Trade License Processing in Bangladesh: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
A trade license is the primary legal document every business needs to operate in Bangladesh. Without it, your business is operating illegally. This guide covers everything about trade license processing in Bangladesh โ required documents, step-by-step process for both Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations, fees, timeline, renewal, and how Taxample handles it for you.
What Is a Trade License?
A trade license is official permission from your local government authority to conduct business in a specific location. It serves as proof that your business exists legally and has met local regulatory requirements.
In Bangladesh, trade licenses are issued by:
- Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)
- Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC)
- Other City Corporations (Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, etc.)
- Paurashavas (Municipalities)
- Union Parishads
- Upazila Parishads
The legal basis comes from the Dhaka City Corporation Ordinance, 1983 and Municipal Taxation Rules, 1986. Operating without a trade license is illegal and can result in fines or business closure.
Trade License Processing in Bangladesh: Required Documents
For Sole Proprietorships and Individuals
- Completed application form (DNCC or DSCC form depending on your area)
- National ID card (attested copy)
- Rent agreement or proof of business premises ownership (attested copy)
- Holding tax payment receipt (attested copy)
- Three recent passport-size photographs (attested)
- TIN certificate
- Declaration on non-judicial stamp (to abide by authority rules)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local community (if applicable)
For Limited Companies (Additional Documents)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (attested copies)
- Certificate of Incorporation (attested copy)
- Statement of Bank Solvency
For Foreign Investors (Additional Documents)
- Work permit from BIDA (Board of Investment)
- Foreign investment approval documents
For Partnership Firms
- Partnership agreement (attested copy)
DNCC Trade License Processing (Dhaka North City Corporation)
If your business is located in areas under Dhaka North City Corporation โ including Gulshan, Banani, Mohakhali, Mirpur, Uttara, Bashundhara, Badda, Tejgaon, and surrounding zones โ you must apply through DNCC.
DNCC Application Process
- Collect the DNCC form: Visit the nearest DNCC zonal office or download it from the DNCC portal. The form fee is approximately BDT 10.
- Fill out the form: Enter your business name, address (within DNCC jurisdiction), business type, and owner details.
- Submit to the DNCC Taxation Officer: Bring the completed form and all attested documents to your DNCC zonal office. The Licensing Supervisor verifies documents on the spot.
- Site inspection (if required): DNCC Sanitary Inspectors visit premises for restaurants, factories, clinics, and manufacturing units. Inspection is typically scheduled within 2โ3 days of submission.
- Pay the fee at designated DNCC bank: Once approved, deposit the license fee at the designated bank branch specified by your DNCC zonal office.
- Collect your trade license: Return to the DNCC office with the bank deposit slip. Your license book is issued the same day.
DNCC Zonal Offices
DNCC operates through multiple zonal offices across its jurisdiction. Submit your application at the zonal office that covers your business address:
- Zone 1: Gulshan, Banani, Mohakhali
- Zone 2: Mirpur, Kafrul, Bhashantek
- Zone 3: Uttara, Turag, Badda
- Zone 4: Tejgaon, Cantonment, Gulshan-2
- Zone 5: Pallabi, Rupnagar, Darus Salam
DNCC also supports online applications through the e-Trade License portal for certain business types.
DSCC Trade License Processing (Dhaka South City Corporation)
If your business is located in areas under Dhaka South City Corporation โ including Dhanmondi, Motijheel, Old Dhaka, Gendaria, Jatrabari, Lalbagh, Sutrapur, Kotwali, and surrounding zones โ you must apply through DSCC.
DSCC Application Process
- Collect the DSCC form: Visit the nearest DSCC zonal office or the DSCC head office. The form fee is approximately BDT 10. The DSCC form is different from the DNCC form โ do not mix them up.
- Fill out the form: Enter your business name, address (within DSCC jurisdiction), business type, and owner details.
- Submit to the DSCC Taxation Officer: Bring the completed form and all attested documents to your DSCC zonal office. The Licensing Supervisor checks document completeness.
- Site inspection (if required): DSCC Sanitary Inspectors conduct site visits for food, manufacturing, healthcare, and chemical businesses. Inspection is typically scheduled within 2โ5 days.
- Pay the fee at designated DSCC bank: Deposit the license fee at the designated bank branch specified by your DSCC zonal office.
- Collect your trade license: Return with the bank deposit slip. Your license book is issued upon verification.
DSCC Zonal Offices
DSCC operates through zonal offices across its jurisdiction. Submit at the zonal office covering your business address:
- Zone 1: Motijheel, Paltan, Sabujbagh
- Zone 2: Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Hazaribagh
- Zone 3: Lalbagh, Kotwali, Bangshal
- Zone 4: Sutrapur, Gendaria, Wari
- Zone 5: Jatrabari, Demra, Shyampur
DSCC also supports online applications through the e-Trade License portal for certain business types.
DNCC vs DSCC: Key Differences
| Aspect | DNCC | DSCC |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Gulshan, Banani, Mirpur, Uttara, etc. | Dhanmondi, Motijheel, Old Dhaka, etc. |
| Application form | DNCC form (different) | DSCC form (different) |
| Submission office | DNCC zonal office | DSCC zonal office |
| Fee structure | Similar range (BDT 100โ40,000+) | Similar range (BDT 100โ40,000+) |
| Site inspection | DNCC Sanitary Inspector | DSCC Sanitary Inspector |
| Online portal | e-Trade License (etradelicense.gov.bd) | e-Trade License (etradelicense.gov.bd) |
| Processing time | 3โ7 working days (official) | 3โ7 working days (official) |
Important: Using the wrong form (DNCC form for a DSCC area or vice versa) is the most common mistake. It causes automatic rejection and you must restart the process. Always confirm which City Corporation your business address falls under before collecting the form.
Trade License Fees in Bangladesh
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Application form fee | 10 |
| License fee (small business) | 100โ1,000 |
| License fee (medium business) | 1,000โ10,000 |
| License fee (large business) | 10,000โ40,000+ |
| License fee (limited companies) | Based on paid-up capital |
The fee structure is similar across DNCC and DSCC. Manufacturing and regulated industries typically pay higher fees than retail or service businesses.
Processing Timeline
| Stage | Official Timeline | Realistic Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission and document verification | 1โ2 days | 1โ3 days |
| Site inspection (if required) | 1โ2 days | 2โ5 days |
| Fee payment and license issuance | 1โ2 days | 1โ2 days |
| Total | 3โ7 working days | 5โ10 working days |
Timeline is similar for both DNCC and DSCC. Delays usually come from incomplete documents or site inspection scheduling.
Online Trade License Processing in Bangladesh
Both DNCC and DSCC support the e-Trade License portal (etradelicense.gov.bd). Businesses can apply for and renew trade licenses online. This reduces in-person visits and speeds up processing for straightforward applications.
However, not all business types are supported online yet. For complex cases (manufacturing, foreign investment, regulated industries), in-person processing at the respective DNCC or DSCC zonal office is still required.
Trade License Renewal in Bangladesh
Trade licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal process is simpler for both DNCC and DSCC:
Renewal Documents Required
- Original trade license book
- Challan book or previous year’s payment receipts
- Up-to-date rent receipt or proof of ownership
- Up-to-date TIN certificate
- Up-to-date fire license (if applicable)
- Up-to-date environmental clearance certificate (if applicable)
Renewal Process (DNCC and DSCC)
- Deposit the renewal fee at the designated bank (specified by your DNCC or DSCC zonal office)
- Submit the fee receipt and required documents to your zonal office
- Authorities verify documents
- Renewal is endorsed in your license book or a new slip is issued
Renewal Fees and Timeline
- Application fee: BDT 10
- License fee: Same as initial fee (BDT 100โ40,000+ based on business type)
- Renewal timeline: 1โ3 working days
Initiate renewal well before your license expires. Operating with an expired trade license can result in penalties from either DNCC or DSCC.
Common Reasons for Trade License Processing Delays
- Incomplete documents: Missing attested copies, expired TIN, or no holding tax receipt
- Wrong form: Using DNCC form for a DSCC area (or vice versa) โ automatic rejection
- Site inspection issues: Premises not meeting health/safety standards
- No NOC: Required for certain business types in residential areas
- Office workload: High application volume at certain times of year (especially JulyโAugust)
Penalties for Operating Without a Trade License
- Fines imposed by DNCC, DSCC, or your local government authority
- Suspension of business operations
- Inability to open bank accounts or apply for loans
- Inability to register for VAT or obtain import/export licenses
- Difficulty securing contracts with corporate or government clients
How Taxample Helps with Trade License Processing in Bangladesh
Taxample provides complete trade license processing services for both DNCC and DSCC. We handle the entire process so you can focus on launching your business:
- Determining jurisdiction: We confirm whether your business falls under DNCC or DSCC and collect the correct form
- Document preparation: We help you gather, attest, and organize all required documents
- Application submission: We submit your application to the correct DNCC or DSCC zonal office
- Follow-up: We track your application status and handle queries from the licensing office
- Fee payment: We manage the fee deposit at the designated bank
- License collection: We collect and deliver your trade license to you
- Annual renewal: We remind you before expiry and handle the renewal process
Our team knows the specific requirements of each DNCC and DSCC zonal office. We know which documents need attestation, which form to use, and how to avoid common delays.
See our related services: company formation services, business permit renewal, and license compliance services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does trade license processing in Bangladesh take?
The official timeline is 3โ7 working days for both DNCC and DSCC. In practice, it takes 5โ10 working days depending on document completeness, site inspection requirements, and zonal office workload.
What is the difference between DNCC and DSCC trade license processing?
The process is nearly identical, but the forms, submission offices, and zonal jurisdictions differ. DNCC covers areas like Gulshan, Mirpur, and Uttara. DSCC covers areas like Dhanmondi, Motijheel, and Old Dhaka. Using the wrong form results in automatic rejection.
How much does a trade license cost in Bangladesh?
The application form fee is BDT 10. The license fee ranges from BDT 100 to BDT 40,000+ depending on your business type and size. Fees are similar across DNCC and DSCC. For limited companies, the fee is based on paid-up capital.
Can I apply for a trade license online in Bangladesh?
Yes. Both DNCC and DSCC support the e-Trade License portal (etradelicense.gov.bd). However, not all business types are supported online. Complex cases still require in-person processing at the respective zonal office.
Do I need to renew my trade license every year?
Yes. Trade licenses in Bangladesh must be renewed annually through either DNCC or DSCC (depending on your jurisdiction). Renewal is simpler than the initial application and takes 1โ3 working days.
What happens if I operate without a trade license?
Operating without a trade license is illegal. DNCC, DSCC, or your local authority can impose fines, suspend operations, and block access to bank accounts, VAT registration, and business contracts.
Can Taxample handle the entire trade license processing for me?
Yes. Taxample handles jurisdiction determination, document preparation, application submission to DNCC or DSCC, follow-up, fee payment, license collection, and annual renewal. Contact us to get started.
Get Your Trade License with Taxample
Taxample makes trade license processing in Bangladesh simple and fast. We handle DNCC and DSCC applications, paperwork, follow-up, and government liaison โ so you don’t have to.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to start your trade license application today.
Last updated: October 7, 2026
About the Author
This article was reviewed and published by the Taxample Editorial Team at Taxample.com, a licensed Odoo Partner and management consulting firm in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Our content is reviewed by Md. Mahdi Mobashir, Founder Partner & CEO โ Part-Qualified Chartered Accountant, Odoo Certified Professional, MBA (IBA), ITP. Learn more about Taxample.
