Company Registration Lawyer
Near Me in Chittagong (Chattogram)

Chittagong — officially renamed Chattogram in 2018 — is Bangladesh's second-largest city and the country's premier port and commercial hub. The city has a well-established legal community, with corporate law chambers concentrated in key commercial areas:

• Agrabad CDA Avenue: The city's primary commercial district, home to numerous law firms, chartered accountant offices, and corporate consultancy firms.
• Court Hill (Chittagong Court Area): The district judge's court and bar association complex houses many practising corporate lawyers.
• GEC Circle & CDA Market Area: Another cluster of business advisory and legal service providers.
• Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI): Located in Agrabad, CCCI maintains a directory of affiliated corporate law practitioners.

Our legal team provides complete company registration services for Chittagong-based businesses — from RJSC name clearance to Certificate of Incorporation — with both in-person and fully online consultations available.

Company registration in Bangladesh is governed by the Companies Act 1994 and administered by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC). The entire process is conducted online through the RJSC portal — there is no need to visit Dhaka from Chittagong. Key steps include:

• Step 1 — Name Clearance: Apply online via the RJSC portal (roc.portal.gov.bd) for a unique company name. Processing takes 1–2 working days; the fee is approximately BDT 600.
• Step 2 — Draft MOA & AOA: Prepare the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, defining your business objectives, share capital, and governance framework.
• Step 3 — Open Temporary Bank Account: Required primarily for foreign shareholders to remit capital and obtain an Encashment Certificate from a Chittagong-based scheduled bank.
• Step 4 — Submit RJSC Application: Upload signed MOA/AOA, Form IX (director consent), Form XII (director list), and subscriber pages through the RJSC portal.
• Step 5 — Pay Government Fees: Fees are calculated based on authorised share capital. Pay through RJSC-recognised banks or the online payment gateway.
• Step 6 — Receive Certificate of Incorporation: Issued digitally by RJSC, typically within 20–30 working days of complete submission.

A qualified lawyer ensures your MOA/AOA are legally compliant and the RJSC filing is error-free. Contact our Chittagong legal team for seamless registration.

The RJSC requires the following core documents for incorporating a Private Limited Company:

• National ID (NID) or Passport copies of all Directors and Shareholders
• Passport-size photographs of all Directors
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) — signed and stamped by subscribers
• Articles of Association (AOA) — signed and stamped by subscribers
• Form IX — Written consent of each Director to act in that capacity
• Form XII — Particulars and list of all Directors
• Subscriber page (share subscription sheet with signatures)
• Proof of registered office address — utility bill, rental agreement, or ownership deed (can be a Chittagong address)
• Bank certificate or Encashment Certificate (mandatory for foreign shareholders)
• RJSC fee payment receipt

For foreign directors, notarised and apostilled copies of passports and overseas address proof are additionally required. Our lawyers prepare and verify all documentation — get a free document checklist.

Trade Licenses in Chittagong are issued by the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC). A Trade License is mandatory before commencing any commercial activity under the City Corporation Ordinance. The procedure is as follows:

• Collect the K-Form (commercial firm) or I-Form (industrial) from the CCC Zonal Office or download from the CCC portal.
• Complete the application with your business name, Chittagong address, nature of business, and proprietor/director details.
• Get the form endorsed by the local Ward Councillor.
• Submit the form along with supporting documents (NID, address proof, rental agreement) to the CCC Zonal Office.
• After inspection by the Licensing Inspector, pay the prescribed fee at the designated Sonali Bank branch or via the CCC online payment system.
• Collect your Trade License from the CCC Zonal Office.

The Trade License must be renewed annually by 30th June. A signboard fee (30% of the license fee) is also applicable. Need help with your CCC Trade License? Consult our licensing specialists.

Registration costs in Bangladesh depend primarily on Authorised Share Capital. Government fees payable to RJSC are the same regardless of whether you register from Chittagong or Dhaka. Approximate fees (2025):

• Name Clearance: BDT 600 (approximately USD 5)
• Up to BDT 10 Lakh authorised capital: BDT 20,000–25,000 in government fees
• BDT 10 Lakh – 1 Crore authorised capital: BDT 25,000–55,000 in government fees
• Above BDT 1 Crore: Scaled fees as per the RJSC schedule
• Stamp Duty: Payable on MOA and AOA under the Stamp Act 1899
• Professional Legal Fee: Typically BDT 15,000–50,000+ depending on complexity, number of shareholders, and foreign investment involvement

Additional costs include Trade License fees, TIN registration, BIN (VAT) registration, and sector-specific approvals. Contact us for a transparent, all-inclusive cost estimate.

Since the entire RJSC process is online, there is no time difference between registering from Chittagong and Dhaka. The typical timeline is:

• Name Clearance: 1–2 working days
• Document preparation (MOA/AOA, forms): 2–5 working days with a lawyer
• RJSC processing & Certificate of Incorporation: 15–25 working days
• Total for a local company: Approximately 20–30 working days from start to finish
• Foreign or Joint Venture companies: 30–45 working days (additional BIDA and capital remittance steps)

Delays commonly arise from documentation errors — an experienced corporate lawyer significantly minimises these risks. Our Chittagong team offers expedited assistance for time-sensitive incorporations.

Yes. Bangladesh generally permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors under the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) framework. For Chittagong-based businesses, this is especially relevant for investment in EPZs, the port sector, and manufacturing. Key points:

• Foreign investors may hold 100% shares in most manufacturing, IT, shipping, logistics, and service sectors in Chittagong.
• Companies operating inside Chittagong EPZ or Karnaphuli EPZ (KEPZ) enjoy additional fiscal incentives including tax holidays and duty-free import of raw materials.
• Certain sectors (banking, insurance, telecom, media) have ownership restrictions or require Bangladesh Bank / BIDA approval.
• Foreign shareholders must remit paid-up capital via banking channels and obtain an Encashment Certificate from the receiving bank.
• Work permits and investor visas are processed through BIDA's one-stop service.

Our lawyers are experienced in handling FDI registrations for Chittagong-based and port-related businesses. Speak with our foreign investment legal team for tailored advice.

Bangladesh law provides several business structures, each with different legal obligations and liability scopes:

• Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.): Most popular; minimum 2 shareholders, limited liability, registered with RJSC under the Companies Act 1994.
• Public Limited Company: Can raise public capital; minimum 7 shareholders; subject to SEC oversight. Chittagong has its own stock exchange (CSE) for listing.
• One Person Company (OPC): Single shareholder and director; designed for solo entrepreneurs.
• Partnership Firm: Registered with RJSC under the Partnership Act 1932; registration is optional but recommended.
• Sole Proprietorship: Simplest form; established via Trade License only; no separate RJSC filing.
• Branch Office / Liaison Office: For foreign companies; requires BIDA approval.
• Society / Trust / NGO: Registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 or with the NGO Affairs Bureau.

A lawyer can help you choose the optimal structure for your Chittagong business goals. Talk to our experts today.

Once you receive your Certificate of Incorporation, several post-registration compliance steps are mandatory:

• TIN Registration: Obtain a Tax Identification Number from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) — mandatory for all companies. Apply online via etaxnbr.gov.bd.
• BIN / VAT Registration: Acquire a Business Identification Number from NBR if annual turnover exceeds BDT 30 Lakh.
• Trade License: Apply to CCC before commencing business — renewable annually by 30 June.
• Corporate Bank Account: Open a current account in the company's name at a Chittagong branch of any scheduled bank.
• Import/Export Registration: IRC/ERC from the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports — essential for Chittagong's import/export and shipping businesses.
• Annual Return Filing (RJSC): File yearly returns, financial statements, and AGM minutes with RJSC under Section 150 of the Companies Act 1994.

Our compliance team handles all post-incorporation steps. Get a complete compliance package for your Chittagong business.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) administers the city across multiple zones. Key administrative details for business registration:

• City Corporation: Chattogram City Corporation (CCC)
• Major Thanas: Kotwali, Double Mooring, Pahartali, Bayezid, EPZ, Halishahar, Patenga, Bakalia, Bandarban
• Key Commercial Areas: Agrabad (4000), CDA Avenue (4000), GEC Circle (4000), Oxygen More (4203), Muradpur (4202), New Market (4000)
• Industrial Areas: EPZ Area (4223), Kalurghat (4201), Patenga (4222), Halishahar (4216)
• Postal Code (Sadar/Kotwali): 4000
• Area Code: 031
• Airport: Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP), Patenga
• Port: Chittagong Port — Bangladesh's principal seaport

When completing RJSC, Trade License, or TIN applications, use "Agrabad, Chattogram-4000" (for commercial areas) or the specific thana and postal code. Our lawyers ensure all jurisdiction-specific fields are correctly filled. Book a consultation.

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) are the two constitutional documents that govern a company under the Companies Act 1994:

• MOA (governed by Section 11): Defines the company's name, registered office jurisdiction (e.g., Chattogram), business objectives and scope, authorised share capital, and liability of members. Limited to 400 words across 7 prescribed clauses.
• AOA (governed by Section 22): Sets out internal governance rules — meeting procedures, share transfer mechanisms, director appointments, voting rights, and dividend policies.

A poorly drafted MOA can restrict your company's future business activities — particularly problematic for Chittagong's diverse commercial landscape (shipping, manufacturing, export). An inadequate AOA can lead to shareholder disputes and governance failures. RJSC examiners scrutinise both documents — errors lead to rejection and costly delays. A qualified lawyer ensures your MOA/AOA are tailored, legally sound, and RJSC-compliant. Our legal team drafts MOA/AOA for Chittagong businesses.

Trade License fees under CCC depend on your business category, premises size, and annual turnover. Typical ranges for Chittagong businesses (2025):

• Small Commercial Firm (K-Form): BDT 2,000 – 10,000 per year
• Medium Commercial / Service Business: BDT 10,000 – 30,000 per year
• Large Business / Corporate Office: BDT 30,000 – 50,000+ per year (as assessed by CCC)
• Industrial / Manufacturing (I-Form): BDT 15,000 – 50,000+ per year
• Signboard Fee: 30% of the Trade License fee (mandatory)
• Application Form Fee: BDT 10 (K-Form / I-Form)

Fees are payable at Sonali Bank or via the CCC online portal. The license must be prominently displayed at your premises and renewed by 30 June each year. Late renewal incurs surcharges. Let us manage your trade license application and renewal.

Registered companies must fulfil ongoing statutory requirements under the Companies Act 1994, regardless of whether they are based in Chittagong, Dhaka, or elsewhere:

• Annual General Meeting (AGM): Must be held within 18 months of incorporation, then annually within 15 months of the preceding AGM (Section 81).
• Annual Return (RJSC): Must be filed within 21 days of the AGM (Section 150) — includes financial statements, director list, and shareholder particulars.
• Audited Financial Statements: Required annually; the appointed auditor must be a practising Chartered Accountant.
• Trade License Renewal: By 30 June each year with CCC (for Chittagong businesses).
• Income Tax Return: Filed annually with NBR; corporate tax rates start at 22.5% for non-publicly traded companies.
• VAT Returns: Monthly BIN returns if the company is VAT-registered.
• Director / Shareholder Changes: Must be notified to RJSC within 30 days of any change.

Our compliance management service ensures your Chittagong-registered company stays fully up to date. Contact our compliance team for a tailored annual plan.

Chittagong hosts two major Export Processing Zones — the Chittagong EPZ (established 1983, Bangladesh's first EPZ) and the Karnaphuli EPZ (KEPZ) — both managed by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA). Registering a company inside either EPZ involves a dual process:

• Step 1 — RJSC Incorporation: Register your company with RJSC as a Private Limited Company using the EPZ factory/office address in Chittagong as the registered office.
• Step 2 — BEPZA Application: Submit a separate application to BEPZA for allocation of a factory plot within Chittagong EPZ or KEPZ. BEPZA evaluates your investment plan, export potential, and employment generation capacity.
• Step 3 — BEPZA Approval: Upon approval, sign a licence agreement with BEPZA and pay the required security deposit and lease fees.
• Step 4 — EPZ-Specific Compliance: EPZ companies operate under a simplified regulatory regime — BEPZA provides one-window services for customs, immigration, and utility connections.

EPZ-based companies enjoy tax holidays (5–12 years depending on sector), duty-free import of machinery and raw materials, and streamlined repatriation of profits. Consult our EPZ registration specialists for end-to-end assistance.

RJSC prescribes several statutory forms for incorporation. The three most essential are:

• Form I (Declaration): A statutory declaration affirming that all Companies Act 1994 requirements have been met. Must be signed by an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh or by a director/manager/secretary named in the AOA.
• Form IX (Consent of Director): Each proposed director must sign this form, confirming their willingness to act as a director and that they are not disqualified under the Companies Act 1994.
• Form XII (Particulars of Directors): Lists the full name, address, occupation, and NID/passport details of all directors. Must be filed at incorporation and updated within 30 days of any subsequent director change.

Inaccuracies in these forms are among the most common reasons for RJSC rejection. Our lawyers prepare and meticulously review all statutory forms on your behalf. Contact us for end-to-end RJSC filing support.

Yes. Under the Companies Act 1994, you may use a residential property in Chittagong as your company's registered office, provided certain conditions are met:

• The address must be a physical, identifiable location — not a P.O. Box.
• You must submit proof of address: a recent utility bill (electricity, gas, or WASA), rental agreement, or ownership deed in the name of the company, a director, or a shareholder.
• If the premises are rented, a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the landlord permitting commercial use is advisable.
• The registered office address determines the jurisdiction for Trade License — CCC for areas within the city corporation.
• The address can be changed later by filing the appropriate RJSC form with a board or special resolution.

Many Chittagong-based entrepreneurs initially register from their home address and later shift to a commercial premises in Agrabad or CDA Avenue. Our lawyers handle the entire address verification and filing process. Get guidance on your registered office setup.

You do not need to travel to Dhaka. The entire RJSC incorporation process is conducted online, and all documents can be submitted digitally through the RJSC portal. Here is how the remote process works from Chittagong:

• Name Clearance: Applied for and received online — no physical visit required.
• Document Preparation: MOA, AOA, and statutory forms are prepared by your lawyer and shared electronically for review and signature.
• Document Signing: You sign the printed documents in Chittagong, scan them, and upload to the RJSC portal.
• Fee Payment: Government fees can be paid online or through designated bank branches in Chittagong.
• Certificate of Incorporation: Issued digitally and downloadable from the RJSC portal.
• Post-Registration Steps: TIN, BIN, and Trade License applications are also processed online or at local Chittagong offices (CCC, NBR).

Our firm provides fully remote company registration services for Chittagong clients — you never need to leave the city. Start your remote registration today.

Both TIN and BIN are mandatory registrations for a registered company. Here is how each is obtained from Chittagong:

• e-TIN Registration: Visit the NBR e-TIN portal (etaxnbr.gov.bd), create an account, and complete the online application with your company's incorporation details, director information, and Chittagong address. The 12-digit TIN is issued immediately upon successful submission.
• BIN (Business Identification Number): Apply online through the NBR VAT portal (vat.gov.bd). Provide your TIN, Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, bank account details, and address proof. The BIN doubles as your VAT registration number and is required if annual turnover exceeds BDT 30 Lakh.
• Circle Office: After online registration, your company is assigned to a specific NBR Circle Office based on your Chittagong address. Chittagong has its own tax zone — Chittagong Tax Zone — covering multiple circles.

Our tax and compliance specialists handle TIN and BIN registration as part of our post-incorporation service. Let us manage your tax registrations.

Foreign companies wishing to operate in Chittagong — particularly for shipping, logistics, manufacturing, or port-related operations — can establish a branch office or liaison office with BIDA approval:

• Eligibility: The parent company must have been operating for at least 3 years with a positive track record.
• Application to BIDA: Submit the prescribed form along with the parent company's incorporation certificate, audited financials (last 3 years), board resolution, and proposed Chittagong address details.
• Security Deposit: A refundable deposit (USD 5,000–50,000 depending on office type) must be placed with a scheduled bank.
• Post-Approval Steps: Obtain Trade License from CCC, TIN from NBR, and open a corporate bank account at a Chittagong branch.
• EPZ Alternative: For manufacturing, operating inside Chittagong EPZ or KEPZ through BEPZA may be more advantageous than a branch office.

A liaison office cannot engage in commercial activity, while a branch office can conduct revenue-generating operations. Consult our foreign investment lawyers for branch/liaison office setup in Chittagong.

Chittagong is Bangladesh's primary port city, making shipping, logistics, and Clearing & Forwarding (C&F) businesses among the most commonly registered company types. The registration process involves:

• Standard RJSC Incorporation: Register as a Private Limited Company with MOA objectives covering shipping agency, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, stevedoring, or logistics services.
• Customs C&F License: Apply to the Commissioner of Customs, Chittagong under the Customs Act 1969 for a C&F agent licence. Requires passing a customs examination and obtaining a fitness certificate.
• Shipping Agency Licence: If acting as a shipping agent, register with the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and the Director General of Shipping.
• Stevedoring Licence: Apply to CPA for a stevedoring licence to handle cargo operations within the port.
• Trade License from CCC: Mandatory before commencing operations.

The shipping and port services sector in Chittagong requires specialised legal knowledge. Our team has extensive experience registering port-related companies. Get specialised shipping & logistics company registration support.

When a foreign national serves as a director or shareholder, additional documentation requirements apply:

• Notarised Passport Copy: Notarised by a notary public in the director's country of residence.
• Apostille or Consular Authentication: Under the Hague Apostille Convention, documents from member countries require an apostille. For non-member countries, consular authentication from the Bangladesh Embassy is required.
• Proof of Overseas Address: A utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued ID showing the foreign director's address abroad.
• Encashment Certificate: If the foreign director is also a shareholder, the capital remittance must be documented with an Encashment Certificate from the receiving bank (can be a Chittagong branch).
• Board Resolution from Parent Company: If the director is nominated by a foreign corporate shareholder.
• Power of Attorney: If the foreign director cannot sign in person, a notarised POA authorising a local representative is necessary.

Our lawyers coordinate the entire foreign documentation pipeline — from notarisation to apostille to RJSC submission. Get expert help with foreign director documentation.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), established in 1995, is Bangladesh's second stock exchange. Listing on CSE requires a Public Limited Company structure and involves several stages:

• Step 1 — Register as a Public Limited Company: Incorporate with RJSC as a Public Limited Company — minimum 7 shareholders, minimum paid-up capital as prescribed by BSEC.
• Step 2 — Meet BSEC Listing Criteria: The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) sets eligibility requirements including minimum paid-up capital, track record of profitability (typically 3 years), and corporate governance standards.
• Step 3 — Appoint Issue Managers: Engage a merchant bank registered with BSEC to manage the initial public offering (IPO) process.
• Step 4 — Prospectus and BSEC Approval: Prepare and submit the prospectus to BSEC for approval.
• Step 5 — CSE Listing Application: After BSEC approval and IPO subscription, apply to CSE for listing. The CSE Listing Committee reviews and grants listing permission.

Our corporate law team handles Public Limited Company registration and provides guidance on the CSE listing process. Consult our securities law specialists.

Beyond the standard Trade License and RJSC registration, many of Chittagong's dominant industries require additional regulatory approvals:

• Ship Breaking / Ship Recycling: Must obtain environmental clearance from the Department of Environment (DoE), approval from the Department of Shipping, and comply with the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act 2018. Chittagong's Sitakunda is home to the world's largest ship breaking industry.
• Garments & Textiles: BGMEA/BKTMF membership, fire safety certification from the Fire Service, and compliance with the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006.
• Tea Processing: Registration with the Bangladesh Tea Board and compliance with the Tea Act 1951 — relevant for Chittagong's tea garden areas.
• Factories & Manufacturing: Factory licence from the Chief Inspector of Factories and fire safety certification.
• Food Businesses: Food safety licence from the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA).
• Export-Oriented Units in EPZ: BEPZA handles most sector-specific clearances through its one-window service.

Our team identifies all sector-specific licensing requirements for your Chittagong business. Get sector-specific licensing guidance.

Yes. Each separate business location requires its own Trade License. If your company operates multiple outlets or factories across Chittagong, the rules are:

• Each physical location — even if under the same company name — must have a distinct Trade License from the issuing authority of that area.
• A corporate office in Agrabad requires a CCC Trade License. A factory in the EPZ area requires its own CCC Trade License.
• A branch in Nasirabad or a warehouse in Patenga each needs a separate license.
• The head office Trade License does not automatically cover branch offices or additional factory units.
• Each branch must display its own Trade License at that premises.

Our team handles multi-location Trade License applications for businesses across Chittagong. Contact us for multi-branch licensing assistance.

While CCCI membership is not legally mandatory for company registration, it offers significant advantages for Chittagong-based businesses:

• Trade Facilitation: CCCI issues Certificates of Origin (CO) — essential for exporters shipping goods through Chittagong Port.
• Visa Recommendation Letters: CCCI provides visa recommendation letters for business travel, which is especially useful for directors of newly registered companies.
• ATM Certification: CCCI certifies ATA Carnets for temporary import/export of goods, relevant for businesses participating in international trade fairs.
• Dispute Resolution: CCCI operates an arbitration centre for commercial disputes — an alternative to lengthy court proceedings.
• Networking & Advocacy: Membership connects you to Chittagong's business community and provides representation in policy advocacy with the government.
• Access to Trade Information: CCCI provides market intelligence, trade enquiries, and business matching services.

Many banks and government agencies prefer or require a CCCI membership certificate for certain business transactions. Our team assists with CCCI membership applications alongside company registration. Get CCCI membership assistance.