Online company registration in Bangladesh
Practical, process-focused guidance on registering a company through the RJSC portal. This page explains the typical steps, documentation and post‑incorporation requirements; it is informational and not a substitute for legal advice.Introduction
This guide summarises the common online steps to register a company through the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) in Bangladesh. It is intended to clarify process flow, typical documents and common compliance requirements. For tailored legal advice, please book a consultation.1. Choose the appropriate company type
Select the entity type that suits your commercial objectives and regulatory needs. Common forms include:- Private limited company (registered under RJSC) — common for local businesses and foreign investors
- Public limited company
- Partnership firm (registered under the Partnership Act)
- Branch or liaison office (for foreign companies — requires specific approvals)
2. Name clearance
Reserve a company name through the RJSC portal. The clearance is typically valid for 90 days; names must comply with RJSC rules and be distinguishable from existing entities.
- Visit the RJSC portal to submit a name clearance request.
- Create an account and submit the proposed name(s).
- Pay the applicable fee via the portal or bank challan (fees subject to change).
3. Documents commonly required
Documents vary by entity type. Typical materials for a private limited company include:- Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
- Form IX (declaration of compliance)
- Subscriber page with signatures of initial shareholders
- Scanned copies of national ID / passport and photographs
- Board resolution (if applicable)
4. Temporary bank account and capital
Most banks require a temporary or initial company account to receive paid‑up capital prior to final registration. Foreign investors normally remit capital from abroad and obtain any required foreign exchange certifications.Typical bank documentation: name clearance certificate, draft MoA/AoA, IDs, and initial deposit evidence.5. Online submission to RJSC
When you have the required documents and initial deposit, the usual filing steps are:- Log into the RJSC e‑portal and complete the company registration application.
- Upload signed/PDF copies of MoA, AoA, Form IX and subscriber pages.
- Pay registration fees and any applicable stamp duty via the portal or bank challan.
- Submit and retain proof of submission and payment receipts.
6. Certificate of incorporation and certified copies
After successful review, RJSC will issue a certificate of incorporation and certified copies (for download from your RJSC dashboard). Retain printed and digital copies for company records and for use with banks and regulators.7. Post‑incorporation compliance
Common post‑incorporation steps to make a company operational include:- Apply for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) via the NBR e‑system
- Register for VAT / obtain BIN where applicable
- Obtain trade licence from the local City Corporation
- Register for labour welfare and social security if employing staff
- For foreign investment, complete any required approvals such as BIDA registration
Indicative fees and timing
The following table sets out typical, indicative charges. Actual fees depend on share capital, company type and services used.| Service | Indicative amount |
|---|---|
| Name clearance | BDT 600 (approx.) |
| MoA / AoA stamp duty | BDT 2,000+ depending on capital |
| RJSC filing fee | Variable (capital-based) |
| Legal drafting & filing support | Quoted per engagement |
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to visit Bangladesh to register a company?
- Many steps can be completed remotely using scanned documents and electronic submissions, but some services (e.g. bank account opening) may require in‑person or video verification depending on the bank's policy.
- How long is a name clearance valid?
- Name clearance is typically issued for a limited period (often 90 days). Check the RJSC certificate for exact validity and timelines.
- Can a foreign national be a director or shareholder?
- Yes. Foreign nationals can be shareholders or directors subject to applicable foreign investment rules and documentary requirements (passport, proof of address, and any regulator approvals).
- Is paid‑up capital required before incorporation?
- A temporary deposit into an initial bank account is commonly required; the exact requirement depends on the structure and bank. For foreign capital, foreign exchange formalities may apply.
- What are common reasons for RJSC rejection or delay?
- Incomplete forms, unsigned documents, naming conflicts, mismatched IDs, or incorrect stamping are frequent causes. Professional pre‑filing review reduces the risk of queries.
Contact TRW Law Firm
Professional advice and filing assistance
Phone: +8801708000660 | +8801847220062 | +8801708080817
Email: info@trw.org
Relevant practice pages: Foreign direct investment, Financial services regulation, Tax, Arbitration, Employment & labour, and Supreme Court cause list.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about company registration procedures in Bangladesh. It does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please book a consultation or contact us at info@trw.org.