Official guides
How much will my trade licence cost?
New business? Describe what you will sell. We match a category and add form, stamp, signboard and 15% VAT so you see a first-year estimate.
Checked against public government and city-corporation sources on 2026-08-17
For new entrepreneurs
Find your business category
People get stuck on official names. Type everyday words — tea stall, phone shop, coaching — or tap a group.
Tap the card that sounds like you
IT company and online sellers
Trade licence if you sell online or run an IT company
A Facebook page, website, Daraz store or software firm still needs a trade licence from the city corporation / pourashava of your office or home address. The licence follows what you sell — not the word “online” alone.
IT / software company
You make websites, apps, software or do IT service from an office or home.
Typical licence fee Tk 2,000–3,000
If limited company: incorporation + MoA. Optional later: BASIS membership, BIDA if foreign investment.
Online clothing shop
You sell dresses, shirts or fashion on a website, Daraz or Facebook.
Typical licence fee Tk 1,000–2,000
Page or website URL, TIN, and Digital Business ID (dbid.gov.bd). BIN/VAT if yearly sales cross the VAT line. Merchant/bKash needs these papers.
Online gadget / electronics shop
You sell phones, laptops, accessories or gadgets online or from a shop.
Typical licence fee Tk 1,000–2,000
Same as e-commerce. If you import phones or gadgets, add IRC from CCI&E.
Online shop that sells everything
You sell mixed products online — clothes, gadgets, cosmetics, anything.
Typical licence fee Tk 1,000–2,000 (general trading / e-commerce)
Page or website URL, TIN, and Digital Business ID (dbid.gov.bd). BIN/VAT if yearly sales cross the VAT line. Merchant/bKash needs these papers.
Process for a new online or IT business
- Pick the category that matches what you sell: IT/software, clothing, gadget, or general e-commerce if you sell mixed items.
- Use the calculator above. Licence is taken from the local office of your office or home (the place written on the licence).
- Papers: NID, 3 photos, rent deed or holding-tax receipt, TIN. Company: add incorporation and MoA.
- Apply on the city e-revenue site or etradelicense.gov.bd, pay licence + signboard + 15% VAT, wait 3–7 working days (or auto-issue for low-risk trades).
- Register a Digital Business ID at dbid.gov.bd (Commerce Ministry). Banks and payment gateways treat DBID like extra proof for e-commerce.
- Open a merchant / payment account with TIN + trade licence + NID. Register BIN/VAT at NBR if turnover crosses the VAT threshold. Importing gadgets also needs IRC.
Working from home is allowed if the licence address is that home and holding tax / utility is in order. Some city offices still prefer a commercial room. A Facebook shop without any licence can be fined and payment gateways can refuse you.
Who must have one
Any business, profession or factory. One licence does not cover a branch in another local-government area — that branch needs its own licence.
Where to apply
City corporation, pourashava or union parishad of the shop or office. In Dhaka: DNCC or DSCC online revenue portals, or etradelicense.gov.bd.
Time and extras
Usually 3–7 working days. Low-risk Dhaka licences can be auto-issued after payment. Risky or health-related trades take inspection.
Documents by type of business
Sole proprietorship
- Owner’s National ID
- 3 passport-size photos
- Notarised rent deed, or holding-tax receipt + utility bill if you own the place
- Premises should be commercial; residential buildings are often refused
Partnership
- Owner’s National ID
- 3 passport-size photos
- Notarised rent deed, or holding-tax receipt + utility bill if you own the place
- Partnership deed on a Tk 300 non-judicial stamp
Limited company
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Managing director’s NID and 3 photos
- Notarised rent deed, or holding-tax receipt + utility bill if you own the place
Official websites
This page is a public guide compiled on 17 August 2026 from NBR, Local Government Division e-Trade Licence, Dhaka North and Dhaka South revenue portals, and the City Corporation Ideal Tax Schedule 2016. It is not a government gazette. Fees and extra papers change by ward and by trade. Pay only the amount printed on the official portal or bank slip.