Company Name Clearance in Bangladesh (RJSC)

Name clearance is a small step that causes outsized delays. Under the RJSC process, a Bangladesh company cannot be incorporated at RJSC without a cleared name, and a rejected application means choosing again, sometimes after logos, domain names and bank conversations have already been built around the first choice.

This page explains how RJSC name clearance works, what makes a name acceptable, and how to shortlist names that are likely to pass. It is useful for local founders, foreign investors setting up a subsidiary, and existing companies planning a change of name, which also requires name clearance before the change is approved.

How RJSC name clearance works

The application is made on the RJSC online portal by an account holder. The applicant enters the proposed name and the entity type, such as private limited company, public limited company, one person company or society, and pays the prescribed fee. RJSC checks the name against its register and its naming guidelines and either clears it or rejects it. A cleared name is reserved for a limited period, during which incorporation documents must be submitted; if that window lapses, the clearance must be obtained again.

It also helps to think about how the name will be used across other registrations. The exact cleared spelling, including punctuation and abbreviations such as Ltd. or Limited, will flow into the certificate of incorporation, e-TIN, BIN, trade licence, bank account and import or export registrations. Small inconsistencies between these documents, such as an extra space or a missing ampersand, regularly cause bank and customs queries later, so we fix the final form of the name before applying.

Naming rules RJSC applies

• Private companies must end with Limited (or Ltd.), and One Person Companies with the OPC designation RJSC requires
• The name must not be identical or deceptively similar to an existing company, firm or society
• Adding or removing words like Bangladesh, Trading, Group or International usually does not make a name distinct
• Words implying government connection, such as Government, National, Federal or Bangladesh, need justification or approval
• Regulated words like Bank, Insurance, Finance, Leasing, Securities, Cooperative or Microfinance generally need the regulator's consent
• Offensive names, or names conflicting with a registered trademark you do not own, should be avoided

Name clearance for foreign subsidiaries

Foreign groups usually want the same name as the parent with Bangladesh Limited added, for example a group name followed by Bangladesh Limited. This is commonly accepted if no conflicting local entity exists, though RJSC may ask for evidence of the parent's consent. Because the name will appear on BIDA registration, bank accounts, work permits and tax records, we recommend fixing it carefully before any application is filed.

Name clearance vs. trademark protection

A cleared company name does not give you exclusive rights to use that name as a brand. Brand protection in Bangladesh comes from registering a trademark with the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Trademarks Act 2009. Conversely, an existing trademark held by someone else can create problems even if RJSC clears your company name. Where the name is also your main brand, check both registers before committing.

Why name clearance applications get rejected

• Close similarity to an existing name, including different spelling of the same words
• Generic descriptive names with no distinctive element
• Use of a restricted word without supporting approval
• Wrong entity type selected for the intended company
• Name reserved earlier by another applicant whose clearance is still valid

How the process works

1. Shortlist namesWe ask for three to five preferred names in order of priority, with any meaning or brand context.
2. Pre-checkEach name is checked against RJSC's records and naming rules, and against obvious trademark conflicts.
3. Online applicationWe submit the strongest name on the RJSC portal and pay the prescribed fee.
4. Clearance issuedOnce cleared, we share the name clearance certificate and note its validity period.
5. Proceed to incorporationMemorandum, Articles and other documents are prepared so incorporation can be filed before the clearance lapses.

Typical timeline: RJSC name clearance is often decided within one to a few working days of a complete application, depending on RJSC's workload and whether the name raises questions.

How Tax & VAT Associates helps

• Pre-screening of shortlisted names against RJSC records and naming rules
• Basic trademark conflict check with the DPDT register
• Online name clearance application and fee payment
• Advice on restricted words and any regulator approvals needed
• Name clearance for change of company name, with the related resolutions
• Seamless transition into incorporation within the clearance validity window

Frequently asked questions

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Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. Bangladesh tax and regulatory rules change with each Finance Act, SRO and authority circular. This page is general guidance; confirm current requirements for your case before filing.