Bangladesh Citizenship Policy and Regulations
Introduction
Our purpose is to assist you in realizing your dream of becoming a citizen of Bangladesh. Not only can you achieve this, but dual citizenship also comes with a host of advantages. You can live and work legally in Bangladesh, just like any other Bangladeshi citizen, or you can choose to live and work anywhere in the world while enjoying benefits such as healthcare, low-cost education, and more.
With years of experience, we can guide you through all the requirements of the dual citizenship process.
Bangladesh citizenship laws are governed primarily by the Bangladesh Citizenship Act, 1951, along with subsequent amendments and government regulations. These laws define the eligibility criteria, methods of acquiring citizenship, and provisions for renunciation or revocation. Citizenship in Bangladesh can be obtained through birth, descent, naturalization, marriage, investment, and special contributions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the policies and regulations governing Bangladeshi nationality.
1. Citizenship by Birth
According to the Bangladesh Citizenship (Temporary Provisions) Order, 1972, any person born in Bangladesh before March 26, 1971, is considered a Bangladeshi citizen, provided they were a permanent resident at the time. Additionally, citizenship is automatically granted to anyone born to at least one Bangladeshi parent. Those born in Bangladesh to parents whose identity and nationality are unknown are also assumed to be Bangladeshi nationals.
2. Citizenship by Descent
A person born outside Bangladesh can acquire Bangladeshi citizenship if at least one of their parents is a Bangladeshi citizen at the time of their birth. However, the government may require such individuals to register their citizenship to maintain nationality status.
3. Citizenship by Naturalization
Foreigners can acquire Bangladeshi citizenship through naturalization if they meet the following conditions:
- Have legally resided in Bangladesh for at least 5 years (or 2 years if married to a Bangladeshi citizen), with at least 12 months of continuous residence.
- Are of good character.
- Have proficiency in Bengali.
- Intend to reside permanently in Bangladesh.
- Those who become Bangladeshi nationals must relinquish all other citizenships. The spouse and children of a naturalized foreigner may seek citizenship after the foreigner has taken the oath.
Applications for naturalization must be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and approval is subject to the discretion of the government.
4. Citizenship by Marriage
A foreigner married to a Bangladeshi citizen may apply for citizenship after living in Bangladesh for at least two years, provided they meet residency and character requirements. The process typically requires proof of a legally recognized marriage and residence in Bangladesh for a specified duration.
5. Citizenship by Investment or Special Contribution
Applicants for dual citizenship in Bangladesh can qualify by investing in the economy. The requirements are as follows:
- Invest $10,000,000.00 USD in an industrial or commercial project, or
- Transfer $20,000,000.00 USD to any authorized financial institution in Bangladesh.
They will be eligible to apply for citizenship in Bangladesh.
- Permanent residency can also be obtained by investing $200,000.00 USD in Bangladesh. The Risdency holder will be eligible to stay in Bangladesh as long as they hold this investment in Bangladesh.
No Visa Requirement for the Havey Weight Investors:
Regarding the recruitment of foreign personnel, the Investment Board, BEPZA (Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority), BEZA (Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority), and EPB (Export Promotion Bureau) will jointly formulate policies/guidelines. Additionally, if a foreign investor has invested at least 10 (ten) million (one hundred lakh) US dollars in any industry/business in Bangladesh for the long term and continues to maintain the investment, they will be eligible for the “No Visa Required (NVR)” facility, subject to certification from BSCIC (Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation), the Investment Board, or BEPZA, as well as approval from the Department of Immigration and Passports.
Validity and Transfer of NVR Seal: The NVR seal will remain valid as long as the passport is valid. The seal will become void if the passport is void. If the previous NVR seal was issued free of charge, it can be transferred to a new passport without any additional fee. However, for those who were issued the seal for a fee, an additional fee of USD 50 (fifty) will be required for transferring to a new passport.
6. Dual Citizenship
Bangladesh allows dual citizenship under specific circumstances. Citizens of Bangladeshi origin who hold nationality in another country may apply for a Dual Nationality Certificate (DNC). However, foreigners who acquire Bangladeshi citizenship may be required to renounce their previous nationality, depending on their country’s laws.
Core Procedure to Get Dual Citizenship
- If the applicant is temporarily residing in Bangladesh, the application must be sent directly to the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- If the applicant lives abroad, the application should be sent to that country’s Bangladesh diplomatic mission or consulate.
- If a Bangladesh Mission or Consulate does not exist in the applicant’s home country, the application may be sent to the nearest Bangladesh Mission or Consulate.
Bangladeshi citizens can get dual citizenship of 101 other countries, along with the citizenship of Bangladesh.[6]
| Since | Countries |
|---|---|
| 17 March 2008 |  United Kingdom |
| 23 September 2008 | all countries of  Europe,  United States,  Canada |
| 22 January 2012 |  Brunei,  Hong Kong,  Japan,  Malaysia,  Singapore,  South Korea |
| 27 February 2023 |  Algeria,  Argentina,  Bahamas,  Barbados,  Bolivia,  Botswana,  Brazil,  Burundi,  Central African Republic,  Chile,  Colombia,  Congo,  Cuba,  Dominica,  Dominican Republic,  Ecuador,  Egypt,  Eritrea,  Fiji,  Gambia,  Ghana,  Grenada,  Guyana,  Haiti,  Jamaica,  Kenya,  Liberia,  Libya,  Mauritius,  Morocco,  Peru,  Rwanda,  Saint Lucia,  Saint Kitts and Nevis,  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,  Sierra Leone,  South Africa,  Sudan,  Suriname,  Trinidad and Tobago,  Tunisia,  Uruguay,  Venezuela |
Required Documents for Dual Citizenship
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Affidavit attesting to the truthfulness of the statements in the application, signed before a Minister, Counselor, First Secretary, Notary Public, or other official of equivalent status at the Bangladesh Embassy.
- Proof of remittances to Bangladesh over the last three years (if applicable).
- Copy of foreign passport and citizenship or naturalization certificate, along with any declarations of assets(movable or immovable) in Bangladesh.
- If the applicant has no assets, a statement of the parent’s assets should be provided.
- Statement of activities (service, education, business, etc.) for the previous five years since leaving Bangladesh.
- Four (4) recent color passport photos.
- Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
- If a child was born abroad, a copy of the parent’s Bangladesh passport or dual citizenship certificate is required.
- Photocopy of Bangladesh passport.
7. Loss and Renunciation of Citizenship
Citizenship can be lost or renounced under the following conditions:
- Voluntary renunciation: A citizen may voluntarily give up Bangladeshi nationality by submitting an application.
- Revocation by the government: Citizenship may be revoked if obtained fraudulently or if the individual engages in activities against the interests of Bangladesh.
8. Statelessness and Refugee Status
Bangladesh does not automatically grant citizenship to refugees or stateless persons. However, provisions exist for long-term residents, particularly those from displaced communities, to apply for nationality through naturalization.
Application Process
- Submit an application to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Provide necessary documents (passport, proof of residence, marriage certificate, etc.).
- Pay the required fees and undergo verification.
- Await approval, as the decision is at the discretion of the Bangladesh government.
Conclusion
The Bangladeshi citizenship policy is structured to ensure national security while providing multiple pathways for acquiring citizenship. Whether through birth, descent, marriage, investment, or special contributions, applicants must follow established legal procedures. Given the complexities involved, prospective applicants should seek legal guidance and adhere to official requirements for obtaining citizenship in Bangladesh.
No Visa Requirements and Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh
To learn more about Bangladesh Work Permit Visa, [click here]
To learn more about the No Visa Policy for Foreign Citizens in Bangladesh, [click here]
To learn about the on-arrival visa policy for Foreign Citizens in Bangladesh, [click here]
Contact Us Today
For more details or to schedule a consultation, reach out to us at:
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +8801753718223
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: LegalSeba.com/book-now
Let LegalSeba.com be your trusted partner in navigating the legal complexities of your immigration matter in Bangladesh, ensuring a secure and hassle-free experience.
