Registering Foreign Offices in Bangladesh
Introduction (120-140 characters): Planning to expand your foreign company to Bangladesh? Here’s a detailed guide on how to register your office through BIDA’s OSS portal.
Opening a Foreign Commercial Office in Bangladesh
Foreign companies looking to explore new opportunities in South Asia often set their sights on Bangladesh, a rapidly developing market with promising business potential. Whether you’re expanding operations or testing the waters, setting up a branch, liaison, or representative office in Bangladesh is an essential step. Thankfully, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has streamlined the registration process through its digital One Stop Service (OSS) portal.
What Are Branch, Liaison, and Representative Offices?
These are commercial setups by foreign companies that wish to maintain a presence in Bangladesh without fully incorporating a subsidiary. While they don’t offer the full flexibility of a locally incorporated entity, they serve vital functions like market research, coordination, and support services.
- Branch Office: Can undertake commercial activities on behalf of the parent company.
- Liaison Office: Acts as a communication channel, but cannot perform direct business activities.
- Representative Office: Similar to a liaison office, mainly used for promotional or research-based purposes.
Step-by-Step Registration Process via OSS
The application process for opening any of the above-mentioned offices is now centralized through the BIDA OSS Portal. Here’s how to get started:
- Create an account: Visit bidaquickserv.org and register as a new user. Select the appropriate category for foreign investment.
- Fill in the application: Complete the online application for opening a branch, liaison, or representative office.
- Upload required documents: All supporting documents must be uploaded in a specified format. Details are available on the OSS portal.
- Pay applicable fees: A government registration fee must be paid along with 15% VAT.
- Await committee review: An inter-ministerial committee reviews applications twice a month. If all documents are submitted properly, approval is granted.
Documents Required for Registration
While the full list is available in the OSS portal, here are some of the commonly required documents:
- Application letter from the parent company
- Board resolution from the parent company
- Company registration documents (MoA & AoA)
- List of directors with passport copies
- Projected activities and operational plan in Bangladesh
- Office address in Bangladesh (if applicable)
Approval Timeline and Validity
Once submitted, applications are typically processed within 3–6 weeks. The inter-ministerial committee meets twice per month to evaluate and grant permissions. Once approved, the permission is generally valid for three years and renewable upon request.
Applicable Fees and VAT
Every application involves a processing fee payable to BIDA. In addition, a 15% VAT is levied by the Government of Bangladesh on the registration fee. The exact fee may vary depending on the type of office and scope of operation.
Why Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is considered a gateway to South Asia and is increasingly gaining attention for its young workforce, competitive labor costs, and rapidly improving infrastructure. Establishing a commercial office here provides your company with a strategic advantage in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Tips for a Smooth Registration Process
- Double-check that all documents are translated into English and notarized if required.
- Maintain consistent communication with BIDA officials for status updates.
- Hire a local consultant or legal advisor to navigate regulations efficiently.
Conclusion
Whether you’re testing the market or expanding existing operations, registering a branch, liaison, or representative office in Bangladesh has never been more accessible. With BIDA’s OSS portal and clear procedural guidelines, foreign companies can establish their commercial footprint with confidence. Ensure that all documentation is in order, fees are paid, and regulatory timelines are followed to successfully set up your presence in this dynamic market.
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