If your company is planning to expand to Bangladesh, you’ll need a skilled team of employees. Whether that means relocating existing team members or hiring international workers, Bangladesh has a specific process for issuing work visas and permits in order for individuals to live and work in the country legally.
Types of work visas in Bangladesh
There are many types of visas for visitors to Bangladesh, including:
- Government delegates visa
- Business visa
- Investor visa
- Tourist visa
- Employment or work visa
- Research visa
- Student visa
- Journalist visa
- Missionary visa
There are specific requirements for each type of visa. If your company is planning an expansion into Bangladesh, international employees will need to obtain a work visa.
Work visas may be issued for single entry, double entry, and multiple entries for individuals who plan to enter and exit the country numerous times throughout the duration of their visa. The price of the visa will vary depending on the category the employee chooses. Bear in mind that local employers need to maintain a local- to-foreign ratio of 5:1, which means that only 20% of the employees can be international workers.
Requirements to obtain Bangladesh work visas
To obtain a work visa in Bangladesh, employees will need to provide the following:
- A completed visa application form
- A job offer from an employer in Bangladesh
- An original passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months
- 2 recent passport photos
- Proof of relevant qualifications and experience
- Proof of payment of the visa fee, paid to the appropriate embassy
- A letter of recommendation from the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and the Board of Investment (BOI)
If the applicant would like their passport to be returned via post, they must also provide a self-addressed, prepaid envelope.
Application process
The process of obtaining a work permit in Bangladesh is relatively simple. The application form can be found online on the Department of Immigration & Passports in Bangladesh website.
After filling out and submitting an online visa application form, the applicant must print out a copy of the completed form.
Applicants should then visit the embassy of Bangladesh or consulate in their country, along with the completed visa application form enclosed with all of the required documents listed above. The visa application fee will vary based on the applicant’s country. Upon arrival in Bangladesh, employers will need to submit an application for a work permit on the employee’s behalf. In order to do so, employers will need to open an online account with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
The usual processing time for a Bangladesh visa is about 2 weeks, so applicants should plan accordingly to ensure that they receive their visa in time to make travel arrangements and obtain a work permit before beginning employment.
Other important considerations
Some employees may wish to bring family members along with them to Bangladesh. Spouses and dependents will need to submit the same documents that are required for a work visa (other than the letter of appointment from the employer and the recommendation letter from BEPZA / BOI). In addition, they will need to provide necessary letters or certifications confirming their relationship with the employee, such as a marriage license or birth certificate.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support in the processing of work visas or permits in this particular location. For any other inquiries, contact us today.