Applying for a trade license in Bangladesh can become confusing as soon as a Dhaka address, business category, supporting permit and fee assessment have to match. A company registered with RJSC may still apply to the wrong city corporation, while a small shop may submit the right identity documents but omit the landlord's current holding-tax evidence.
A trade license is the local authority's permission for a named person or entity to conduct a stated business activity at a stated address. In Dhaka, the first practical question is whether the premises fall under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) or Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). This guide explains jurisdiction, zones, documents, category-based fees, online application, renewal and when professional support may help.
Information verified on 13 October 2026. Official portals, fee schedules and administrative procedures can change. Check the linked authority pages and the assessment generated for your application before paying.
What Is a Trade License in Bangladesh?
A trade license records the license holder, business name, approved activity, premises, ward or zone and validity period. DNCC states that its process operates under the City Corporation Model Tax Schedule 2016, the Municipal Corporations (Taxation) Rules 1986 and the Local Government (City Corporation) Act 2009.
The license is address- and activity-specific. It is not a substitute for company incorporation, tax registration, VAT/BIN registration, an import or export registration certificate, a fire licence, environmental clearance, food-safety approval or another sector permit. Which additional approval is needed depends on what the business actually does.
Tax compliance also intersects with licensing. Section 264 of the Income Tax Act 2023 requires proof of return submission for obtaining or renewing a trade license in a city corporation or pourashava area. Applicants should therefore check the current e-TIN and return-status requirements for the entity or proprietor before submission.
DNCC vs. DSCC Trade License: What Is the Difference?
DNCC and DSCC apply the same broad city-corporation framework, but each controls only the premises inside its own boundary and operates its own e-revenue account. The business address—not the owner's residential address, registered office preference or consultant's office—determines the correct authority.
| Point | DNCC | DSCC |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic jurisdiction | Dhaka North wards and areas; confirm the premises in DNCC's official ward/area information | Dhaka South wards and areas; confirm the premises through DSCC's zone and ward contacts |
| Official portal | DNCC e-Revenue citizen portal | DSCC e-Revenue citizen portal |
| Published application method | Create a user, upload the prescribed files, wait for verification or automatic processing where eligible, then pay | Form “K”, supporting papers and verification are described; an online application link is also provided |
| Fee determination | Business classification under the Model Tax Schedule 2016 plus assessed components | Business classification and assessed components; published guidance says the fee varies by business type |
| Renewal | Existing portal user; a manual licence may need uploading on the first online renewal | Official guidance describes annual renewal through the relevant process and payment channel; confirm the current portal option |
| Official help | DNCC revenue/zone channels and the official portal | DSCC central and zone contacts and the official portal |
To establish jurisdiction, match the commercial holding, road, ward and locality—not merely the postal code—to the corporation's official information. If a boundary is unclear, contact the relevant zone office before opening a portal account or paying any fee. Save the response or note the officer, date and guidance received.
DNCC and DSCC Zones Explained
Zones allocate local administrative work, including verification and revenue functions. They do not create a choice between corporations. DNCC's official location page records 10 zones and 54 wards, while DSCC's official profile records 10 administrative zones and 75 wards. The ward lists differ, so a reference to “Zone 4” is meaningless unless the corporation is also stated.
| Corporation | Verified structure | How to confirm the correct zone |
|---|---|---|
| DNCC | 10 zones; 54 wards | Use the DNCC ward and area list, then confirm in the portal or with the zone office |
| DSCC | 10 zones; 75 wards | Use the DSCC zone-office and ward list, then verify the premises with the relevant office |
Do not rely on an unofficial neighbourhood chart. Roads and localities can cross ward boundaries, new wards may have different administrative arrangements, and an address used informally may not match the holding record. The landlord's holding-tax receipt is often the best starting point for matching the premises.
Types of Trade Licenses and Business Categories
A trade license is not normally selected by a broad label such as “company” or “shop.” The applicant must identify the closest approved activity classification. The classification influences the base fee and can trigger additional documents or inspection.
| Business example | Classification issue to check | Possible additional compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Retail or general commercial business | Actual goods sold, shop/office use and signboard details | Product-specific permissions where regulated |
| IT or software company | Software development, IT-enabled service, consultancy or another listed activity | VAT/BIN and tax treatment according to actual supplies |
| Digital agency or consultancy | Professional, advertising, marketing or consultancy classification | Professional or advertising permissions where applicable |
| Import/export business | Trading activity on the licence must align with intended goods and premises | IRC/ERC registration, chamber membership and customs/VAT requirements |
| Manufacturing business or factory | Manufacturing activity, factory location, capital and risk profile | Fire, environmental, factory or sector approvals as applicable |
| Restaurant or food service | Restaurant/food-service category and premises suitability | Food safety, fire, health or other approvals as applicable |
| Home-based or online business | Whether the address may lawfully support the stated commercial activity | Landlord/building permission and authority confirmation |
The category should describe the real activity. An IT company that imports hardware, for example, may need a different or additional licensing treatment from a software-development office. Ask the zone or revenue office to confirm the category before payment if the portal choices do not clearly match.
Documents Required for a Trade License in Dhaka
The exact checklist varies. DNCC's official issue and renewal procedure names the owner's photograph, NID, no-objection certificate, capital evidence, ownership deed or rent agreement, current holding-tax receipt where applicable, and factory fire licence among its upload requirements. DSCC's official procedure lists Form “K”, photographs, tenancy and rent evidence, tax-paid evidence and a memorandum copy for a limited company, followed by verification.
| Document | Status | When it is relevant |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant/owner photograph | Generally required | New applications; follow the portal's size and format rules |
| NID or accepted identity document | Generally required | Proprietor, applicant or authorized person |
| Business-address evidence | Generally required | Rent agreement for a tenant; title/deed or equivalent evidence for an owner |
| Current holding-tax receipt | Generally required or requested | Links the premises to the municipal holding and supports zone verification |
| Landlord/owner no-objection certificate | Conditional | Where the corporation or premises arrangement requires it |
| e-TIN and proof of return submission | Required where the current tax law applies | New issue or renewal in city corporation/pourashava areas; confirm entity-year treatment |
| Partnership deed | Conditional | Partnership applicant |
| Certificate of Incorporation and MoA/AoA | Conditional | Private or public limited company |
| Capital evidence | Conditional | Where the selected category or entity type asks for it |
| Fire licence or fire-safety evidence | Conditional | Factory, hazardous, public-facing or other specified activities |
| Environmental clearance | Conditional | Manufacturing or environmentally regulated activities |
| Sector regulator approval | Conditional | Clinic, hotel, travel agency, recruiting agency, fuel/CNG, arms, food and other controlled activities |
Entity-specific preparation
A sole proprietor should keep the proprietor's identity, tax and premises documents consistent. A partnership should add the executed partnership deed and authorization for the signatory. A private limited company should use the exact RJSC name, registered particulars and authorized representative details and attach its incorporation documents. For rented premises, the agreement, rent receipt, landlord details and municipal holding information should not conflict.
Before uploading, compare spelling, address format, mobile number, business name and activity across every document. If a document is not listed in the portal but is essential to the activity—such as a fire or environmental clearance—confirm whether it must be attached at application or produced during verification.
DNCC e-Trade License Application: Step-by-Step Guide
DNCC publishes a clear online path. It says non-hazardous/non-sensitive applications may be auto-generated after submission and payment, while other applications go through supervisor review and higher approval. DNCC publishes an indicative three-working-day service time, but this is not an approval guarantee and corrections or inspections can extend it.
- 1Confirm DNCC jurisdiction. Match the premises to DNCC's ward and zone information.
- 2Choose the business activity. Select the closest category to the activity actually carried out at the address.
- 3Prepare the files. Gather photograph, identity, premises, holding-tax, tax-compliance and conditional clearance documents.
- 4Open the official portal. Create a user only at the DNCC e-Revenue portal.
- 5Enter the application data. Use the same business name, owner/entity details, address and activity shown in the supporting documents.
- 6Upload the prescribed documents. Follow the displayed file format and size requirements; do not substitute incomplete screenshots.
- 7Submit for assessment. The portal and licensing staff determine whether review, correction, inspection or automatic processing applies.
- 8Respond to queries. Correct only the requested item and keep copies of each revised file.
- 9Pay the assessed amount. Pay through the channel displayed in the official account after approval or assessment; retain the receipt.
- 10Download and verify the licence. Check the name, activity, address, ward/zone, financial year, fee lines and validity before using the certificate.
DNCC states that an approved licence may be delivered by post/courier and can also be printed from the user's account. Treat the portal copy and payment evidence as important records for renewal.
DSCC e-Trade License Application: Step-by-Step Guide
DSCC's published procedure is not identical to DNCC's. It describes an application in prescribed Form “K”, supporting documents and an on-site investigation by a licensing supervisor, while also linking to the DSCC e-Revenue portal. It gives an indicative three-day period, or seven days when health or other departmental investigation is required.
- 1Confirm DSCC jurisdiction and zone. Match the premises to DSCC's ward and zone-office list.
- 2Confirm the activity category. Ask the relevant revenue/zone office when the correct classification is unclear.
- 3Prepare Form “K” and supporting papers. Follow the current portal or office instruction rather than an unofficial form copy.
- 4Use the official online route. Create or use an account at the DSCC e-Revenue portal.
- 5Submit consistent details. Make sure the premises evidence, entity name and activity match the application.
- 6Cooperate with verification. Keep the premises accessible and display the correct business details if an on-site review is requested.
- 7Supply any sector clearance. Provide the health, fire, environmental or regulator approval requested for the activity.
- 8Pay only the official assessment. Retain the payment record and any acknowledgement.
- 9Check the issued licence. Verify the address, zone, category, fee components and validity period immediately.
Because DSCC's official pages describe both online access and manual/verification steps, an online submission should not be interpreted as guaranteed fully remote issuance.
Trade License Fees in Dhaka: DNCC vs. DSCC
There is no responsible single answer to “What is the DNCC trade license fee?” without the exact activity, premises and assessment. Both corporations refer to a category-based fee structure, and the government hosts the City Corporation Model Tax Schedule 2016. The official application assessment is the amount to rely on.
| Fee component | Verified guidance |
|---|---|
| Base trade licence or renewal fee | Category-dependent under the applicable schedule; confirm the activity code and portal assessment |
| Application/form charge | Published DSCC pages contain differing small form-price references; confirm the current amount instead of relying on an old copy |
| Signboard tax | A separate assessed component; sign type, size and other specifications can affect it |
| VAT | Shown as a separate line in e-licence assessments; do not assume 15% applies to every charge in the bill |
| Income/source tax | May appear as a separate statutory line, particularly in renewal; confirm the current tax-year rule and applicant status |
| Book, delivery, correction or other charge | Applies only when shown by the authority for the transaction |
| Surcharge or arrears | Depends on timing and outstanding liability |
| Total estimated cost | Add only the official assessed components; a universal DNCC/DSCC total would be misleading |
A commonly repeated claim says “15% VAT is added to the entire trade licence bill.” Applicants should not use that shortcut. VAT, source tax, signboard tax, arrears and service items are distinct lines. Review the corporation-generated assessment and ask the revenue office to explain any unclear component before paying.
Trade License Fees for IT, Software, Import/Export, and Manufacturing
An IT or software company does not automatically receive one universal fee. Software development, IT-enabled services, hardware trading, digital marketing and consultancy can appear under different activity descriptions. The correct approach is to describe the principal activity accurately, select the closest official category and obtain confirmation where two categories appear plausible.
Import/export businesses should align the local licence activity with the intended IRC/ERC scope; the trade licence does not itself authorize customs import or export. Manufacturing applicants should expect the authority to examine the actual product, premises, machinery or capital information and any fire, environmental or factory approvals. The fee for each case must come from the official category assessment, not a consultant's generic price list.
Trade License Renewal in Bangladesh
Check the expiry date printed on the licence rather than assuming every certificate follows the same calendar. DNCC's published procedure says an existing user renews through the e-Revenue account and that a manual licence must be uploaded in the prescribed format on the first online renewal. It lists an indicative two-working-day service period after the required review.
Current DNCC e-licence conditions describe 1 July to 30 September as a surcharge-free renewal window after expiry. That is a DNCC licence condition, not a safe universal statement for every authority. DSCC applicants should check the current DSCC portal, printed licence and zone-office instruction for the applicable renewal timing, payment route and surcharge treatment.
For renewal, keep the current licence, recent rent evidence, updated company papers where requested, current tax-return proof, sector permits and payment history ready. A limited company may be asked for updated financial or corporate information. If the activity, ownership or address has changed, ask whether amendment or a new licence is required rather than silently renewing inaccurate particulars.
Common Trade License Application Mistakes
- Wrong corporation: Verify the commercial holding and ward before creating the application.
- Wrong activity category: Describe the revenue-generating activity precisely and obtain written or portal confirmation when uncertain.
- Mismatched addresses: Standardize the premises address across the lease, holding-tax receipt, company documents and application.
- Incomplete entity documents: Use the entity-specific checklist, not a sole-proprietor checklist for a company or partnership.
- Unverified fee calculation: Pay the official assessment and keep the receipt; do not rely on a social-media price table.
- Ignoring signboard details: Declare the actual signboard and confirm its separate tax treatment.
- Missing tax compliance: Check e-TIN and proof-of-return requirements before issue or renewal.
- Treating the licence as an all-purpose permit: Identify fire, environmental, food, health, import/export and other approvals separately.
- Late renewal: Calendar the printed expiry and authority-specific renewal window.
- Assuming online means no inspection: Be prepared for premises or departmental verification where required.
Can You Get a Trade License Online in Bangladesh?
In Dhaka, important stages can be completed online through the verified DNCC and DSCC portals. Account creation, data entry, document submission, assessment communication, payment-related steps and certificate access may be digital depending on the corporation and case.
Online application is not the same as guaranteed remote issuance. DNCC distinguishes auto-generated licences from hazardous or sensitive activities that require review. DSCC expressly describes licensing-supervisor investigation and possible health or other departmental checks. Applicants should use only official domains, keep submission/payment records and respond promptly to correction or inspection requests.
How Trade Licence Support Can Help
Trade Licence Support can help applicants verify DNCC or DSCC jurisdiction, identify a defensible business category, prepare and vet the document checklist, organize the application, clarify assessed requirements and follow up with the relevant authority. Renewal support can also include record review and preparation for current-year requirements.
Professional assistance does not replace the authority's decision and cannot guarantee approval, a fixed issuance date or preferential treatment. EasyTax is an independent professional service provider and is not presented as part of DNCC, DSCC or another government body.
Need help obtaining or renewing your Dhaka trade license? Get support with document preparation, jurisdiction checks, application guidance and coordination with the relevant city corporation. Get Trade Licence Support or book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a trade license in Bangladesh?
Apply to the local authority covering the business premises, choose the correct activity, submit identity/entity and premises documents, complete verification, pay the official assessment and check the issued licence. In Dhaka, use the DNCC or DSCC portal that matches the address.
How much does a trade license cost in Dhaka?
The cost varies by activity category and assessed items such as the base fee, signboard tax, VAT, source tax, surcharge or other applicable charges. Obtain the official DNCC or DSCC assessment; a single universal price is not reliable.
What is the difference between DNCC and DSCC trade licenses?
They are issued by separate city corporations for different geographic jurisdictions. Each has its own portal, zone administration and procedure, although both work within the broader city-corporation legal framework.
How do I check which city corporation covers my address?
Match the business holding and ward against the official DNCC area list or DSCC zone/ward list. If unclear, confirm with the zone office before applying.
What documents are needed for a trade license?
Usually identity and photograph, premises evidence, holding-tax evidence, tax-compliance documents and entity papers are required. A company, partnership, factory or regulated business will need additional documents.
Can I apply for a trade license online?
Yes, DNCC and DSCC provide official e-Revenue portals. Verification, correction, inspection or physical documentation may still be required, so online submission is not always a fully remote process.
How much is the trade license fee for an IT or software company?
There is no verified universal IT-company amount. The fee depends on whether the activity is classified as software development, IT service, consultancy, trading or another category. Confirm the code and assessed fee with the relevant corporation.
Is signboard tax included in the trade license fee?
Treat it as a separate assessed component. The amount can depend on the signboard's specifications and the applicable schedule, even when it appears on the same bill.
Does 15% VAT apply to every trade license charge?
Do not assume so. The official assessment lists components separately. Use the VAT amount generated by the corporation and seek clarification before applying any rate to the whole bill.
When should I renew my trade license?
Read the expiry and renewal conditions on the licence and check the current portal. DNCC licence conditions refer to a surcharge-free 1 July–30 September window, but applicants should not apply that statement universally to every authority.
Can a trade license be renewed online?
DNCC publishes an online renewal route for existing users, including upload of a manual licence on the first online renewal. Check the DSCC portal and zone instruction for the current route applicable to a DSCC licence.
Can a consultant assist with the application?
Yes. A consultant can help with jurisdiction, category and document preparation and application follow-up, but cannot guarantee approval or bypass the authority's verification.
Official Sources and Verification Notes
- DNCC trade licence issue and renewal procedure
- DNCC e-Revenue citizen portal
- DNCC ward and area information
- DSCC trade licence issue and renewal procedure
- DSCC e-Revenue citizen portal
- DSCC zone offices and ward contacts
- City Corporation Model Tax Schedule 2016
- Income Tax Act 2023, section 264
The official pages do not publish one consolidated, current fee total for every business category and applicant. This guide therefore explains the verified fee components and directs readers to the authority assessment instead of presenting an invented price. Information was researched and verified on 13 October 2026.
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Regulatory Notice: This compliance guide is for general educational information only under Bangladeshi statutory frameworks (including the Income Tax Act 2023, Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act 2012, and Companies Act 1994) and does not constitute formal legal or tax counsel. Government gazette rules, statutory regulatory orders (SROs), and procedural circulars are subject to periodic administrative updates. Please consult an EasyTax advocate or tax practitioner for customized advisory on your specific situation.
