If you are planning to register a company in Bangladesh, the first question on your mind is probably: how much will it cost? The answer depends on the type of company you want to set up and how much authorized capital you are starting with.
This guide breaks down the full company registration cost in Bangladesh — from the RJSC government fees to stamp duty, lawyer fees, trade license, VAT registration, and other costs you should plan for. All figures are based on the latest RJSC fee schedule and our direct experience handling 100+ company incorporations in Bangladesh.
Quick Answer: For a small private limited company with BDT 1 lakh authorized capital, the total government fees at RJSC are around BDT 6,200. When you include stamp duty, lawyer fees, trade license, and VAT registration, the full cost to register a company in Bangladesh typically ranges from BDT 25,000 to BDT 60,000 for most small and medium businesses.
Who Handles Company Registration in Bangladesh?
In Bangladesh, all company registrations are handled by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms, commonly known as RJSC. It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and is the only government body authorized to register private limited companies, public limited companies, partnership firms, one-person companies (OPC), and foreign companies. The legal framework for this process is the Companies Act, 1994. Everything from name clearance to the Certificate of Incorporation goes through the RJSC online portal at roc.gov.bd.
Types of Companies You Can Register in Bangladesh
Before looking at costs, it helps to know which type of company fits your situation. The registration fee varies depending on the company type and authorized capital.
- Private Limited Company (Ltd.) — Most popular. Good for startups, SMEs, and foreign-owned businesses.
- Public Limited Company (PLC) — For larger businesses planning to raise public funds.
- One Person Company (OPC) — Suitable for solo entrepreneurs. Introduced under the Companies Act, 2020 amendment.
- Partnership Firm — For two or more people running a business together.
- Sole Proprietorship — The simplest form, but no separate legal identity.
- Branch Office / Subsidiary — For foreign companies entering Bangladesh.
Most entrepreneurs and investors register a Private Limited Company because it provides limited liability, can have 100% foreign ownership, and is accepted by banks, NBR, and BIDA.
Full Company Registration Cost Breakdown in Bangladesh
The total company registration cost in Bangladesh has three main parts:
- Government fees at RJSC (registration fee + stamp duty + filing fee)
- Paid-up capital (the amount you deposit in the bank in the company’s name)
- Professional / lawyer fees and post-registration costs
Part 1: RJSC Government Fee (Based on Authorized Capital)
The RJSC registration fee is calculated based on your company’s authorized capital. Authorized capital is the maximum share capital stated in your Memorandum of Association (MoA). This is not the money you have to actually put in the bank — that is the paid-up capital, which is different. Here is the RJSC government fee table for a private limited company:
| Authorized Capital (BDT) | Govt. Registration Fee (BDT) | Approx. Total Govt. Cost (BDT) |
| Up to 1,00,000 | 6,200 | ~8,000–10,000 |
| 1,00,001 – 5,00,000 | 9,800 | ~12,000–15,000 |
| 5,00,001 – 20,00,000 | 16,200 | ~20,000–25,000 |
| 20,00,001 – 50,00,000 | 29,000 | ~35,000–40,000 |
| 50,00,001 – 1,00,00,000 | 48,600 | ~55,000–65,000 |
| Above 1,00,00,000 | 65,200 | ~75,000+ |
Source: RJSC official fee schedule (roc.gov.bd). The ‘Approx. Total Govt. Cost’ includes the registration fee, filing fee (BDT 200 per document), and certified copy fee.
Note: The RJSC fee calculator is available at app.roc.gov.bd/psp/fee_calculator. Fees are subject to change. Always confirm current rates on the official RJSC portal before filing.
Part 2: Stamp Duty on MoA and AoA
Stamp duty is a mandatory charge paid on your Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA). This is separate from the RJSC registration fee. For private limited companies, the stamp duty structure is:
| Authorized Capital (BDT) | Stamp Duty on AoA (BDT) |
| Up to 40,00,000 | 10,000 |
| 40,00,001 – 12,00,00,000 | 30,000 |
| Above 12,00,00,000 | 50,000 |
Additionally, a stamp of BDT 2,000 is required on the MoA. So, for a company with authorized capital up to BDT 40 lakh, the total stamp duty is BDT 12,000 (10,000 + 2,000).
Part 3: Name Clearance Fee
Before you can register a company, you must apply for name clearance from the RJSC. This confirms that your chosen company name is not already taken or restricted.
- Name clearance fee: Approximately BDT 200–500 (paid online on the RJSC portal)
- The approved name is valid for 30 days. You must complete registration within this window.
- Name search is free — you only pay when you submit a clearance application.
- Restricted words such as ‘Bangladesh,’ ‘National,’ ‘Government,’ and sector-specific terms need prior approval from relevant ministries.
Part 4: Paid-Up Capital Requirements
Paid-up capital is the actual amount of money deposited in the company’s temporary bank account during incorporation. This is real money that shareholders put in, and it forms the company’s initial working capital.
| Company Type | Minimum Paid-Up Capital |
| Local Private Limited Company | BDT 1 (technically), but BDT 50,000–1,00,000 is common in practice |
| Foreign-Owned Company | USD 50,000 (required by BIDA rules) |
| One Person Company (OPC) | No fixed minimum; BDT 25,000–50,000 is practical |
For local companies, there is technically no legal minimum paid-up capital under the Companies Act, 1994. However, most banks require a meaningful amount to open a corporate account. A starting capital of BDT 50,000 to BDT 1,00,000 is the most common choice for small businesses in Dhaka.
For foreign investors: BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority) requires a minimum of USD 50,000 as paid-up capital for 100% foreign-owned private limited companies. An Encashment Certificate from a bank must be submitted to RJSC as proof.
Part 5: Lawyer and Professional Fees
Many business owners try to handle RJSC registration on their own. But a small error in the MoA, AoA, or form submission can cause rejection and delay your Certificate of Incorporation by weeks. A company lawyer handles the full process — from drafting the MoA and AoA to uploading documents on the RJSC portal, paying government fees, and collecting the Certificate of Incorporation on your behalf. Typical lawyer and service fees in Dhaka:
| Service | Estimated Fee (BDT) |
| MoA & AoA drafting | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Full RJSC filing & follow-up | 10,000 – 25,000 |
| End-to-end company incorporation package | 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Foreign company / BIDA registration (extra) | 30,000 – 80,000+ |
Fees vary based on the complexity of the company structure, the number of shareholders, and whether BIDA or other regulatory clearances are involved. At Legal Advice BD, we offer transparent, fixed-fee packages for company incorporation with no hidden charges.
Post-Registration Costs You Must Budget For
Getting your Certificate of Incorporation from RJSC is not the last step. After registration, you will need to complete several other formalities to legally start operations.
| Post-Registration Requirement | Issuing Authority | Approx. Cost (BDT) |
| Trade License | City Corporation / Pourasava | 3,000 – 15,000 |
| VAT Registration (BIN) | NBR (National Board of Revenue) | Free (online) |
| Income Tax Registration (TIN) | NBR | Free (online) |
| Corporate Bank Account (opening) | Commercial Bank | 5,000 – 20,000 (minimum balance) |
| Company Seal | Private vendor | 500 – 1,500 |
| BIDA Registration (foreign co.) | BIDA | Varies; USD 500–2,000+ |
For most small local businesses, the trade license and bank account are the two biggest post-registration costs to plan for.
Total Company Registration Cost Summary
Here is a practical cost summary to help you plan your budget:
| Scenario | Estimated Total Cost (BDT) |
| Small local company (1 lakh authorized capital) — self-filing | 18,000 – 25,000 |
| Small local company — with lawyer assistance | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Medium company (10 lakh authorized capital) — with lawyer | 45,000 – 70,000 |
| Foreign-owned company (100% FDI) — full BIDA package | 1,50,000 – 3,00,000+ |
| OPC (One Person Company) — local | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Partnership Firm | 10,000 – 20,000 |
These figures include RJSC fees, stamp duty, name clearance, lawyer fees, trade license, and bank account. Paid-up capital is not included because it stays in your company account and is not a cost you lose.
How Long Does Company Registration Take in Bangladesh?
The RJSC registration process itself typically takes 5 to 10 working days once all documents are correctly submitted. Delays usually happen due to:
- Errors in the MoA or AoA
- Incomplete or mismatched director / shareholder information
- Name clearance issues (name too similar to existing companies)
- Late payment of government fees
With proper legal assistance, the entire process from name clearance to receiving the Certificate of Incorporation can be done in 10–15 working days. For foreign companies requiring BIDA approval, allow 4–8 weeks total.
Documents Required for Company Registration in Bangladesh
To register a private limited company at RJSC, you will need:
- Name clearance certificate from RJSC
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) — signed by all shareholders
- Articles of Association (AoA) — signed by all shareholders
- Form IX — Consent of each director to act as director
- Form XII — Particulars of directors and managers
- National ID (NID) or passport copy of all directors and shareholders
- TIN certificate of each director
- Passport-size photographs of all directors
- Bank certificate confirming paid-up capital deposit (temporary account)
- Registered office address proof
- Encashment Certificate from Bangladesh Bank (for foreign-owned companies only)
All documents are submitted through the RJSC online portal. Physical visits to the RJSC office are rarely needed for standard registrations.
Common Mistakes That Increase Your Total Registration Cost
Many business owners underestimate the total cost because they only look at the RJSC government fee and forget everything else. Here are the most common mistakes we see:
- Setting authorized capital too high at the start. A higher authorized capital means a higher RJSC registration fee and higher stamp duty. Start with a realistic figure — you can increase it later.
- Drafting the MoA and AoA without legal help. Errors in these documents cause RJSC rejections, which waste time and money.
- Ignoring post-registration requirements. A Certificate of Incorporation alone is not enough to do business. You still need a trade license, TIN, and BIN.
- Not planning for BIDA if you have foreign shareholders. Foreign-owned companies must register with BIDA and comply with Bangladesh Bank’s FDI reporting requirements.
- Choosing an unavailable or restricted company name. This resets the name clearance process and delays everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum company registration cost in Bangladesh?
For a very small local private limited company with authorized capital of BDT 1 lakh, the RJSC government fee is around BDT 6,200. Adding stamp duty and filing fees, the total government cost is about BDT 8,000–10,000. With a lawyer’s help, trade license, and other post-registration steps, the realistic total is BDT 25,000–40,000.
Is company registration free in Bangladesh for small authorized capital?
No. Even for companies with very small authorized capital, there are mandatory fees: name clearance fee, filing fee (BDT 200 per document), stamp duty on MoA (BDT 2,000), and stamp duty on AoA (at least BDT 10,000 for authorized capital up to BDT 40 lakh). There is no zero-fee registration.
What is the RJSC registration fee for a company with BDT 10 lakh authorized capital?
BDT 10 lakh falls in the BDT 5,00,001 – 20,00,000 range. The RJSC government registration fee for this tier is BDT 16,200. When you add stamp duty and filing fees, the total government cost comes to approximately BDT 20,000–25,000.
How much does a partnership firm registration cost in Bangladesh?
Partnership firm registration is much cheaper than a private limited company. The RJSC registration fee for a partnership firm is relatively low (a few thousand takas). Total cost including drafting the partnership deed and registration typically ranges from BDT 10,000 to BDT 20,000.
Does authorized capital have to be the same as paid-up capital?
No. Authorized capital is the maximum amount your company is allowed to issue as shares. Paid-up capital is what has actually been paid in. You can have an authorized capital of BDT 10 lakh but only pay up BDT 1 lakh. The RJSC fee is based on authorized capital, not paid-up capital.
Can a foreigner register a company in Bangladesh?
Yes. Bangladesh allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors through a private limited company. However, foreign-owned companies must bring in a minimum of USD 50,000 as paid-up capital, register with BIDA, and get an Encashment Certificate from Bangladesh Bank. The overall process takes longer and costs more than a local company registration.
Why Use a Company Lawyer for Registration in Bangladesh?
You can technically handle RJSC registration on your own. But most business owners who try it for the first time run into problems — a rejected MoA, a missing form, or a name that looks available but gets denied. Each mistake costs you time and a re-submission fee. A company lawyer at Legal Advice BD will:
- Advise you on the right company structure and authorized capital from day one
- Draft the MoA and AoA correctly, covering your full scope of business
- Handle all RJSC filings and payments on your behalf
- Follow up directly with RJSC to avoid delays
- Collect your Certificate of Incorporation and hand it over
- Guide you through post-registration steps — trade license, TIN, BIN, and bank account
Our team has completed 100+ company incorporations in Bangladesh. We work with startups, SMEs, and international investors — and we know every step of the RJSC process inside out.
Get an Exact Cost Estimate for Your Company Registration
Every company is different. The exact registration cost depends on your authorized capital, the number of directors, whether you have foreign shareholders, and which post-registration steps you need. At Legal Advice BD, we offer a free initial consultation to help you understand exactly what your company registration will cost in Bangladesh — with no surprises.
Contact us today: Schedule an appointment or call our office in Dhaka. Advocate Nashir Ahmed Kushol and his team are ready to help you register your company the right way — fast, affordable, and fully compliant with the Companies Act, 1994.