Bangladesh (BD)

Bangladesh is a densely populated delta nation in South Asia, bordered by India and Myanmar, with the Bay of Bengal to the south.

Capital: Dhaka

Region: Asia

Language: Bengali

Currency: BDT (৳)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 15)

Emergency: 999

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Bangladesh.

Visa-Free Access

Bangladesh requires a visa or landing permission for the vast majority of foreign nationals. Citizens of approximately 22 nationalities — including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU member states, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Brunei — are eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA) for tourism, business, investment, and official purposes. Approval is entirely at immigration discretion and is not guaranteed. Verify current eligibility at the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.bd) or the relevant Bangladesh embassy before travel.

Confirm the correct sponsoring authority before travel: BIDA for most private commercial employers, BEPZA/BEZA for Export Processing and Economic Zones, NGO Affairs Bureau for NGOs, and sector regulators for healthcare, education, and energy. Keep passport validity, visa category, entry stamp, and any permit dates in alignment. Overstaying your visa is a serious offence and can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entry.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Visa on Arrival

USD 51 or EUR 51 (cash only, all taxes included)

Duration: Up to 30 days, single entry

Eligibility

Citizens of approximately 22 eligible nationalities including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU member states, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Brunei. Available for tourism, business, investment, and official visits.

Processing time

At the port of entry — Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka), Chittagong, Sylhet, and designated land ports

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Return or onward ticket
✓Hotel booking or host address in Bangladesh
✓Proof of sufficient funds
✓Invitation or recommendation letter for business/investor purposes

💡 Issuance is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer; approval is not automatic even for eligible nationalities. VOA does not permit work or long-term residence. Eligible nationality lists change — verify with the Bangladesh embassy before booking travel.

Tourist Visa

Varies by nationality and consulate (typically USD 20–80)

Duration: Commonly 30–90 days depending on nationality and issuing consulate

Eligibility

Visitors for tourism, family visits, or short private travel who are not eligible for VOA or who prefer to obtain a visa before arrival

Processing time

Several working days to several weeks; apply well in advance of travel

Requirements

✓Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
✓Completed visa application form
✓Passport-size photographs
✓Confirmed travel booking
✓Hotel booking or host invitation letter with address
✓Proof of sufficient funds
✓Visa fee payment

💡 Tourist status does not permit work of any kind. Apply at the Bangladesh high commission or embassy in your home country.

Employment Visa

E Visa / Employment Visa

USD 160–200 (varies by nationality; Indian nationals are often exempt under a reciprocal arrangement)

Duration: Usually tied to the work permit and employment contract; renewable

Eligibility

Foreign employees sponsored by a Bangladesh employer or approved entity. The sponsoring authority depends on the employer type: BOI for most private commercial employers, BEPZA/BEZA for Export Processing and Special Economic Zones, NGO Affairs Bureau for NGOs, and relevant sector regulators for healthcare, education, and energy roles.

Processing time

2–6 weeks depending on the sponsoring authority; may extend during peak periods or for complex cases

Requirements

✓Employer sponsorship and invitation letter
✓Line ministry, BOI, BEPZA, BEZA, or sector authority concurrence letter
✓Signed employment contract
✓Educational qualifications and CV
✓Apostilled police clearance certificate from country of origin
✓Medical fitness certificate (if required by the employer or consulate)
✓Passport-size photographs

💡 Do not begin work in Bangladesh before the work permit and visa are both valid. The employer and the sector determine which line agency concurrence is required — confirm before applying.

Business Visa

B Visa / Business Visa

Varies by nationality and issuing consulate

Duration: Varies; single or multiple entry available depending on nationality

Eligibility

Business meetings, investment exploration, trade visits, and commercial activities that do not involve local employment

Processing time

Several working days to a few weeks

Requirements

✓Invitation letter from a registered Bangladesh company, BIDA, or Chamber of Commerce
✓Company registration documents of the inviting entity
✓Return or onward ticket
✓Confirmed accommodation
✓Proof of sufficient funds

💡 A business visa does not authorise work or local employment. For frequent commercial activity, discuss multi-entry options with the consulate.

Investor Visa

Varies (confirm with BIDA and the relevant embassy)

Duration: Varies by investment approval; often multi-year with renewal

Eligibility

Foreign investors with an approved investment or recommendation from BIDA, BEPZA, BEZA, Hi-Tech Park Authority, or another recognised investment authority

Processing time

Several weeks; obtain investment approval and authority recommendation before applying for the visa

Requirements

✓Investment approval and authority recommendation letter
✓Company registration and tax documents
✓Bank inward-remittance records confirming fund transfer
✓Passport-size photographs
✓Completed application form

💡 BIDA is the primary contact for most foreign direct investment. Coordinate BIDA/BEPZA/BEZA approval and bank remittance records before initiating the visa application.

Student Visa

Varies by nationality and issuing consulate

Duration: Tied to the course duration; renewable annually

Eligibility

Foreign nationals admitted to a recognised Bangladesh educational institution

Processing time

Several working days to a few weeks

Requirements

✓Original admission or acceptance letter from the institution
✓Proof of financial means to cover tuition and living costs
✓Passport valid for the intended period of study
✓Passport-size photographs
✓Confirmed accommodation details
✓Medical documents if required

💡 Part-time work rights are not automatic for student visa holders. Confirm work permissions with your institution and the Bangladesh immigration authority before accepting any paid work.

No dedicated digital nomad visa

Digital Nomad

N/A

Duration: N/A

Eligibility

Bangladesh does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers must hold a lawful visa category appropriate to their purpose and must not perform Bangladesh-source work on tourist or visitor status.

Processing time

N/A

Requirements

✓Immigration legal advice before any extended stay
✓Tax-residence advice (prolonged stays can trigger Bangladesh tax obligations)
✓Proof of remote employment contract or self-employment income from abroad
✓Comprehensive travel and health insurance

💡 Working remotely from Bangladesh for a foreign employer may still create tax-residence obligations and potential permanent-establishment exposure. Seek specialist legal and tax advice before staying long-term.

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