NRB Investment Guide: NITA vs. Private NRTA | Buying Land & Stocks in Bangladesh
For Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs)

Invest in Bangladesh:
Land vs. Stock Market

A complete guide to navigating Bangladesh Bank's GFET Chapter 14. Learn how to legally buy property or trade on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) without getting your capital trapped.

#NITA_Account #Private_NRTA #Repatriation #Property_Law

The "Wrong Account" Trap

Investing in the motherland is a priority for many NRBs. However, a common bureaucratic error often freezes these investments. The banking regulations for Portfolio Investment (Stocks) and Direct Investment (Real Estate) are completely different. Using a NITA account for land, or a Private NRTA for stocks, can lead to rejected payments and the inability to repatriate your money abroad.

Investment Purpose Selector

Select your primary goal to see the compliant banking channel.

⚖️

Select an option on the left to view the
Banking & Legal Protocol.

Recommended Account

Legal Reference

NITA vs. Private NRTA: The Breakdown

Understanding the "Ring-Fencing" of funds. NITA is for easy exit (repatriation) but restricted use. Private NRTA is for broad use but restricted exit.

Regulatory Flexibility Profile

NITA (Stock Market)
Private NRTA (Land/General)
Feature NITA Account Private NRTA
Primary Use Case Portfolio Investment
Shares, Bonds, IPOs
Direct Investment
Land, Flat, Building, Expenses
Permissible Debits Restricted.
Cannot pay developers directly.
Flexible.
Can pay anyone locally.
Repatriation (Exit) Automatic & Free Restricted / Approval Required
Bangladesh Bank Rule GFET Ch 14, Sec 4 GFET Ch 14, Sec 2
SEO Note: "Repatriation" refers to the legal ability to convert Taka back to USD/GBP/EUR and send it back to your country of residence.
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT

Investing in the Stock Market

For NRBs wanting to trade on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) or Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), the NITA account is mandatory.

This pathway is designed for liquidity. The government allows you to take your capital and profits out easily to encourage foreign investment. For details on handling foreign deposits, see our guide on Share Money Deposits.

1. Open NITA Account

Open a Non-resident Investor’s Taka Account (NITA) with a custodial bank (e.g., SCB, HSBC, City Bank).

2. Open BO Account

Open a Beneficiary Owner (BO) account with a Brokerage House. Link it to your NITA.

3. Trade & Repatriate

Remit FC to NITA -> NITA buys shares -> Sell shares -> Proceeds go to NITA -> Remit back abroad freely.

Property Investment

Buying Land as an NRB

The strict banking protocol for buying real estate in Bangladesh to ensure your investment remains "White Money" and repatriable. For a deeper legal analysis, read our Property Buy and Sell Legal Guide.

01

Account Setup

02

Remittance

03

Payment

04

Golden Ticket

Step 1: Open a Private NRTA

Visit a Scheduled Bank (like Islami Bank, Dutch-Bangla, City Bank, or international banks like HSBC/Standard Chartered) and request a Private Non-Resident Taka Account.

SEO Tip: Ensure the account is opened under Chapter 14, Section 2 of GFET. Do NOT open a simple savings account as a resident if you are living abroad.

Step 2: Proper Remittance

Transfer foreign currency (USD/GBP/EUR) via SWIFT. Crucial: The SWIFT message field must state "Investment for purchase of land at [Mouza/Location]".

This creates the "Inward Remittance Trail" required by Bangladesh Bank.

Step 3: Pay Order / Cheque

Pay the seller or developer using a Bank Pay Order or Account Payee Cheque issued from your NRTA.

NEVER USE CASH. Cash payments break the audit trail. You cannot prove to the Central Bank that foreign money bought the land if you pay in cash.

Step 4: The Encashment Certificate

Upon converting your currency, the bank generates an Encashment Certificate. You must physically collect and preserve this original document.

Without this certificate, you cannot obtain the No Objection Certificate (NOC) required to repatriate sale proceeds years later.

Related Legal Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can NRBs buy land in Bangladesh legally?
Yes. Non-Resident Bangladeshis have the same property rights as resident citizens. You can purchase land, apartments, or commercial real estate using funds remitted through proper banking channels (Private NRTA).
What is the difference between NITA and FC Account?
An FC (Foreign Currency) Account holds money in USD/GBP/EUR. A NITA (Non-resident Investor’s Taka Account) holds Taka converted from foreign currency specifically for purchasing shares in the stock market.
How do I repatriate money after selling land?
Repatriation of land sale proceeds is not automatic. You must apply to Bangladesh Bank with proof of investment (Encashment Certificate), proof of sale (Registered Deed), and tax clearance. Using a Private NRTA initially makes this process possible.

Professional Legal Vetting Services

Navigating the GFET regulations and verifying land titles requires expertise. LegalSeba LLP assists NRBs with secure property investments and compliance.