If you’re starting a business or crossing the annual turnover threshold of BDT 3 crore, obtaining a VAT registration certificate — also known as a BIN (Business Identification Number) — is mandatory under Bangladesh’s VAT and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to get your VAT registration certificate in Bangladesh through the National Board of Revenue (NBR), along with required documents and timelines.
What Is a VAT Registration Certificate?
A VAT registration certificate proves that your business is officially recognized by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to collect and remit Value Added Tax (VAT). Once approved, you’ll receive an electronic Business Identification Number (BIN), which is required for:
Issuing VAT invoices (Mushak-6.3)
Claiming input VAT credit
Filing monthly VAT returns (Mushak-9.1)
Participating in tenders or import/export operations
Step-by-Step: How to Get VAT Registration Certificate in Bangladesh
Step 1: Visit the NBR VAT Online Portal
Go to https://vat.gov.bd — the official NBR VAT registration system.
Step 2: Create a User Account
Click on “Create Account” and provide the following details:
Name of business owner/authorized person
Mobile number
Email address
National ID (NID) number
Verify using the OTP sent to your phone/email.
Step 3: Log In and Start BIN Application
After account activation, log in and go to the BIN Registration section.
Select your business type (e.g., manufacturer, trader, service provider) and fill out the online Mushak-2.1 form with details like:
Business name and address
Nature of business activity
Bank account details
Expected annual turnover
Tax zone and circle
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
You’ll be asked to upload scanned copies (PDF or JPG) of:
| Document Name | Who Needs It |
|---|---|
| National ID (NID) | All applicants |
| Trade License | All businesses |
| TIN Certificate | All businesses |
| Business Address Proof (e.g., rental deed) | All businesses |
| Partnership/Company registration docs | For registered firms |
| Import/Export Certificate (IRC/ERC) | For import/export businesses |
Step 5: Submit Application and Await Approval
Once submitted, your application will be sent to your local VAT circle office for verification. The process usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
NBR may contact you for additional documents or a short verification visit if needed.
Step 6: Download Your BIN Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive a BIN certificate in your VAT portal dashboard.
Format: 13-digit BIN number (e.g., 0012345678901)
You can download and print it anytime for official use
Additional Notes
If your business crosses BDT 3 crore turnover, VAT registration is mandatory
If you’re below the threshold, you may opt for voluntary registration to gain input credit
Businesses dealing with government contracts or imports must have a BIN, regardless of turnover
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Entering mismatched address details from your trade license
❌ Uploading blurry or incomplete documents
❌ Not activating your account via OTP
❌ Delaying BIN updates after address or ownership changes
Final Thoughts
Getting a VAT registration certificate in Bangladesh is easier than ever with the NBR’s online system. By following the steps above and preparing the right documents, your business can be fully VAT-compliant — opening doors to tenders, imports, and tax credit benefits.
