“An office isn’t just a place. It’s proof you are staying.”
First Comes the Company. Then Comes the Address.
You’ve started your company. Maybe you’ve crossed BIDA, sorted your trade license, opened your bank account, and figured out your tax obligations.
Now you need something solid. An actual space. A door. A place where your team shows up and the mail finds you.
But for foreigners, leasing or buying office space in Bangladesh isn’t as simple as calling a broker and signing a lease. There are approvals, structures, and a few hidden expectations no one tells you about—until they cost you.
This guide walks you through how leasing or buying office space actually works when you are not a local. The steps, the approvals, the hidden expectations—just enough to help you act like you’ve done this before.
Can Foreigners Own or Lease Property in Bangladesh?
Let’s get to the point.
Foreigners can lease office space with relative ease.
Buying commercial property? Possible—but strictly regulated.
Here’s what that really means:
- Leasing is open to foreign-owned companies once your business is registered in Bangladesh. You’ll need a trade license and a local representative to sign contracts.
- Buying commercial property requires:
- Approval from BIDA
- An investment structure tied to your business
- Often, project-based justification (i.e., not “buy to hold”)
Quick heads up: Foreign individuals can’t just come in and buy land. But if you’re buying through a registered company and your business needs the space, it’s considered.
Leasing Office Space: What to Know First
Leasing is more common and easier to execute.
Once your business is registered and you have your trade license (see: Top Legal Requirements for Foreigners Starting a Business in BD), you can begin leasing a space under your company’s name.
What You’ll Need:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Trade License
- TIN Certificate
- Board Resolution (naming authorized signatory)
- National ID/passport of the signatory
Most landlords will want to see these before even drafting a lease agreement.
Commercial Lease Contracts in Bangladesh
- Typically, lease agreements run from 1 to 5 years.
- Advance payments of 3–6 months are standard
- Security deposit is common (often equal to 1–3 months’ rent)
- Most lease agreements are informal unless registered—get a lawyer to draft or review it
Also, know this: Landlords may ask for a local guarantor or nominee—especially if you are new and foreign. This is more about comfort than law, but it’s real.
What If You Want to Buy Instead?
Buying commercial space is a different game.
Here’s what applies:
- You’ll need prior approval from BIDA (see: How to Get BIDA Approval in Bangladesh as a Foreign Investor)
- The property must be linked to a registered and operating company (foreign individuals cannot own real estate independently)
- Often, the land will be leasehold, not freehold
Buying is typically tied to larger, investment-driven real estate developments—tech parks, export zones, or long-term industrial hubs.
If your company is in one of these sectors, explore your options through BIDA or BEZA. Otherwise, leasing might be more practical.
Location Tips for Foreign-Owned Offices
Some areas are more open and prepared for foreign-run businesses. Consider:
- Gulshan/Banani/Baridhara (Dhaka): preferred for embassies, foreign companies, and tech firms
- Uttara/Sector 10–12: better value, growing infrastructure
- Mohakhali DOHS/Tejgaon: solid for warehousing and mixed-use
- Chattogram Agrabad/Khulshi: for port-based or logistics companies
These areas also make it easier to handle utility registrations, local employee recruitment, and document verification during compliance or audits.
Tying It All Together: Office Space, Compliance & Banking
Your address isn’t just a physical location. It shows up on:
- Your trade license
- TIN certificate and VAT registration
- RJSC filings
- Your company bank account (if you are interested in more details, see: How to Open a Business Bank Account in BD as a Foreigner)
If these don’t align—or if your lease is informal and hard to verify—you’ll face headaches during annual filings or tax audits (yes, that’s part of your Taxation Essentials list too).
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Sign. Structure It.
Yes, you need an address to operate. But that doesn’t mean you should settle for the first broker or overpriced floor that says “Yes.”
Ask what’s allowed.
Ask what’s realistic.
Ask what’s been done before—by other foreign businesses like yours.
The space is where your people show up. Where your license gets mailed. Where your bank visits you.
It’s not just square footage. It’s structure.
So, lease smart. Or buy bold, with the right approvals behind you.
FAQ
Can I lease office space here if I’m a foreigner?
Yes. Once your company’s registered and you’ve got the trade license, it’s usually smooth. Most commercial landlords are fine renting to foreign-run companies, as long as your paperwork’s clean and you have a local rep who can sign the lease.
Can I buy commercial property as a foreigner?
Technically, yes. In practice? It’s a bit tricky.
You’ll need BIDA approval, and the property must serve your business operations. You can’t just buy land to hold or flip. Best route? Buy under your properly registered company—not your personal name.
What documents are required to lease an office?
Nothing out of the ordinary:
- Your company registration
- Trade license
- TIN
And someone officially authorized to sign on your behalf
Most landlords won’t even start a conversation without these.
Will I need a local person to co-sign anything?
Some landlords prefer it—especially if your company is new or unknown. It’s more of a comfort thing than a legal requirement. If your lease is properly drafted and your business is legit, you can often skip this.
How much rent should I expect to pay upfront?
Expect 3 to 6 months’ rent as an advance. That’s standard here.
You’ll also probably leave a security deposit (usually 1–3 months). Always negotiate—but don’t be surprised when this comes up.
Do I need BIDA approval to rent an office?
No. Leasing doesn’t require BIDA’s blessing.
But if you’re looking to buy commercial property? Then yes, absolutely—BIDA comes first.
Is a virtual office enough for now?
For registration or early-stage setup? Maybe.
But if you’re planning on opening a bank account, hiring people, or applying for certain licenses, you’ll likely need a physical office sooner rather than later.
Which areas are good for foreign-run offices?
In Dhaka:
- Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara: polished, embassy-neighbor vibes
- Uttara: up-and-coming, budget-friendlier
- Mohakhali, Tejgaon: better for logistics, warehousing
And if you’re port-focused, Chattogram’s Agrabad and Khulshi are worth a look.
Should I get a lawyer to review the lease?
Please do.
Even if the lease looks “standard,” tiny clauses can cost you later—especially if there’s an early termination or rent hike. A quick legal check now saves a big headache later.
Can I register my company first and find an office later?
Yes, but not too much later. Your address shows up on your trade license, your tax ID, your bank filings—it all needs to line up. Start with a short-term lease if you’re still scouting for the right spot.
