Introduction: Expanding into Bangladesh has become an enticing prospect for U.S. companies, thanks to the country’s robust economic growth and investor-friendly policies. Bangladesh’s GDP growth was around 5.8% in FY2023-24 despite global challenges , and it attracted $4.18 billion in foreign direct investment in 2023-24 . The United States and Bangladesh also enjoy strong trade ties – bilateral trade in goods and services reached $12.4 billion in 2024 . For American corporations looking to tap into this dynamic market, setting up a branch office in Bangladesh can be a strategic and efficient entry mode. This comprehensive guide (written by a next-door consultant with expertise in Bangladesh business setup) will walk you through the process, requirements, and benefits of opening a branch office in Bangladesh as a U.S.-based company, with practical tips and data-driven insights.
Why Expand to Bangladesh? (Opportunities for U.S. Businesses)
Bangladesh is often touted as one of Asia’s next emerging economies, offering a large consumer base of over 170 million people and a strategic location bridging South and Southeast Asia. The country has sustained high economic growth in recent years and continues to improve its business climate to attract foreign investors . Key advantages of expanding to Bangladesh include:
Booming Market: Rising middle-class income and urbanization are fueling demand in sectors like consumer goods, telecommunications, infrastructure, and energy. U.S. firms can capitalize on this growing market need.
Competitive Labor and Costs: Bangladesh offers competitive labor costs and a young workforce, which can benefit manufacturing and service-oriented investments.
Investor Incentives: The government, through the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), provides incentives such as tax holidays, export processing zones, and simplified processes for foreign companies. Most industries allow 100% foreign ownership, and the regulatory framework is gradually improving to facilitate ease of doing business .
U.S.-Bangladesh Trade Relations: The U.S. is a major trade partner for Bangladesh, importing large volumes of ready-made garments and other goods. In 2024, U.S.–Bangladesh trade in goods and services grew by 3% to reach $12.4 billion , reflecting increasing engagement. This existing trade relationship can smooth the path for U.S. companies venturing into Bangladesh.
Overall, Bangladesh’s combination of market potential, cost advantages, and pro-investment policies makes it an attractive expansion destination. A branch office can be an ideal structure to enter this market without forming a new subsidiary, as we discuss below.
Understanding Branch Offices in Bangladesh
A branch office is essentially an extension of your U.S. company operating in Bangladesh, rather than a separate legal entity. This means the branch operates under the identity and ownership of the parent company, and the parent company bears full legal liability for the branch’s activities and debts . In Bangladesh, branch offices of foreign companies are regulated by BIDA and must comply with the Companies Act 1994 and other local regulations . Here are key characteristics of a branch office in Bangladesh:
Not a Separate Company: A branch is not a separately incorporated entity. It acts as an adjunct of the parent corporation, with no distinct legal personality . The parent company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (charter documents) govern the branch’s operations, and any liabilities or obligations of the branch are ultimately liabilities of the parent . This allows the parent (U.S. company) to retain direct control, but it also means liability is not ring-fenced – the parent is responsible for the branch’s obligations.
Permitted Activities: Branch offices can engage in commercial, revenue-generating activities in Bangladesh, but only within the scope approved by BIDA . When applying to establish a branch, the company must declare the intended business activities, and BIDA will authorize specific activities in the approval letter. Common permitted activities for branches include providing services or executing contracts related to the parent’s business, import/export of products (with proper licenses), sales and after-sales support, consulting or software services, etc., as long as these are aligned with the parent company’s business . Branches cannot pursue new business lines beyond what was approved. (In contrast, a liaison/representative office is even more restricted – it can only perform liaison and market research roles and cannot engage in any income-generating operations in Bangladesh .)
Branch vs. Subsidiary: Unlike a branch, a subsidiary would be a new Bangladeshi company (often a Private Limited Company) in which the foreign parent owns shares. Setting up a subsidiary involves incorporation under local law, local directorship requirements, and creating a distinct legal entity that limits the parent’s liability. A branch office avoids those steps – it is quicker to set up and does not require any local shareholders or separate capital injection aside from operational funds . However, since the branch is not separate, profits earned in Bangladesh are taxable in Bangladesh (at the regular corporate tax rates) and repatriated profits may incur an additional branch profit remittance tax (currently 20% on after-tax profits) when sending money back to the U.S. . Many U.S. companies choose a branch when they want direct oversight and easy exit from the market, especially for project-based work or initial market entry, whereas a subsidiary may be preferred for long-term investments where local equity structure or liability separation is needed.
Lifespan and Renewal: Branch office permissions in Bangladesh are typically granted for a fixed term (commonly 3 years) by BIDA . They are renewable upon application, allowing the branch to continue operations beyond the initial term. It’s important to apply for renewal a few months before expiry to avoid any lapse in authorization .
In summary, a branch office in Bangladesh offers U.S. companies a controlled and straightforward route to establish a presence, carry out business operations, and generate income locally without incorporating a new company. Next, we will outline the requirements and step-by-step process to set up a branch office.
Key Requirements for Setting Up a Branch Office
Before you can establish a branch in Bangladesh, your company must meet certain eligibility criteria and prepare necessary documentation. Below are the key requirements and prerequisites:
Parent Company Eligibility: The foreign parent (your U.S. company) should typically have a track record of at least 2 years of operation before opening a branch in Bangladesh . This ensures the parent is an established entity. Additionally, the branch must operate under the same name as the parent company and cannot have a different identity .
Financial Standing: Bangladeshi authorities expect the parent company to be financially sound. While there isn’t a formal paid-up capital for a branch, the parent must commit to funding the branch’s operations. In fact, upon approval, the parent company is required to remit a minimum of US$50,000 to Bangladesh as initial capital to cover setup and first-year expenses . This inward remittance must be brought in within 2 months of receiving BIDA’s approval for the branch. All branch expenses (rent, salaries, etc.) must be met either through these head office remittances or from the branch’s locally generated revenue (if the branch is allowed to earn income) . There is no separate share capital requirement and no local equity needed for a branch office – the $50k initial fund is essentially an operational funding requirement, not an equity investment.
Permits and Registration: A foreign branch office must obtain approval from BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority) before it can commence operations. BIDA is the primary government body that vets and permits foreign branch (and liaison) offices. After BIDA permission, the branch must also be registered with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) in Bangladesh to formalize its legal presence . Additionally, the branch will need to obtain a Trade License from the local city corporation or municipality where it operates, as well as tax registrations (Tax Identification Number and VAT if applicable), which we will detail in the process section.
Authorized Activities and Sector Approvals: In the BIDA application, the parent company must specify the intended business activities of the branch. Approval will only be granted for those stated activities. Therefore, ensure that the scope of work you propose aligns with what’s generally permitted. Most sectors in Bangladesh are open to foreign investment, but a few industries are restricted or require special permissions (for example, banking, insurance, defense-related equipment, etc., may have additional layers of approval or prohibitions) . It’s important to verify that your business activities are allowed for a branch office. BIDA’s approval letter will explicitly list the permitted activities for your branch, and the branch must not engage in any business outside this scope.
Documentation: Preparing documentation is a critical part of the setup. Key documents typically required for the branch approval include: the Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company, the Memorandum & Articles of Association of the parent, audited financial statements for the last 2 years, a Board resolution from the parent company’s directors deciding to open the branch in Bangladesh, and detailed information about the company’s business and proposed branch operations . You’ll also need to provide a list of the parent company’s directors and shareholders, an organizational chart or description of the branch’s management structure, and profiles of the Bangladesh branch’s intended chief executive (if any). All foreign documents must be in English (or translated into English) and notarized, and often they must be attested by the Bangladesh Embassy/High Commission in the USA or the nearest consulate . This legalization process can take time, so plan accordingly.
Local Office and Staff: A branch office is required to have a registered office address in Bangladesh. This means you will need to secure a physical office space (even a small one) and provide a tenancy agreement when applying for certain licenses like the Trade License. The branch can be staffed by local employees and also foreign nationals (expatriates). Note that hiring expatriates will require obtaining work permits and visas (an Employment (E) visa for foreign employees and potentially PI (Investor) visa for foreign directors), which BIDA can facilitate after the branch is registered. Typically, branch offices are allowed to employ foreign nationals in a ratio (e.g., at most 5 foreign employees for every 20 local employees, according to some guidelines), but this is subject to change and the specific needs approved by BIDA.
In short, adequate preparation – ensuring your parent company meets the age/financial criteria, compiling all required documents, and understanding the allowed scope – is essential before you apply. With prerequisites in place, you can move on to the actual registration process, described next.
Step-by-Step Process to Open a Branch Office in Bangladesh
Setting up a branch office involves dealing with multiple government authorities in a sequence. Below is a step-by-step breakdown for a U.S.-based corporation to establish a branch in Bangladesh:
Obtain BIDA Approval: The first and most crucial step is to apply for permission from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). BIDA has an online One Stop Service (OSS) portal where foreign companies can submit branch office applications. You will need to create an account, fill out the application form, and upload the required documents (as discussed above) via the portal. A government fee (application fee) is payable to BIDA (approximately BDT 25,000 to 35,000, which is around a few hundred USD). Once the application is submitted, BIDA will review it, and approval is typically granted within about 1 month if all documents are in order . BIDA might sometimes ask for clarifications or additional documents, which you should respond to promptly to avoid delay. Upon approval, BIDA issues an approval letter (permission letter) – nowadays often in electronic form – which legally allows the branch to be established. This BIDA approval letter will outline the permitted activities, the tenure of approval (usually 3 years), and various conditions the branch must comply with.
Open a Local Bank Account: After receiving BIDA approval (or concurrently while waiting), you should open a bank account in Bangladesh in the name of the proposed branch office. This is necessary because you will need to inject the initial capital funds. Choose an authorized dealer (AD) bank – essentially a commercial bank authorized to deal in foreign exchange. The bank will guide you in opening a “Branch Office account.” Keep the account ready, because within a couple of months you must remit the required funds (next step).
Bring in Initial Capital Remittance: As per BIDA’s conditions, the parent company must transfer at least US$50,000 into the newly opened Bangladeshi bank account of the branch, within 2 months of the BIDA approval date . This is an inward remittance to fund the branch’s setup and operations. The bank will issue an Encashment Certificate as proof of the foreign currency brought in, which is later submitted to BIDA and other authorities as needed. (Important: Failing to bring in the minimum $50,000 within the stipulated time can lead to penalties or even cancellation of the branch approval. Currently, a penalty of 5% of the shortfall amount may apply if the deadline is missed , so it’s critical to plan this transfer in time.)
Register with RJSC: With BIDA’s permission in hand (and funds en route), the next step is to register the branch office with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC). RJSC is the authority that registers all companies and branch/liaison offices in Bangladesh. The process involves submitting an application along with the BIDA approval letter and constitutive documents of the parent company. RJSC will issue a Certificate of Registration for the Branch Office, and you will also need to file the Form XII (particulars of the branch office’s local principal agent or authorized person) with RJSC. Essentially, RJSC formalizes your branch’s presence as a legal entity (though not separate from the parent) operating in Bangladesh . This step is generally straightforward once BIDA permission is obtained, and it usually takes a week or two for RJSC to process the registration.
Obtain Trade License: Every business establishment in Bangladesh needs a Trade License from the local government (City Corporation or Municipality) to legally operate in a given jurisdiction. After RJSC, you should apply for a trade license for your branch. This is done at the city corporation office (e.g., Dhaka South City Corporation or Dhaka North City Corporation if in Dhaka). You’ll need to submit a simple application form, pay a small fee, and provide documents such as the RJSC registration certificate, BIDA approval, your office rent agreement, and identification of the person responsible. The trade license is a yearly license and indicates your branch’s permitted commercial activities at the local level . For a branch office, the trade license will typically list the business as “Branch Office” of the foreign company and mention the specific scope (per BIDA approval). Obtaining a trade license can take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the city corporation’s process.
Tax Registration (E-TIN): Next, register the branch for tax purposes. This means obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Nowadays, TIN registrations are done online via the NBR portal. It’s a relatively quick process – you fill in the branch’s details (using the RJSC registration info) and obtain a 12-digit electronic TIN certificate . The branch will use this TIN for all tax filings (e.g., corporate income tax returns, withholding tax submissions). Even if the branch is initially just setting up, getting the TIN early is important as it may be needed for tasks like opening bank accounts (many banks ask for the TIN) and certainly before any taxable transactions occur.
VAT Registration (if applicable): If the branch will be providing services or selling goods that are subject to VAT (Value Added Tax) in Bangladesh, it should also register for VAT. VAT registration is done through the NBR’s VAT online system. The branch would obtain a Business Identification Number (BIN) which is a 13-digit VAT registration number . Typically, branches engaged in commercial activities do register for VAT, unless your scope is very limited and not subject to VAT. For example, if your branch is purely for a non-profit project or a liaison purpose (no sales), VAT might not apply. But in most business cases, do get the VAT registration to comply with tax laws on any sales of goods/services locally.
Secondary Licenses/Permits: Depending on your industry, you might need specific licenses. For instance, if your branch will engage in import/export, you should register for an Import Registration Certificate (IRC) or Export Registration Certificate (ERC) with the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports. If in a regulated sector (e.g., telecom, banking, etc.), ensure you obtain the sector-specific clearance. Many branches, however, are in general business sectors and won’t need extensive additional licenses. It’s wise to consult with local experts on any special permits related to your branch’s activities.
Following the above steps sequentially will establish your branch office as a legal and operational entity in Bangladesh. At this point, your branch can open for business – you can hire employees (local or foreign, as permitted), start marketing, and begin your operations within the approved scope.
Timeline: The overall timeline for setting up a branch can vary, but generally U.S. companies should expect roughly 6 to 10 weeks from start to finish. BIDA approval takes about 30–45 days on average . RJSC registration and other local steps might take another few weeks combined. In an ideal case, some companies have completed the process in as little as 4–6 weeks, but it’s safer to budget a couple of months for the full setup. Engaging a professional service can help expedite documentation and follow-ups, keeping the timeline on track.
Costs: In terms of costs, setting up a branch is relatively cost-effective compared to incorporating a subsidiary. The government fees include the BIDA application fee (~BDT 25k–35k) and nominal fees for RJSC and trade license. All told, government fees amount to only a few hundred US dollars. The larger cost consideration is the professional fees or consulting fees if you use local experts to assist; such services might range roughly from USD 2,000 to USD 4,000 depending on the scope of help required . Additionally, remember the US$50,000 initial capital is not a fee but your own money to be used for the branch’s operations – it remains your asset, just transferred into Bangladesh. Overall, the investment to get started is quite modest, making a branch office an attractive entry mode for many foreign firms.
Post-Setup Compliance and Ongoing Obligations
Once your branch office is up and running, compliance doesn’t end there. Operating a branch in Bangladesh comes with ongoing responsibilities to ensure you remain in good standing with regulators. Here are the key post-registration compliance tasks and obligations for branch offices:
Reporting to BIDA: Branch offices are typically required to submit periodic reports to BIDA about their activities. BIDA may ask for an annual or semi-annual report on the branch’s operations, including an update on business conducted, expenses, and future plans. Additionally, when you bring in the initial $50k (and any subsequent fund remittances), you should notify BIDA and provide the encashment certificate as proof. Adhering to any terms and conditions set in the BIDA approval letter is crucial . For example, if the approval was for 3 years, around the end of year 2 you should start preparing for renewal (typically, apply at least 3 months before expiry with updated documents showing what the branch accomplished and why extension is needed) .
Tax Filings: The branch must maintain proper accounts of its Bangladesh operations and file annual income tax returns with the tax authority (NBR). Branch offices are taxed on income arising in Bangladesh at the standard corporate tax rate (which is around 27.5%–30% for most industries, though it can vary). Even if a branch initially operates at a loss or at break-even, it should still file a nil or loss return. If the branch earns profits, those profits can be repatriated to the U.S. (since it’s the same company) after paying taxes. Bangladesh Bank (the central bank) allows repatriation of after-tax profits for branches without separate approval, provided you submit audited financial statements and tax payment evidence to your AD bank . Also, note that sending the profits home may incur a Branch Profit Repatriation Tax (20% on the remitted amount) which is akin to a withholding on profit transfers . This effectively makes the total tax on branch profits about 20% higher when remitting, so plan for that in your financial projections.
Auditing and Accounting: A branch office is generally required to prepare financial statements for its operations in Bangladesh and, under the Companies Act, have them audited by a licensed Bangladeshi chartered accountant annually. The audited accounts might need to be filed with regulatory bodies and will be needed for renewing BIDA permission or remitting profits. Keeping accurate books (in accordance with either Bangladesh Accounting Standards or IFRS) is important. Many foreign branches opt to hire local accounting firms to handle bookkeeping, VAT filings, payroll, and audits.
VAT and Other Taxes: If your branch is VAT-registered, you will need to submit monthly or quarterly VAT returns and pay any VAT collected from customers to the government. Similarly, the branch must comply with withholding tax obligations: for example, when paying local vendors or salaries, certain payments require withholding a portion as income tax and depositing it to NBR. Ensure you understand these obligations or have a tax advisor manage them. Non-compliance with tax matters can result in fines or complications, so this is a critical area of ongoing compliance.
Operational Restrictions: Remember that the branch cannot engage in business activities outside the scope approved by BIDA. If your business strategy evolves and you wish to add new lines of business, you would need to seek an amendment or new permission from BIDA. Engaging in unauthorized activities could risk your branch permission being revoked. Similarly, branches should not exceed any limitations given – for instance, if BIDA permission was granted on the condition of no local sales (in some cases), you must honor that.
Local Regulations: The branch must abide by all relevant local laws and regulations. This includes labor laws (if you hire employees, you must comply with Bangladesh’s labor law regarding employment contracts, minimum wages, social security/provident fund, etc.), environmental regulations (if applicable to your industry), and any sector-specific compliance. For example, if the branch is in an IT business and transferring data, data protection laws may be relevant.
Renewal of Licenses: A few annual renewals to keep track of: the Trade License needs to be renewed each year by paying a small fee to the city corporation. The branch’s income tax TIN doesn’t expire, but you’ll pay annual taxes. The BIDA branch office permission renewal, as mentioned, comes up typically every 3 years – you should prepare a renewal application with updated info on your operations, employment, financial status, etc., and submit it to BIDA well ahead of expiry . Renewal is usually granted if the branch has been compliant and has a legitimate reason to continue (most do).
Staying compliant is not just a legal formality – it builds your branch’s credibility and ensures smooth ongoing operations. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or difficulties in remitting funds or renewing licenses. Many foreign companies engage a local professional firm (accounting/tax consultancy) to handle these ongoing filings and formalities so that nothing is overlooked.
Benefits of a Branch Office (Pros & Cons Compared to Other Structures)
Choosing a branch office as your mode of entry offers several advantages to U.S. companies, though there are also some drawbacks to be mindful of. Below is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of operating via a branch office in Bangladesh:
Advantages of a Branch Office:
100% Foreign Ownership & Control: The branch is wholly owned by the parent company, so you retain full control. There’s no requirement for local partners or shareholders, unlike some joint venture structures. This is ideal for U.S. corporations wanting to maintain direct oversight and their global corporate culture.
Simplicity of Setup & Exit: Establishing a branch is relatively fast and straightforward. There’s no need to draft new articles of incorporation or inject share capital – you only need to obtain regulatory approvals. Likewise, exiting the market is easier – closing a branch mainly involves notifying BIDA and creditors and repatriating any remaining funds, without the need for complex liquidation procedures of a company. Exiting Bangladesh is straightforward for branch offices compared to winding up a subsidiary .
No Separate Capital Requirement: There is no paid-up share capital requirement for a branch (unlike a subsidiary which might need some minimum capital). Apart from ensuring you remit the operational funds (the US$50k), you don’t have to allocate a large equity investment. This can be cost-effective and reduces financial commitment if you want to test the market first .
Tax Advantages in Certain Cases: Since a branch’s profits are directly taxable to the foreign company (in Bangladesh) and can be repatriated, you might avoid the complexity of double taxation that occurs when a subsidiary pays dividends (though note Bangladesh and the U.S. have a double taxation avoidance treaty). Also, if the branch incurs losses initially, those losses might be usable by the parent company for tax purposes (depending on U.S. tax laws for foreign branch operations). Repatriation of profits is straightforward through authorized banks without separate central bank approval , which means you can freely send money back to the U.S. after local taxes – an advantage in cashflow flexibility.
Maintaining Brand Identity: A branch often carries the same name as the parent company, which can be beneficial if your brand is globally recognized. Customers and partners in Bangladesh will immediately identify your operation with the international brand. This continuity can be a marketing advantage .
Drawbacks of a Branch Office:
Unlimited Liability: Because the branch is not a separate legal entity, the parent company bears unlimited liability for any debts, lawsuits, or obligations of the branch. There is no corporate veil separating the two. If something goes wrong in Bangladesh (e.g., contractual disputes, debts, etc.), the U.S. parent’s assets could be at risk. A subsidiary, by contrast, provides liability protection. Companies need to mitigate this risk through insurance and prudent operation.
Restricted Scope of Activities: A branch can only do what BIDA approved it to do. Your business activities are essentially locked to the scope in your application. If the business evolves, you might need additional approvals or have to convert to a subsidiary later. Also, branch offices cannot engage in manufacturing directly (if manufacturing is needed, the government expects you to set up a local company or factory within 10 years) . This limitation can constrain strategic flexibility.
Initial Fund Transfer Requirement: The mandatory inward remittance of US$50,000 within 2 months can be seen as a drawback in terms of cash flow – it’s money that must be tied up in the branch operation by law . While this money is used for your operations, the fixed timeline and amount add a regulatory hurdle. If a company is not ready to deploy that much capital immediately, it could be an issue (though $50k is relatively modest for most U.S. firms).
Taxation of Local Profits: Branch profits are fully subject to Bangladesh corporate tax (no tax holidays are generally available for branch offices, whereas sometimes new industrial companies can get incentives). Moreover, when you send profits back to the U.S., a branch profit remittance tax (20%) is applied . This can make the effective tax rate higher. In contrast, a subsidiary could theoretically retain earnings or reinvest in Bangladesh, whereas a branch by design remits to the parent and gets taxed on those remittances. Tax planning for a branch might be less flexible.
Compliance Burden: While simpler to set up, a branch still faces full compliance requirements in Bangladesh, almost on par with a local company. You must do annual audits, maintain accounts, file returns, etc., which can be administratively burdensome if the branch is small. Additionally, some foreign investors feel more comfortable with a subsidiary structure for long-term operations, especially if they plan to reinvest earnings locally, hire large teams, or enter contracts where counterparties prefer dealing with a local company.
In conclusion, a branch office is often the preferred route for initial expansion or specific projects – especially for service companies, engineering firms executing a contract, or businesses testing the waters. Many foreign companies choose a branch for the first few years and later convert to a subsidiary if the business grows significantly. It’s important to weigh these pros and cons in light of your company’s goals. If unsure, consulting with experts (and even BIDA officials) can help determine the best structure for your Bangladesh venture.
How Khan Akber & Co. Can Assist with Branch Setup
Navigating the branch office setup process in a foreign country can be complex. This is where partnering with local experts can save time and ensure compliance. Khan Akber & Co. (KAC) is a Bangladesh-based consultancy and Chartered Accountancy firm that specializes in market entry services for foreign investors. Acting as a “helpful next-door consultant,” KAC offers end-to-end support for U.S. companies looking to establish a presence in Bangladesh – from initial incorporation to ongoing compliance.
Our Branch Office Setup Service: We at Khan Akber & Co. have a dedicated service for establishing Branch Offices in Bangladesh. Our team will guide you through every step of the process described above, including:
Feasibility & Planning: We start by understanding your business objectives and advising whether a branch is the optimal structure or if alternatives (like a liaison office or subsidiary) might be more suitable. We clarify any sector-specific regulations that might apply to your case.
Documentation & Application: KAC assists in preparing all required documentation for the BIDA application – drafting the board resolution, collating and attesting company documents, filling out BIDA’s forms – ensuring nothing is overlooked. We’ll also handle the RJSC registration paperwork on your behalf. Our experience with BIDA’s procedures means we know how to correctly present your application for a smoother approval.
Liaison with Authorities: We act as your local representative to follow up with BIDA, RJSC, tax offices, and banks. If BIDA has queries or needs additional info, we communicate promptly to resolve them. For bank account opening and initial remittance, we coordinate with reputable banks and guide you on the remittance process. Essentially, we minimize the need for you to directly navigate bureaucracy.
Post-Setup Support: Our services don’t end with getting the branch registered. We provide ongoing support such as obtaining your trade license, TIN, and VAT registration, setting up proper accounting systems, and even HR/payroll setup if required. We can act as the “Branch Office Compliance Manager” for your company – handling tax filings, annual audits, BIDA renewals, and any corporate secretarial tasks. This allows you to focus on business operations while we manage regulatory compliance in the background.
As a member firm of Allinial Global, Khan Akber & Co. upholds international standards in service delivery. We have helped numerous foreign companies (including from the U.S.) successfully establish and run branch offices in Bangladesh. Our knowledge of local laws, coupled with an understanding of the expectations of foreign corporates, positions us uniquely to bridge any cultural or procedural gaps.
Whether you are a U.S. tech company planning to open a support office in Dhaka, or a manufacturing firm setting up a liaison branch, our team is ready to ensure a seamless setup. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop solution – from incorporation to ongoing compliance, you can rely on KAC as a trustworthy partner. Think of us as your on-ground extension in Bangladesh, always available to provide expert advice, troubleshoot issues, and keep your expansion journey on track.
So, What’s Next?
Establishing a branch office in Bangladesh can unlock significant opportunities for U.S. businesses, allowing you to participate directly in one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets. By understanding the legal framework and following the proper setup process, you can position your company for success while avoiding pitfalls. This guide has covered all the essential information – from why Bangladesh is attractive, to how to get a branch approved, to the compliance duties afterward. As you embark on this journey, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Khan Akber & Co. is here to be the knowledgeable friend and consultant by your side, every step of the way, turning a potentially daunting process into a smooth experience. With the right preparation and local support, your Bangladesh branch can be up and running in no time, opening the door to new growth for your U.S. enterprise.
