Author: SRCO Business Insights | May 6, 2025
Bangladesh BIDA Liaison Office Registration: Complete 2025 Guide by SRCO
Opening a liaison office can be a strategic first step for a foreign company planning to enter the Bangladeshi market. This guide, brought to you by SRCO, explains the complete process of Bangladesh BIDA liaison office registration in 2025, covering eligibility, required documents, fees, and approval timelines.
📌 What Is a Liaison Office?
A liaison office (also called a representative office) is a non-commercial office set up by a foreign company to communicate between the company and Bangladeshi businesses or stakeholders.
Key functions:
- Promoting products/services of the parent company
- Facilitating market research
- Acting as a coordination point for client communication
- Supervising export/import activities on behalf of the head office
Note: A liaison office cannot engage in any commercial, revenue-generating, or trading activity in Bangladesh.
✅ Why Register with BIDA?
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is the central authority for approving liaison office applications. Registration with BIDA is mandatory before a foreign company can legally open a liaison office in Bangladesh.
Benefits of registering through BIDA:
- Legal authorization to operate
- Permission to employ foreign nationals
- Tax and regulatory compliance
- Access to local banking and communication facilities
📝 BIDA Liaison Office Registration Requirements
Before applying, prepare the following mandatory documents:
📄 Required Documents:
- Prescribed application form (to be filled online via OSS)
- Letter of intent to open a liaison office
- Board resolution authorizing the liaison office
- Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum & Articles of Association of the parent compan
- Company profile or brochure
- Last year’s audited financial statements of the parent company
- Organogram of the proposed liaison office (with local and foreign employees)
- List of directors with their nationalities and contact details
- Details of proposed activities in Bangladesh
- Letter of authorization for local representative
- Passport copy and resume of the country representative (if already appointed)
🔐 Important: All documents must be notarized and attested by the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission in the applicant’s home country or by a recognized business chamber.
💻 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Registration Process
Here’s how foreign companies can register their liaison office with BIDA in 2025:
Step 1: Register on the OSS Portal
- Visit the One Stop Service (OSS) portal of BIDA.
- Create an account and select “Apply for Liaison Office Registration.”
Step 2: Fill in the Online Application
- Input company details, contact Information, and proposed office activities
- Upload all the required documents in PDF format.
Step 3: Pay the Government Fees
- Pay BDT 25,000 (application fee) + 15% VAT via online payment (bank transfer or mobile banking)
Step 4: Submit Hard Copies
- After online submission, send hard copies of the application and documents to:
- Commercial Wing
- Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)
- E-6/B, Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207
Step 5: Application Review
- BIDA holds inter-ministerial meetings twice a month
- If documents are in order, approval is granted within 15–20 working days.
📆 Validity & Renewal
- Initial permission is granted for 3 years.
- Can be renewed by submitting a fresh application to BIDA at least 2 months before the expiry
💼 Post-Approval Compliance
Once approved, the liaison office must:
- Open a bank account in a scheduled Bangladeshi bank
- Bring inward remittance of at least USD 50,000 within 2 months for operational expenses.
- Register with the Bangladesh Bank through the bank using Form C
- Apply for a tax identification number (TIN) from the National Board of Revenue (NBR)
- Apply for work permits (if foreign nationals are employed)
- Maintain regular filing and renewals.
💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting documents without proper attestation
- Providing unclear business objectives or activities
- Delay in remitting operational funds
- Applying without proper local representation
📊 Why Choose SRCO for Liaison Office Setup?
At SRCO, we specialize in business registration, foreign investment consulting, and regulatory compliance in Bangladesh. Our liaison office setup service includes:
- Document preparation and attestation guidance
- Online OSS portal application support
- Fee payment handling
- Communication with BIDA officials
- Assistance with post-approval compliance (TIN, bank, work permit)
Let our team handle the complexity while you focus on strategy.
📞 Get Started Today
Ready to open your liaison office in Bangladesh?
📧 Email us at admin@srcobd.com
📍 Visit: www.srco.bd.com
What is a liaison office in Bangladesh?
A liaison office is a non-commercial representative of a foreign company in Bangladesh. It can promote products, coordinate communication, and conduct market research without engaging in revenue-generating activities.
❓ Is BIDA approval mandatory for opening a liaison office?
Yes, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) approval is mandatory before a foreign company can establish a liaison office in Bangladesh.
❓ How long does it take to get BIDA approval?
It typically takes 15 to 20 working days after submission of a complete application to get approval from BIDA, subject to clearance from relevant ministries.
❓ What is the validity period of a BIDA liaison office approval?
Initial approval is generally granted for 3 years. It can be renewed for additional terms by applying to BIDA before expiry.
❓ Can a liaison office carry out commercial activities in Bangladesh?
No. A liaison office is strictly non-commercial. It cannot trade, invoice, or generate income within Bangladesh.
❓ What is the required minimum remittance after approval?
The foreign parent company must remit at least USD 50,000 within 2 months of approval to cover the liaison office’s operating expenses.
❓ Can a liaison office employ foreign nationals?
Yes, but it must apply for work permits through BIDA and follow local labor laws. Approval is subject to the justification of the position and required skills.
❓ What happens if I don’t renew the liaison office registration?
If the registration is not renewed in time, the office will become non-compliant and may be subject to penalties, closure, or blocklisting by BIDA.
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