Who Needs a Work Permit in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, any foreign national seeking employment must obtain a work permit. This requirement applies to individuals appointed in government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, projects, or equivalent organizations, as well as those employed in local, multinational, or foreign companies operating within the country. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their foreign employees have the necessary permits to work legally.
Types of Work Visas in Bangladesh
Bangladesh offers various work visas tailored to different employment needs. Employers must identify the appropriate visa category to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
| Visa Type | Description |
| Employment (E) Visa | For expatriates working in national or international organizations, including government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, private industrial or commercial organizations, and branch or liaison offices. |
| Private Investor (PI) Visa | For foreign investors involved in industrial or commercial establishments under 100% foreign ownership or joint ventures in the private sector. |
| Employment (E1) Visa | For foreigners engaged in machinery and software supply, installation, maintenance, supervision, or project inspection. |
Common Hiring Scenarios for Bangladesh
When hiring talent in Bangladesh, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.
Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa
This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Bangladesh. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.
Key Employer Considerations:
- Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
- Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
- Processing timelines vary (approximately 60 days), depending on the consulate or embassy.
This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Bangladesh.
Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Bangladesh
Independent professionals in Bangladesh can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.
With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:
- Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
- Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) or USD.
- Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.
This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Bangladesh.
Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Bangladesh
Transferring an existing team member to Bangladesh? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.
EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:
- Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
- Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
- Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.
This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Asia, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.
Requirements For a Work Permit in Bangladesh
Obtaining a work permit in Bangladesh necessitates adherence to specific criteria to ensure legal employment of foreign nationals.
- Valid Visa: The foreign national must possess an appropriate visa, such as an Employment (E) or Private Investor (PI) visa, before applying for a work permit.
- Employment Contract: A formal employment contract or appointment letter from the Bangladeshi employer detailing the position and terms of employment is required.
- Company Registration: The employing company must be registered with the relevant Bangladeshi authorities, such as the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) or the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA).
- Security Clearance: A security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs is mandatory to ensure the foreign national's eligibility to work in Bangladesh.
- Educational and Professional Qualifications: Documentation proving the foreign national's qualifications and expertise relevant to the job position is necessary.
Bangladesh Work Permit Application Process
- Obtain the Appropriate Visa: The foreign national should secure the relevant visa (e.g., Employment or Private Investor) from the Bangladeshi embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Arrival in Bangladesh: Upon obtaining the visa, the individual enters Bangladesh.
- Submit Work Permit Application: Within 15 days of arrival, the employer must submit the work permit application to BIDA or the appropriate authority, including all required documents and fees.
- Security Clearance: The relevant authority forwards the application to the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance.
- Issuance of Work Permit: Upon receiving security clearance, the work permit is issued, allowing the foreign national to commence employment legally.
What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Bangladesh
Fees for work permits and visas in Bangladesh vary based on the visa type and the applicant's nationality.
| Visa Type | Application Fee |
| Employment (E) Visa | Varies by nationality |
| Private Investor (PI) Visa | Varies by nationality |
Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Bangladesh
The processing time for work permits and visas in Bangladesh can vary. Generally, obtaining a work visa may take about two weeks, but this duration can differ based on the applicant's country of origin and the completeness of the application. Employers and applicants are advised to apply well in advance to accommodate any potential delays.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in Bangladesh
Work permits in Bangladesh are typically issued for an initial period, often up to one year. Extensions can be obtained, with the total duration not exceeding three years. Renewal applications should be submitted before the current permit expires, following the same procedures as the initial application, including obtaining necessary approvals and security clearance.
Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Bangladesh
Currently, Bangladesh does not offer a specific visa category for digital nomads. However, digital nomads can consider applying for other visa types, such as business or tourist visas, depending on the nature and duration of their stay. It is important to ensure that working remotely under a tourist visa complies with Bangladeshi laws.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Bangladesh
Employers in Bangladesh may encounter several challenges when hiring foreign nationals:
- Complex Visa Processes: The application process for work permits and visas can be lengthy and involve multiple steps.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with local labor laws and immigration requirements is essential to avoid legal issues.
- Cultural Differences: Differences in business culture and language may require sensitivity training for both local and foreign employees.
- Security Clearance Delays: Obtaining security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs can take time, affecting hiring timelines.
To mitigate these challenges, employers should stay informed about immigration laws, seek professional assistance, and provide cultural sensitivity training.
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