Bangladesh researcher visa

Under the Visa Policy 2026, the R category covers apprentices, researchers and training participants undertaking research work, a research apprenticeship, a training programme or a research project at an organisation recognised by the government. The visa follows the duration of the programme, up to one year, with multiple entries, and the R visa may be issued for the maximum duration of the category.

Students pursuing a degree use the S visa instead, and journalists, film crews and election observers have their own J category.

The policy asks for the completed form, the passport with a copy of the information page, proof of admission or an offer letter, a recommendation from the relevant ministry, a government-approved organisation or a recognised university or research institute where necessary, and a bank solvency certificate or proof of financial solvency, except for trainees of government organisations.

Missions also ask for a letter of acceptance or nomination from the institute and can require permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. Missions add their own checklist, typically the printed MRV form, photos to their specification, proof of fee payment, the original passport with a copy and, if you apply outside your country of nationality, your residence permit there.

Fees follow reciprocity, so the amount depends on your nationality and the number of entries; the mission where you apply publishes it. Payment is not made online, and fees are not refunded if the visa is refused.

Fill in the online application at visa.gov.bd, select the mission where you will apply, and print the form; a submitted online form is accepted for seven days only. The file is then handed in at the consular section with the original passport, because the visa is stamped in the passport as a machine-readable visa.

The host institution in Bangladesh should start early, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs permission and any ministry recommendation are obtained in Dhaka before the mission can issue the visa. Where a police or security report is required, the agencies have 21 working days to respond.

The visa may be extended on the recommendation of the institution. The extension file repeats the first-visa documents with the institution's recommendation, the passport pages with visa and arrival stamps and a police report obtained by the visa authority. Applications must reach the DIP at least 15 days before expiry.

A researcher's spouse, children and adopted children can join on FSR visas for the same period, with a request letter from the institution and registered marriage and birth certificates. Employment is prohibited for them as well.