How to Register a Liaison Office in Bangladesh

A liaison office does not undertake any commercial, trading or industrial operations in Bangladesh and generates no local income. Its role is to promote the parent company's interests within the guidelines set by the investment authority and to act as a bridge between the foreign headquarters and local stakeholders. Because it cannot earn income, all establishment and running costs must be borne by the foreign parent company.

Prior authorisation from BIDA is mandatory. The application must be supported by the parent company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, its Certificate of Incorporation, the names and nationalities of its directors, a board resolution approving the Bangladesh office, the latest audited accounts, a proposed organisational chart, and a list of intended activities. All documents must be attested by the Bangladeshi Embassy or High Commission, or by the apex Chamber of Commerce of the parent company's country.

BIDA approval is ordinarily granted within two to three weeks of submitting a complete application. A local registration fee of BDT 25,000 applies, and an inward remittance of USD 50,000 must be brought into the office's local bank account from the parent company to meet establishment and operating expenses.