How to Get a Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh
Visa and Immigration Service in Bangladesh
Foreign nationals seeking employment in Bangladesh must obtain a work permit from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the process of obtaining a work permit, from initial application to final approval. Three government authorities issue work permits in Bangladesh.
- For private sector industrial enterprise, branch office and liaison office, outside of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) – Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
- For employment of foreign nationals in the EPZ– Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA).
- For employment of foreign nationals in any NGO – NGO Affairs Bureau.
- For special categories, recommendations from respective ministries
Legal Framework Governing Expatriate Employment in Bangladesh
The employment of foreign nationals in Bangladesh is subject to multiple legal frameworks, including:
- Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Regulations
- Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) Rules (for companies operating in EPZs)
- Labour Laws, including the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006
- Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
- Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947
Employers hiring expatriates must ensure full compliance with these laws, including the procurement of necessary work permits, tax clearances, and contractual protections, to mitigate legal and financial risks.
Guidelines for Issuing Work Permits by BIDA
Private sector industrial enterprises, branch offices, and liaison/representative offices wishing to employ foreign nationals must apply to BIDA using their prescribed forms. BIDA follows specific guidelines when issuing work permits:
- Eligibility: Only nationals from countries recognized by Bangladesh are considered for employment.
- Approval and Registration: Employment of expatriate personnel is considered only in industrial/commercial establishments sanctioned or registered by the appropriate authority.
- Availability of Local Expertise: Employment of foreign nationals is considered only for positions where local experts or technicians are unavailable.
- Age Restriction: Persons below 18 years of age are not eligible for employment.
- Board Approval: A decision by the board of directors of the concerned company is required for new employment or employment extension.
- Employee Ratio: Generally industrial projects registered with BIDA can employ foreign workers at a ratio of 10:1 local worker: foreign worke at the initial stage and then 20:1 during the operational stage. • Commercial (branch, representative/ liaison) offices registered with BIDA and educational institutes can employ foreign workers at a ratio of 5:1 (local worker: foreign worker).
- Employment Term: Initial employment of foreign nationals is considered for a term of one year, extendable based on merit.
- Security Clearance: Security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs is required.
Process of Issuing Work Permit by BIDA in Bangladesh
Step 1: Publication of Newspaper Advertisement
Employers are typically required to publish a newspaper or online advertisement for the recruitment of local personnel before considering foreign nationals. This requirement may not always be mandatory but is encouraged to demonstrate efforts to hire locally.
We assist in publishing the required advertisement for local recruitment:
- Drafting and Publishing: Drafting the advertisement and ensuring it is published in a reputed newspaper or online platform.
- Documentation: Keeping a record of the advertisement for submission with the work permit application.
Step 2: Application for Issuance of E Visa Recommendation
The local sponsor (Liaison/Branch Office or local company) must apply to BIDA online for the issuance of an E visa recommendation for the desired foreign national. The following documents are usually required:
- Permission letter for branch/liaison/representative office or Memorandum of Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation for locally incorporated companies.
- Board Resolution for the employment of foreign nationals, mentioning the expatriate’s name, nationality, and passport number.
- Photograph of the expatriate.
- Copy of the expatriate’s passport (all used pages).
- Appointment letter, transfer order, or service contract for expatriates.
- Certificates of all academic qualifications and professional experience for the employees.
- Newspaper advertisement or online posting for local recruitment.
- Description of the company’s specific activities.
- Manpower statement showing the list of local and expatriate personnel with designation, salary, nationality, and date of first appointment.
- Encashment certificate of inward remittance of at least US $50,000 as initial establishment cost (for foreign establishments).
- Up-to-date income tax clearance certificate of the organization.
- Company Audited Accounts
- Company Trade License and other incorporation Certificates
- Company Annual Returns
- Company latest Tax Clearance Certificate
- Company’s comments as per any remarks.
Step 3: Application for E Visa at the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission
After BIDA issues the E visa recommendation, the foreign national must apply for an E visa at the respective Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission. Upon issuance, the foreign national should enter Bangladesh with an E visa.
Step 4: Application for Work Permit in Bangladesh
Within 15 days of the foreign national’s arrival, an application for a work permit must be submitted to BIDA, accompanied by a fee of BDT 5,000. Required documents include:
- All documents from Step 2.
- Attested photocopy of the passport with the arrival stamp indicating the ‘E’ type visa.
Step 5: Security Clearance
After the work permit is issued, BIDA sends a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance, involving further scrutiny before the clearance is issued.
Eligible Applicants for Work Permit/Employment Visa
Eligible persons for this category of visa include:
- Experts, advisers, or employees appointed in government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, projects, and equivalent organizations in Bangladesh.
- Individuals employed in local/foreign government, semi-government, liaison, industrial, commercial organizations, or equivalent entities in Bangladesh.
- Individuals working under local/foreign government or semi-government contracts in Bangladesh.
- Individuals intending to do honorary work (without salary) with registered NGOs in Bangladesh.
Duration and Extension of Work Permit/Employment Visa
- Initial Duration: A work permit/employment visa may be issued for up to three months with single, double, or multiple entries, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
- Extension: Extensions up to five years can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) in Bangladesh. The validity of the visa starts from the date of issue, not the date of travel.
No Visa Requirements and Citizenship Policy in Bangladesh
To learn more about Bangladesh Citizenship Policy and Regulations, [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]
Employer’s Responsibilities in Income Tax Compliance
The taxation of expatriate employees in Bangladesh is governed by the Income Tax Act of 2023, which mandates that employers are responsible for withholding and remitting income tax at the source (TDS) to the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Even where an employment contract stipulates that the employee’s salary is inclusive of taxes, the obligation to ensure tax compliance remains with the employer.
Legal Basis for Employer’s Tax Obligations
Pursuant to Section 86 of the Income Tax Act 2023, employers are statutorily required to withhold income tax at the applicable rate before disbursing salaries to employees, including expatriate personnel. Failure to comply with this statutory duty exposes the employer to liability, including potential tax evasion claims, penalties, and retroactive tax assessments.
To ensure compliance with tax obligations, employers should adopt the following measures:
- Deduct the requisite Tax Deducted at the Source (TDS) from employee salaries prior to disbursement.
- Issue a Tax Deduction Certificate to each employee as proof of tax payment.
- Maintain monthly tax deposit records with the NBR for audit and compliance verification.
- Ensure that the company fulfills its tax withholding obligations rather than relying solely on employee self-paid income tax submissions, as such an arrangement does not absolve the employer of liability. Regulatory authorities may still impose enforcement actions on non-compliant employers.
Social Security Contributions and Employer Obligations
Bangladesh does not have a government-mandated social security system applicable to expatriates. However, certain employers voluntarily offer benefits such as provident funds, gratuity schemes, and health insurance as part of an expatriate’s employment package.
Where such benefits are included, employers must:
- Clearly define the terms of contributions and withdrawals in employment contracts.
- Ensure proper documentation of employer and employee contributions.
- Establish clear legal provisions governing payout terms for employees upon termination or repatriation.
As there is no mandatory government social security scheme applicable to expatriates, there is no statutory requirement for expatriates to submit social security payment slips unless explicitly required under the terms of their employment contract.
Potential Blacklisting of Companies for Non-Compliance with Expatriate Employment Laws
Failure to comply with expatriate employment regulations in Bangladesh may result in severe legal and financial repercussions, including blacklisting by regulatory authorities such as BIDA, BEPZA, the NBR, or the Bangladesh Bank. Below are the principal grounds for blacklisting and their corresponding legal consequences.
1. Non-Compliance with Work Permit and Visa Regulations
Under BIDA regulations, expatriates must possess a valid work permit and E Visa before commencing employment in Bangladesh.
Blacklisting Triggers
✅ Employing an expatriate without a valid work permit.
✅ Failure to renew an expatriate’s visa or work permit within the stipulated timeframe.
✅ Employing more expatriates than permitted under the legal ratio requirements (1:20 for industrial sectors, 1:5 for commercial sectors).
✅ Allowing expatriates to work beyond their visa validity without obtaining renewal approvals.
Legal Consequences
❌ Cancellation of the company’s authorization to hire expatriates.
❌ Denial of future work permit applications.
❌ Inclusion on the blacklist of BIDA, BEPZA (for EPZ-registered businesses), or other regulatory agencies.
❌ Expulsion of expatriates employed without proper legal authorization.
2. Failure to Deduct and Remit Income Tax for Expatriates
Non-compliance with this obligation may trigger blacklisting risks, including failure to deduct and remit TDS, misrepresentation of foreign national employment in tax filings, and allowing expatriates to self-pay taxes instead of employer withholding, which contravenes tax laws. Legal consequences for such violations include fines and penalties imposed by the NBR, the potential classification of the company as a tax evader—jeopardizing business operations and licensing—and blacklisting by the NBR, which could result in banking restrictions and limitations on financial transactions.
3. Violations of Labour Laws and Employee Rights
While the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 primarily governs local employees, certain provisions impact expatriate employment, particularly regarding termination and compensation.
Blacklisting Triggers
✅ Wrongful termination of expatriates without due notice or severance, as required under Section 26 of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.
✅ Non-payment of salaries or benefits stipulated in employment contracts.
✅ Failure to grant contractual leave entitlements (e.g., annual or festival leave).
Legal Consequences
❌ Legal claims filed by expatriates, leading to labour court proceedings.
❌ Damage to the company’s reputation within the business and regulatory community.
❌ Potential blacklisting by the Ministry of Labour for repeated violations.
4. Foreign Exchange Violations in Salary Repatriation
Expatriate salary payments must comply with the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947, and Bangladesh Bank remittance rules.
Engaging in unauthorized financial practices related to expatriate salaries can expose a company to significant legal and regulatory risks. Blacklisting triggers include paying expatriates in cash or through unauthorized foreign transactions, repatriating salaries without obtaining the necessary tax clearance certificates, and failing to accurately report expatriate salaries in official company financial records. Such violations may lead to severe consequences, including substantial monetary penalties imposed by the Bangladesh Bank and the National Board of Revenue (NBR), increased scrutiny and potential flagging of company transactions for foreign exchange violations, and blacklisting by financial authorities, which could disrupt import/export operations and overall business activities.
Strategies to Ensure Compliance and Avoid Blacklisting
To mitigate legal and regulatory risks, companies employing expatriates in Bangladesh should adopt the following best practices:
✅ Secure and renew all required work permits and visas through BIDA/BEPZA.
✅ Deduct and remit income tax at source (TDS) for expatriate employees.
✅ Comply with contractual obligations and legally mandated termination procedures.
✅ Adhere to Bangladesh Bank regulations governing expatriate salary repatriation.
✅ Conduct internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance with expatriate employment laws.
A List of available visas for foreigners in Bangladesh
Please be advised that the information outlined herein serves as general guidance. LegalSeba provides tailored advice that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs and compliance requirements of each individual case. Our recommendations are contingent upon the particular circumstances presented by each client, ensuring that all legal and regulatory obligations are duly considered and addressed.
Visa is usually issued by the Bangladesh High Commission/Embassy concerned and extended by the Department of Immigration and Passports, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
| S.L.
No. |
Type of
visa |
Who are eligible | Arrival/travel purpose | Essential Documents to
issue |
Essential Documents to
extend |
| 01 | A | Head of State / Chief of Government /Minister
/ State Ministers / Deputy Ministers / Members of Parliament/ Regional Council Member / Mayor / equivalent persons and their spouse and dependent other family members |
Government / official duty | Verbal Note | Verbal Note |
| 02 | A1 | Government / Semi-Government / AutonomousAgency officials/government representatives and their
team members and their spouses and dependent children |
Government / official duty | Verbal Note | Recommendation of the concerned ministry/organising agency. |
| 03 | A2 | Officers and employees deployed by United Nations and its organisation/
International /Regional Agency/organizations. |
Official duty | Recommendations of Concerned organization | Request of Ministry/Department/agency concerned and terms and conditions laid down inappointment. |
| 04 | FA2 | Spouse and dependent family members of A2 | Traveling with A2 | Papers as proof of spouse/dependent family members of A2 visa holders. | Request of concerned organisation/agency and copy of related A2 visa. |
| 05 | A3 | Specialists/consultant/
Officer / Employee / Worker employed in the project under bilateral/multilateral agreement between the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and its development partners. |
ProfessionalResponsibility
/Job |
Recommendations of the concerned Ministry/ Governmentorganization/Economic Relations Division. | Recommendations of the concerned Ministry/Economic Relations Division/government organization, security clearance and contract between government & others. |
| 06 | FA3 | Spouse and dependent family members of A3 | Traveling with A3 | Recommendations of the concerned Ministry/Department/Economic Relations Division, for the same period of related A3 visa. | Request from concerned Ministry/department/agency and favourable police report and copy of related A3 visa. |
| 07 | B | Businessman/business representative | Business | Investment/business certificate issued by the recognised trade association of the country concerned/
local (Bangladesh) sponsor recommendation and document regarding the authenticity of his business. |
Business
certificate/trade license, tax certificate, recommendations of a local sponsor, and favourable police report. |
| 08 | C | Crew of Aircraft / Ships / Other Transport
engaged in international routes. |
ProfessionalResponsibility
/Job |
Recommendation of the
recruitment authority. |
The recommendation of
proper authority |
| 09 | D | Ambassador / Diplomat / Consular and equivalent officer and their spouse and
dependent family members |
Duties of the official duty | Ø Verbal Note | Ø Verbal Note |
| 10 | ND | Personal staff of A/A2/D visa holders and non-diplomatic staff and their spouses and dependent
Other family members. |
Traveling with A/A2/D visaholders. | Verbal Note | Recommendation of Embassy/HighCommissionconcerned. |
| 11 | DA | Domestic Aid of A/A2/D visa-holders | Traveling with A/A2/D visaholders. | Verbal Note | Recommendation of Embassy/High
Commissionconcerned. |
| 12 | E | Experts/consultant/employee/person employed in government/semi-
government/autonomous/project or farm of a contractor of home and abroad. |
ProfessionalResponsibility
/Job |
Appointment letter andBIDA/BEPZA/
recommendationMinistryconcerned |
Recommendation of appointing authority,
work permit and security clearance. |
| 13 | FE | Spouse and dependent family members of E visa-holders | Traveling with E visaholders | Proof of spouse/dependent family members of Evisa
holders. |
Request of concerned organization/institution and positive police report
and copy of related Evisa. |
| 14 | E1 | Foreigners engaged in Machinery and software supplies /
Installation/maintenance/supervision/project Inspection and such things |
Machinery and software providing / Setting /Maintenance/training/Supervision/project inspection
Etc. |
Authenticity ofBIDA/BEPZA/department/agency/concerned Ministry’srecommendation.
Invitation letter from local sponsor, Authenticity of the institution/importer-who invites the foreigner, Contract between machinery/software foreign provider/supplier and local institution/importer. |
Recommendation of local institution/importer, positive police report and work permit. |
| 15 | FE1 | Spouse and dependent family members of E1 visa holders | Traveling with E1 visaholders | Proof of spouse/dependent family members of E1 visa holders. | Request of concerned importer/institution, police and copy of related E1 visa. |
| 16 | J | Journalists working for Foreign Journal / Newspaper/ Wireless /
TV / news agency/satellite media or Freelance Journalist Etc. |
ProfessionalResponsibility
/Job |
Recommendations of the concerned ministry/Department/Economic Relations Division, proper appointment letter and recommendation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of
the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. |
Recommendation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, work permit and security clearance. |
| 17 | FJ | Spouse and dependent family members of J visa holders | Traveling with J visaholders | Proof of spouse/dependent family members of J visa
holders |
Request of the concerned institution, positive policy and copy of
related J visa. |
| 18 | M | Missionaries / religious guru | Religious matter | Request/appointment of the concerned religious mission/institution and recommendation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. | Request/appointment of the concerned religious mission/institution and recommendation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and security clearance. |
| 19 | FM | Spouse and dependent family members of M visa holders. | Traveling with M visa-holders | Proof of spouse/dependent family members of M visa holders. | Request of concerned organisation/institution, positive police report
and copy of related M visa. |
| 20 | N | An employee of a registered NGO | ProfessionalResponsibility
/Job |
Appointment letter from the NGO concerned and recommendation from the NGO bureau about the authenticity of
appointment. |
Recommendation of appointing authority, work permit and security clearance. |
| 21 | FN | Spouse and dependent family members of N visa holders | Traveling with N visaholders | Proof of spouse/dependent family members of N visa holders. | Request of concerned organization/institution
, positive police report and copy of related N visa. |
| 22 | P | player/coach/
Member of Cultural Party / Artist / Literaryand equal individuals |
ProfessionalResponsibility
/Job |
Request of concerned institution/organisation and recommendation of Ministry concerned. | Recommendation of appointing authority, work permit and security clearance. |
| 23 | FP | Spouse and dependent members of P visa holders | Traveling with P visaholders | Proof of spouse/dependent family members of P visa holders. | Request of concerned organization/institution, positive police report and copy of related P
visa. |
| 24 | PI | Foreign capital investor | Conducting Investment /business /
Commercial organization |
Recommendation of Bangladesh InvestmentDevelopment Authority(BIDA)/BangladeshExport Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) declaring that the applicant is a genuine
investor. |
Security clearance; request from concerned organisation/ institution and recommendation of BIDA/BEPZA declaring that investment of relevant applicant is existing on. |
| 25 | FPI | Spouse and dependent family members of PI visa-holders | Traveling with PI visa holders | Ø Proof of spouse/dependent family members of PI visa holders. | Ø Request of concerned organization/institution, positive police report copy of related PI visa. |
| 26 | R |
Participants in internship/Research/training at any approved organization/institution |
Research/training/Internship etc. | Request of concerned institution/organisation and recommendation of Ministry concerned. | Recommendation of appointing authority, positive verification report from police and
NSI. |
| 27 | FR | Spouse and dependent members of R visa holders | Traveling with R visaholders | Proof of
spouse/dependent family members of R visa holders. |
Request of concerned organization/institution, positive police report copy of related R visa. |
| 28 | S | Students studying in Government approved educational institution |
Study |
Document related to admission under government-approved educational institution in Bangladesh, sponsorship, bank
guarantee and others. |
Recommendation of concerned educational institution, sponsorship, non-employment certificate and positive verification report from police. |
| 29 | FS | Spouse and dependent members of S visa holders | Traveling with S visaholders | Proof of
spouse/dependent family members of S visa holders. |
Request of concerned organisation/institution, positive police report and copy of related S visa. |
| 30 | T | Any citizen of a country which has diplomatic relations with Bangladesh | Travelling / Tourism /Meeting with relatives /religious
purpose / Private Seminar / workshop /study Tour etc. |
– |
Positive police report. |
Professional Assistance by LegalSeba
At LegalSeba, we provide comprehensive support for obtaining work permits and employment visas for Bangladesh. Our services include:
- Detailed Consultation: Assessing your eligibility and understanding your specific needs.
- Application Assistance: Helping complete the online application and gathering necessary documents.
- Appointment Scheduling: Organizing and preparing for your consular appointment.
- Document Verification: Ensuring all documents are accurate and complete.
- Follow-up and Updates: Provide regular updates on the status of your application.
- Administrative Support: Assisting with any additional requirements, newspaper publication or interviews.
- Post Visa Support: Assisting visa-holders with, Accommodation, Tax, Bank Account opening, change of employer and settlement support
Choose LegalSeba LLP for a hassle-free visa application experience. Contact us today to get started on your journey to working in Bangladesh.
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +8801753718223
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Book A Meeting: LegalSeba.com/book-now
For more information on how LegalSeba LLP can assist you with obtaining work permits and employment visas in Bangladesh, visit our website or reach out to our support team. Our expertise and comprehensive services will ensure your transition to working in Bangladesh is smooth and compliant with all regulatory requirements.
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