Step 1: Incorporate Your Export Company

Before you can export anything from Bangladesh, you need a legally registered business entity. The most common structure for export businesses is the Private Limited Company, which requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and 2 directors. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are also allowed, they limit your ability to attract investment, sign international contracts, or open corporate bank accounts with foreign exchange facilities.

The incorporation process is administered by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) and is now fully online via the roc.gov.bd portal. The process involves name clearance, drafting the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA), digital signing of documents, and payment of registration fees. The MoA defines the company's objectives — for exporters, this should explicitly mention 'import, export, manufacture, and trade of [your product category]'.

Foreign investors can own 100% equity in most sectors (with a small negative list published by BIDA). Foreign-owned companies must obtain a BIDA registration before incorporation. The minimum paid-up capital for a foreign-owned export company is USD 50,000 (or equivalent in BDT). For Bangladeshi-owned companies, there is no minimum capital requirement — but practically you need at least BDT 5-10 lakh to cover incorporation, bank account opening, and ERC application costs.

The entire incorporation process takes 1-2 weeks if documents are properly prepared. The fee structure is: name clearance BDT 200, registration fee based on authorised capital (e.g., BDT 4,000 for up to BDT 1 lakh authorised capital), and filing fee BDT 1,500-3,000. Use the RJSC online portal to track status — once incorporated, you'll receive a Certificate of Incorporation with a unique company registration number.