII within 14 days of appointment or any change
- Return of allotment to be filled in Form XV within 60days of allotment
- Particulars of mortgages or charges are to be filled in Form XVIII within 21 days of the creation of mortgages
- Instrument of transfer of shares to be filled in Form 117
Value Added Tax (VAT) Certificate
To carry out normal business operations in Bangladesh after the formation of a private limited company, the company must have a unique Business Identification Number (BIN). Normal business operation includes import and export, carrying out banking activities, participation in the tender, etc. Therefore, companies must have a VAT registration certificate to get a Business Identification Number. VAT is regulated by the Customs, VAT, and Excise Department of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Applying for VAT registration is free
Required documents
- TIN Certificate
- Trade License
- Import/export Registration certificate
- Passport-sized photos
- Deed of Agreement
- Bank solvency certificate
- BOI registration
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
Every private limited company needs to pay the VAT on the 15th (fifteen) of every consecutive month.
Legal Advice regarding setting up a private limited company in Bangladesh by CLP:
The Barristers, Advocates, and lawyers at CLP in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh are highly experienced at assisting clients through the entire process and legal provisions relating to setting up a private limited company in Bangladesh. For any queries or legal assistance, please contact us at info@counselslaw.com Phone:+8801700920980. +8801947470606. Address: House 39, Road 126 (3rd Floor) Islam Mansion, Gulshan 1, Dhaka.
FAQs on Setting Up a Private Limited Company in Bangladesh:
What is the most popular way of doing business in Bangladesh?
Private Limited Company.
What are the initial steps to register a private limited company?
- Obtain name clearance from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC).
- Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).
What documents are required for company formation?
- Particulars of Directors, Managing Director, and Chairman.
- National ID (for Bangladeshi nationals), Passport (for foreign nationals).
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) (for Bangladeshi nationals).
What are the post-registration steps?
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Trade License.
- Open a bank account.
- File annual returns and VAT registration.
Where can I seek legal assistance for setting up a private limited company?
CLP (Counsels Law Partners) in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Contact: info@counselslaw.com, +8801700920980, +8801947470606.
How long does it take to register a private limited company in Bangladesh?
The process typically takes several weeks to complete, depending on various factors such as document preparation, government approvals, and processing time.
Can foreign nationals/entities register a private limited company in Bangladesh?
Yes, foreign nationals/entities can register a private limited company in Bangladesh. However, there are specific requirements and procedures they need to follow, such as obtaining name clearance, opening a provisional bank account, and fulfilling foreign investment regulations.
What are the ongoing compliance requirements for a private limited company in Bangladesh?
- Annual return filing with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC).
- VAT filing and payment.
- Compliance with tax regulations.
- Updating any changes in company details with relevant authorities.
Are there any restrictions on the business activities of a private limited company in Bangladesh?
Certain business activities, such as banking, finance, education, and healthcare, may require prior approval from regulatory authorities before commencing operations.
What are the benefits of setting up a private limited company in Bangladesh?
- We have limited liability protection for shareholders.
- Separate legal entity status. Ability to raise capital by issuing shares.
- Perpetual succession means the company continues to exist even if shareholders change.
