Bangladesh Citizenship Policy: The Ultimate 2025 Guide | LegalSeba LLP

Bangladesh Citizenship Policy: A Complete Guide

Your interactive resource for understanding the complete Bangladeshi citizenship application process, including paths for investors, spouses, and more.

Select Your Path to Citizenship or Residency

Choose the category that matches your situation to see the specific requirements and process.

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By Birth

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By Descent

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By Marriage

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By Naturalization

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By Investment

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Dual Citizenship

Citizenship by Birth

This path applies to individuals born within Bangladesh, establishing citizenship by the principle of *jus soli* (right of the soil).

Legal Basis: Section 4 of The Citizenship Act, 1951.

Eligibility Conditions:

  • Must be born in Bangladesh after the Act's commencement.
  • Parents must be legal residents or nationals.
  • Does not apply to children of "enemy aliens," illegal residents, or foreign diplomats.

Process & Documentation:

  • Citizenship is generally automatic if conditions are met.
  • Primary Proof: Official birth certificate from a City Corporation, Municipality, or Union Parishad.
  • Supporting Documents: Parents' passports, National ID (NID) cards, and proof of legal status.

Citizenship by Descent

This path is for individuals born outside Bangladesh to at least one Bangladeshi parent (*jus sanguinis* or right of blood).

Legal Basis: Section 5 of The Citizenship Act, 1951.

Eligibility Conditions:

  • Father or mother must be a citizen of Bangladesh at the time of birth.
  • The birth must be registered at a Bangladesh Mission or Consulate abroad, typically within two years.

Process & Documentation:

  • Register the birth at the nearest Bangladesh Embassy.
  • Submit the child's foreign birth certificate.
  • Provide conclusive proof of the parent's Bangladeshi citizenship (passport, NID).
  • Complete consular application forms and provide photos.

Start Here: Marriage-Based Eligibility Check

This path is a stream of naturalization for foreign nationals married to Bangladeshi citizens. First, you must meet the residency requirement.

Have you been legally married and residing in Bangladesh for at least four years?

Start Here: Naturalization Eligibility Check

This path is for foreign nationals (not applying through marriage) who are long-term residents. First, you must meet the residency requirement.

Have you legally resided in Bangladesh for at least four years?

Bangladesh Residency & Citizenship by Investment

Foreign investors can gain visas, long-term residency, special travel privileges, and eventual citizenship in Bangladesh by making a significant contribution to its economy. The process follows a multi-stage path based on the investment amount, as outlined in the National Industrial Policy 2022 and other government provisions.

Stage 1: Investor Visa (E-Type / PI-Type)

  • Minimum Investment: Requires an investment of at least USD $100,000 in a Bangladeshi company.
  • Fund Transfer Requirement: Out of this amount, a minimum of USD $75,000 must be transferred into Bangladesh.
  • Outcome: Fulfilling this makes the applicant eligible for a recommendation from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), which is necessary to obtain an investor visa and a work permit.

Stage 2: Permanent Residency by Investment

  • Minimum Investment: A foreign national can obtain a permanent residency permit by investing a minimum of USD $200,000.00 in Bangladesh.
  • Condition: The residency status is valid for as long as the investor holds this investment within the country.

Stage 3: "No Visa Required" (NVR) Status for Major Investors

  • Minimum Investment: Investors who make a substantial, long-term commitment by investing at least USD $1,000,000.00 (10 lakh USD) in a heavy industry or a long-term industrial/business project are eligible for this special status.
  • Benefit: Upon certification from BIDA, BEPZA, BEZA, or other relevant authorities that the investment is ongoing, the investor is granted a "No Visa Required" (NVR) seal in their passport. This allows for visa-free travel to and from Bangladesh, simplifying business operations.

Stage 4: Citizenship by Special Contribution

Applicants who make a very large, non-repatriable investment are eligible to apply for full Bangladeshi citizenship. There are two primary options:

  • Option 1 (Project Investment): Invest USD $1,000,000.00 in an approved industrial or commercial project within Bangladesh.
  • OR
  • Option 2 (Fund Transfer): Transfer USD $2,000,000.00 to any authorized financial institution in Bangladesh.

Meeting one of these criteria makes an applicant eligible to apply for citizenship. The final grant of citizenship remains at the discretion of the Government of Bangladesh.

Dual Citizenship Policy

This path allows foreign citizens of Bangladeshi origin to legally hold both citizenships by obtaining a Dual Nationality Certificate (DNC).

Legal Basis: Article 2B of The Bangladesh Citizenship (Temporary Provisions) Order, 1972.

Eligibility Conditions:

  • Must be of Bangladeshi origin (applicant, parents, or grandparents were citizens).
  • Must be a citizen of a country with which Bangladesh has a dual citizenship arrangement. Citizens of SAARC countries and Myanmar are generally not eligible.

Process & Documentation:

  • Submit the application using the prescribed DNC form (Form A).
  • Apply through the nearest Bangladesh Mission abroad or the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Proof of Origin: Old Bangladeshi passport, parent's passport/NID.
  • Foreign Documents: Valid foreign passport and proof of foreign citizenship.
  • Pay prescribed fees. The DNC is required to apply for or renew a Bangladeshi passport.

Further Reading & Related Services

Bangladesh Work Permit Visa

Learn more about the process and requirements for obtaining a work permit in Bangladesh.

No Visa Required (NVR) Policy

Explore the details of the NVR policy for foreign citizens of Bangladeshi descent and major investors.

Visa on Arrival

Find out if you are eligible for a visa on arrival and what the procedure entails.

Tourist Visa Policy

A complete guide to the tourist visa policy for foreign citizens visiting Bangladesh.

Apostille and Legalisation Services

Understand the process for apostille and legalisation of foreign documents for use in Bangladesh.

Navigate Your Citizenship Application with Confidence

The Bangladeshi citizenship application process can be complex. The experts at LegalSeba LLP are here to ensure your journey is smooth, efficient, and successful.

Expert Consultation

We assess your eligibility, explain the specific requirements for your case, and create a clear action plan.

Flawless Documentation

We guide you in preparing and attesting every document correctly, from application forms to affidavits, preventing costly errors.

Full-Service Support

We manage the entire submission process and liaise with government departments on your behalf, saving you time and stress.

Ready to start? Contact us today.

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Disclaimer: This guide to the Bangladesh Citizenship Policy is for informational purposes only. Requirements and laws are subject to change. For professional assistance with your Bangladeshi citizenship application, consult a legal expert.