Foreign nationals employed in Bangladesh generally need an employment visa issued by a Bangladesh mission, supported by employer documents, followed by a work permit from the authority that regulates the employer, such as Invest Bangladesh, BEPZA or the NGO Affairs Bureau. Security clearance is usually required as well. Working on a business or tourist visa is not permitted and can lead to fines, cancellation and difficulties on departure. We advise employers on sequencing the visa and work permit steps so the employee starts work lawfully. Employers should keep copies of the approvals and visa papers for later renewals.

Short visits for meetings, negotiations, market research, training sessions and site inspections are generally possible on a business visa, without a work permit, provided the visitor is not taking up employment or receiving salary in Bangladesh. The line between business activity and work can be unclear, for example where a foreign engineer supervises installation or a consultant delivers a paid project. We review the planned activities against current Bangladesh immigration practice and recommend whether a business visa is enough or whether an employment route is needed, which protects both the visitor and the local host company.

Visa on arrival is available to eligible nationals for certain purposes, including business, but it is granted at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry and depends on nationality, documents and current policy. Travellers usually need a return ticket, proof of funds, an invitation or supporting letter, and in some cases pre-arrival registration. Relying on visa on arrival for important trips carries risk, because a refusal at the airport can disrupt a deal or project. For senior executives and repeat visitors, we usually recommend obtaining a visa from a mission before travel.

Processing time depends on the authority, the completeness of the application, security clearance and current workloads, so we do not promise a fixed timeline. Employers should start preparing several weeks before the employee is due to begin work, and longer where documents need legalisation abroad. Common causes of delay include inconsistent job titles, missing company documents, unclear salary information and incomplete security clearance forms. We prepare applications carefully, track their progress with the authority and update employers regularly, which tends to reduce delays in processing. Matching job titles, salary figures and company details across documents avoids many of these queries.

An NVR, or No Visa Required, endorsement allows certain foreign passport holders to enter and stay in Bangladesh without a separate visa. It is generally available to foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin, and to their spouses and children, subject to documents proving the connection. The endorsement is obtained from a Bangladesh mission abroad or, in some cases, within Bangladesh. NVR holders should still check whether they need permission to work and must comply with other legal requirements. We advise diaspora families on whether an NVR or a dual nationality certificate better suits their circumstances and plans.

Overstaying is a breach of Bangladesh immigration law and can lead to fines calculated by reference to the period of overstay, delays at departure and, in serious cases, further enforcement action. Overstay can also affect future visa applications and work permit renewals. The sensible approach is to deal with the issue before travelling, by applying to the Department of Immigration and Passports to regularise the position and pay any applicable fine. We help individuals and employers prepare the application, explain the circumstances and avoid last-minute problems at the airport, which can be costly and stressful.

Bangladesh offers routes for investors to obtain longer-term visas and, in qualifying cases, residence or permanent residence, depending on the scale and nature of the investment and current government policy. Requirements and thresholds have changed over time and are applied through Invest Bangladesh and the Ministry of Home Affairs, so we confirm the current position for each client. Investors should keep clear records of inward remittance and share issuance, because these are central to Bangladesh immigration applications based on investment and to later repatriation of profits and sale proceeds. Records should be kept safe.

Yes. Foreign nationals employed in Bangladesh are generally liable to income tax on their Bangladesh employment income, and employers must deduct tax at source and report it. Residence status for tax purposes depends on the number of days spent in Bangladesh, and tax treaties may affect the position for some nationalities. Unpaid tax can create problems at departure and during permit renewal. We work with tax advisers so that employment terms, Bangladesh immigration status and tax compliance are aligned, and we review exit arrangements when a foreign employee finishes an assignment or changes employer.