Foreign Exchange Regulation and Inward Remittances in Bangladesh
Advice on foreign exchange regulation in Bangladesh for investors, exporters, service providers and individuals: receiving foreign currency through proper channels, documenting equity and loan inflows, operating foreign currency accounts, obtaining Bangladesh Bank approvals and keeping the paper trail needed for later repatriation of profits and capital.
- Map the flows
- Structure and document
- Approvals and banking
- Ongoing compliance
Foreign exchange regulation in Bangladesh, explained for businesses
Bangladesh controls the movement of money across its borders more closely than many investors expect. Foreign exchange regulation affects how a foreign shareholder funds a new company, how an exporter receives sale proceeds, how a software firm is paid by overseas clients, how a non-resident Bangladeshi sends money home and how profits or capital later leave the country. Mistakes at the inflow stage often surface years later, when a bank refuses to remit dividends because the original investment was not properly documented. We advise on these issues as part of our corporate and finance practice.
The legal base is the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947, as amended, under which Bangladesh Bank regulates dealings in foreign currency. In practice, most of the detail sits in Bangladesh Bank's Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Transactions and the foreign exchange circulars issued to authorised dealer banks, which are updated frequently and sometimes consolidated. Authorised dealers, the licensed banks that handle foreign currency business, apply these rules day to day. Because the circulars change often, we check the current position before advising, rather than relying on how a transaction was handled a year or two ago.
As a broad principle, Bangladesh allows current account transactions such as payment for exports and services with documentation, while capital account movements are more tightly controlled. Inward foreign direct investment is generally permitted in sectors open to foreign ownership, and the inflow must come through banking channels and be properly recorded. Foreign borrowing by private companies is subject to approval and reporting requirements. Outward investment by residents is restricted and needs specific permission from Bangladesh Bank. The distinction between current and capital transactions shapes almost every question a client brings to us on foreign exchange regulation.
Inward remittances need careful handling at the receiving end. The authorised dealer bank will ask for the purpose of the remittance, supporting contracts or invoices, and evidence of the remitter's identity. It will issue an encashment certificate or similar record confirming the inflow, and that record becomes the foundation for later tax filings, share allotments and repatriation. Our article on receiving foreign currency in Bangladesh sets out the main channels; this page explains how foreign exchange regulation works at the bank counter and how we help clients use those channels correctly and resolve problems when they arise.
Anti-money laundering rules sit alongside the exchange control regime. Banks apply customer due diligence and transaction monitoring under the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012 and guidance from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, and informal transfer systems such as hundi are illegal and heavily penalised. Investment structures also interact with the registration regime of Invest Bangladesh, which since 23 August 2026 has taken over the functions of the former BIDA, BEZA and PPP Authority. We coordinate the exchange control, investment registration and tax aspects so that a client's inflows meet foreign exchange regulation from the first remittance.
Core workstreams
Four clear stages
- 01Map the flows
- 02Structure and document
- 03Approvals and banking
- 04Ongoing compliance
Talk to a partner
Consultations in Dhaka or by video. Scope, team and fees are agreed in writing first.
Book →How we help with foreign exchange matters
Structuring foreign investment inflows
- Map the flows
- Structure and document
- Approvals and banking
- Ongoing compliance
Export and service receipts
- Map the flows
- Structure and document
- Approvals and banking
- Ongoing compliance
Foreign currency accounts
- Map the flows
- Structure and document
- Approvals and banking
- Ongoing compliance
Bangladesh Bank approvals
- Map the flows
- Structure and document
- Approvals and banking
- Ongoing compliance
Repatriation of profits and capital
- Map the flows
- Structure and document
- Approvals and banking
- Ongoing compliance
Investigations and regularisation
- Map the flows
- Structure and document
- Approvals and banking
- Ongoing compliance
Structuring foreign investment inflows
We advise foreign investors on bringing share capital, share money deposits and shareholder loans into Bangladesh in a way that satisfies foreign exchange regulation and supports later repatriation. This includes the timing of remittances against share allotments, the documents banks require, the treatment of capital brought in before incorporation, and filings with the RJSC and Invest Bangladesh, so that each inflow, however small, is properly recorded from the start.
Export and service receipts
Exporters of goods and services must repatriate proceeds within prescribed periods and through authorised dealers. We advise garment exporters, IT and software companies, consultants and freelancers on contract terms, invoicing, the use of exporters' retention quota accounts and the documentation banks need to credit receipts. Where proceeds are overdue or a bank queries a receipt, we help the client respond and regularise the position with the bank before penalties arise.
Foreign currency accounts
Different categories of foreign currency account are available to foreign-owned companies, exporters, foreign nationals, non-resident Bangladeshis and certain projects, each with its own rules under foreign exchange regulation on permitted credits, debits and conversion. We advise on which accounts a client may open, how they may be used, and how to avoid crediting or debiting transactions that fall outside the permitted heads, which banks scrutinise closely.
Bangladesh Bank approvals
Foreign exchange regulation requires some transactions to have prior Bangladesh Bank approval or post-facto reporting, including certain foreign loans, guarantees, transfers of shares between residents and non-residents, and remittances outside the general permissions. We prepare applications, supporting valuations and board approvals, liaise with the authorised dealer bank that forwards the application, and respond to queries from Bangladesh Bank until a decision is issued. We also advise on conditions attached to approvals.
Repatriation of profits and capital
Foreign investors expect to remit dividends, sale proceeds and loan repayments out of Bangladesh. We advise on the documents banks require, including audited accounts, tax clearance, board resolutions and evidence of the original inflow, and on the effect of withholding tax. Where an exit involves selling shares, we coordinate the valuation and the approvals needed so that the sale proceeds can actually leave the country on completion.
Investigations and regularisation
Breaches of foreign exchange rules can lead to bank inquiries, Bangladesh Bank inspections, and in serious cases investigation for money laundering or other offences. We review past transactions against the foreign exchange regulation in force at the time, identify gaps, advise on voluntary regularisation where possible, and represent clients in correspondence and hearings. We also help companies build internal controls so that finance teams handle cross-border payments consistently and keep the right records.
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Corporate & Finance matters at TRW are led by partners, supported by associates, with one responsible lawyer from first advice to final outcome.
Meet the firm →01How should a foreign shareholder send capital to a new Bangladeshi company?
The money should come from the investor's own account abroad through normal banking channels to an account of the Bangladeshi company, or of the company in formation where the bank allows this, with the purpose stated as equity investment. The bank will issue an encashment certificate. Shares should then be allotted and the return of allotment filed with the RJSC. Sending capital informally, through a third party or in cash makes later repatriation very difficult. We set out the sequence and documents in advance so that the inflow meets foreign exchange regulation and the bank's requirements first time.
02Why does the encashment certificate matter so much under foreign exchange regulation?
The encashment certificate, or equivalent bank record, is the evidence that foreign currency actually entered Bangladesh through an authorised channel and was converted or credited for a stated purpose. Banks rely on it when remitting dividends, sale proceeds or loan repayments abroad, and auditors and tax authorities rely on it when reviewing share capital and loans. If the certificate is missing or records the wrong purpose, correcting it later can take months. We check these records at the outset and, where something is wrong, work with the bank to correct it while the transaction is still recent.
03Can a Bangladeshi company borrow from its foreign parent?
Yes, but foreign borrowing by private sector companies is regulated. Depending on the type, tenor and cost of the loan, it may need approval through the government's scrutiny process involving Invest Bangladesh and Bangladesh Bank, or it may fall within general permissions with reporting through the authorised dealer bank. Interest and repayment terms, withholding tax on interest paid to non-residents and registration of the loan all need attention. Under the Finance Act 2026 the withholding rate on interest paid to non-residents is 10%. We structure the loan to meet foreign exchange regulation and tax rules together.
04How can an IT company receive payments from overseas clients?
Software and IT-enabled service exports can be paid through banking channels and, within limits set by Bangladesh Bank, through recognised international payment platforms. The service contract, invoices and payment references should match the receipts, and proceeds must be brought in within the permitted period. Exporters may retain part of their receipts in a foreign currency account. Tax treatment depends on the business and current incentives, which change from year to year. We review the client's contracts and payment flows and advise on a compliant structure under foreign exchange regulation and tax law, including how to document each receipt.
05What is the difference between current and capital account transactions?
Current account transactions are payments for goods, services, income and transfers, such as export proceeds, consultancy fees, royalties within permitted limits and dividends. They are generally allowed through authorised dealers on proof of the underlying transaction. Capital account transactions move investment or debt, such as equity, foreign loans and outward investment, and are more closely controlled. Some are allowed under general permissions; others need prior approval. Under Bangladesh's foreign exchange regulation, correctly classifying a payment is the first step in any analysis, because the classification decides which rules, permissions and supporting documents apply.
06Can a resident sell shares to a foreign buyer?
Yes, generally, in sectors open to foreign investment, but the transaction must comply with Bangladesh Bank's rules on transfers of shares between residents and non-residents. The price is usually expected to be supported by a fair valuation, the purchase price must come into Bangladesh from abroad through banking channels, and the transfer must be reflected in the company's records and RJSC filings. Where a non-resident sells to a resident, repatriation of sale proceeds is subject to further conditions. We advise buyers and sellers on the approvals, valuation and documents needed for the transfer to work.
07What happens if foreign exchange rules have already been breached?
Consequences range from a bank refusing to process a payment to formal action by Bangladesh Bank and, in serious cases, criminal investigation. Common problems include capital received without proper records, export proceeds not repatriated in time, payments made to foreign suppliers without supporting documents, and use of informal channels. The right response always depends on the facts and the amounts involved. We review the history confidentially, assess exposure, and advise whether and how to approach the bank or Bangladesh Bank to regularise the position before it escalates into a formal foreign exchange regulation inquiry.
08How do non-resident Bangladeshis send money home or invest?
Non-resident Bangladeshis living abroad can send remittances through banks and authorised remittance services, open certain foreign currency and taka accounts, and invest in specified instruments and in companies. Wage earners' remittances through formal channels have historically attracted government incentives, the terms of which change from time to time. Larger transfers for property purchases or business investment raise questions of source of funds, tax and later repatriation. We advise non-resident clients on the appropriate channels and documents and, where they hold power of attorney arrangements, on the transactions their representatives may lawfully carry out.
From first call to resolution.
- 01
Map the flows
At the first meeting we identify every cross-border payment involved, in both directions, classify each as current or capital, and confirm which rules, permissions and supporting documents apply under the current circulars issued by Bangladesh Bank.
- 02
Structure and document
To satisfy foreign exchange regulation, we prepare or review the contracts, board resolutions, invoices and valuation reports, and agree the sequence of remittances, share allotments and filings with the client, its auditors and its authorised dealer bank.
- 03
Approvals and banking
Where approval is needed, we prepare the application, submit it through the bank and handle queries from the bank and the regulator. We check encashment certificates and bank records as funds arrive, and correct errors immediately while they are still easy to fix.
- 04
Ongoing compliance
After completion we advise on reporting, repatriation of dividends and capital, changes to the structure and new circulars, so that the client's position under foreign exchange regulation stays compliant and fully documented throughout the life of the investment.
“Demonstrates an extraordinary command over both domestic litigation and international arbitration.”
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Bangladesh: Dispute resolution, client feedback
Related reading.

Receiving Foreign Currency in Bangladesh

Capital Repatriation in Bangladesh: Foreign-Exchange Controls in 2026

Outward Remittance Rules in Bangladesh 2026: Permitted Heads, Approvals, Accounts and Offshore Banking

Bangladesh Bank Approval in 2026: Foreign Exchange, Circulars, CIB, Licensing and Reform
All insights →
Who enforces foreign exchange regulation in Bangladesh?
Is hundi legal for business payments?
Can profits be remitted to a foreign parent company?
Does foreign exchange regulation change often?
Can foreign nationals working in Bangladesh send their salary home?
How does the merger of BIDA into Invest Bangladesh affect inflows?
What records should a company keep for foreign exchange purposes?
When should we involve lawyers in a foreign exchange question?
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