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Expatriate Employment and Work Permits in Bangladesh | LegalBD

Foreign nationals working in Bangladesh require a valid work permit issued by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) or the relevant sector authority, and a valid visa. The process involves coordination between the employer, the employee, BIDA, and the Department of Immigration and Passports.

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At a glance

Executive summary

Foreign nationals working in Bangladesh require a valid work permit issued by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) or the relevant sector authority, and a valid visa. The process involves coordination between the employer, the employee, BIDA, and the Department of Immigration and Passports.

Practice area labour employment
Reading time About 1 min
Latest date Review pending

Expatriate Employment and Work Permits in Bangladesh

Foreign nationals working in Bangladesh require a valid work permit issued by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) or the relevant sector authority, and a valid visa. The process involves coordination between the employer, the employee, BIDA, and the Department of Immigration and Passports.

Work Permit Process

  • Employer applies to BIDA (or relevant authority) with employment contract, academic qualifications, and company registration documents
  • BIDA issues work permit approval — typically valid for 1–2 years, renewable
  • Employee applies for Employment Visa at Bangladesh mission abroad (or may convert Tourist Visa in-country in limited circumstances)
  • On entry, employee registers with BIDA and obtains income tax clearance obligations

Sector-Specific Rules

EPZ and EZ investors deal with BEPZA/BEZA rather than BIDA for work permit purposes. Financial services firms require Bangladesh Bank or BSEC approval for senior foreign appointments. NGOs obtain approval through NGOAB.

LegalBD manages the full expatriate work permit process. Contact us for assistance.

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