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Business Establishment License

Table of Contents

As per the labour laws of Bangladesh, every factory, industrial establishment, commercial establishment, commercial bank, insurance company, shop must obtain license from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE). For companies without factories this license is known as Establishment License. If a company has a factory, then the license is known as Factory License and the process of getting the license is slightly different.

Regulatory Authority
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The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) is the government body that issues Business Establishment Licenses. DIFE works under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and is key in making sure businesses follow labour laws and workplace safety rules.

  • Name: Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments
  • Address: Shromo Bhaban, 196, Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Soroni, Bijoynagar, Dhaka-1000.
  • Web: dife.gov.bd

Required Documentation
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To start the licensing process, applicants need to gather and submit several documents. The following are usually needed:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Original Trade License (see how to get a Trade License)
  • Rental Agreement or land ownership document (Mutation copy). Note: Copies usually need attestation by a First-Class gazetted officer.
  • National ID of the Owner, CEO, Manager, or Managing Director
  • Electricity bill or demand note. Note: Needs attestation by a registered professional.
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (for companies)
  • Layout Plan of the business premises (approved by a local authority)
  • Treasury Challan (original proof of fee payment)
  • List of Employees

Step-by-Step Process
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graph TD; A["Start: Get Application Form"] --> B["Register Online & Get Tracking Number"]; B --> C["Pay Fees at Designated Bank"]; C --> D["Submit Application & Documents to DIFE"]; D --> E["DIG Reviews Documents"]; E --> F["Inspector Checks Premises"]; F --> G["Inspector Reports to DIG"]; G --> H{"DIG Approves?"}; H -- "Yes" --> I["License Issued"]; H -- "No / Queries" --> D; I --> J["End: License Granted"];

1. Application & Submission
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First, get the application form from DIFE or its website. Register online to get a tracking number. Pay the required fees at the specified bank. Then, submit the completed application form, proof of payment, and all other required documents to the DIFE office.

2. Inspection & Review
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The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at DIFE reviews the submitted documents. The file is then sent to the Area Inspector, who visits the business location to check if it meets safety and legal standards. The inspector sends a report back to the DIG.

3. License Issuance
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The DIG decides based on the inspection report. If everything is satisfactory, the Business Establishment License is issued to the applicant. This officially confirms the business’s legal status.

Official Processing Time: Around 15 days, if all documents are complete and correct.

Renewal Process
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The Business Establishment License requires periodic renewal to maintain its validity. The renewal procedure mirrors the initial application process, with the additional requirement of submitting the original License and a recent inspection report.

Required Documents for Renewal
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  • Completed Renewal Application Form
  • Original Trade License
  • Attested copy of the Rental Agreement or land ownership document
  • National ID of the responsible person (e.g., Owner, CEO, Manager)
  • Attested copy of an electricity bill or demand note
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (for companies)
  • Original Treasury Challan (as proof of renewal fee payment)
  • List of Employees
  • Fire License
  • Original Business Establishment License

Renewal Steps
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  1. Application and Submission: Obtain and complete the renewal application form, acquire a new tracking number, remit the prescribed renewal fee, and submit all requisite documents to the DIFE.
  2. Review and Approval: The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) reviews the submitted documentation and the latest inspection report.
  3. License Issuance: Upon approval, the renewed Business Establishment License is issued to the applicant.

Official Processing Time: Approximately 3–7 working days, assuming all documentation is complete and accurate.

Key Contact

For assistance with labour law compliance, including the mandatory notification process before starting your business in Bangladesh, please contact: