Bangladesh work visa and work permit

The E2 category covers experts and skilled workers employed by government, semi-government or autonomous bodies, private companies, garment factories, industrial and commercial organisations and their branch, liaison or representative offices. It also covers international consultants and contractors, including joint ventures, consortia and sub-contractors, implementing EPC, G2G, turnkey, PPP or FDI contracts.

The E3 category is for experts and technicians who come for machinery and software supply, installation and commissioning, maintenance, supervision, inspection, project monitoring, research and development or technical support. It is issued for up to six months with multiple entry, with a 90-day limit per stay. Development partner officials working on government projects use the separate E1 category.

The Visa Policy 2026 asks for the completed form, the passport with a copy of the information page and a recommendation letter from the relevant ministry, BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA, the Hi-Tech Park authority, the PPP Authority or another applicable authority; for project staff, the recommendation of the ministry concerned. Missions also ask for the appointment letter from the company and the BIDA clearance letter. 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.

At the time of issue, the passport is stamped with the condition to apply for a work permit within 15 working days of first entry.

Within 15 working days of first entry the foreign employee must apply for a work permit to BIDA, BEPZA, BEZA, BHTPA, the NGO Affairs Bureau, the PPP Authority or the competent authority for the sector. While the work permit or the police or security clearance is being processed, the visa can be extended by 30 days.

If an employee conceals information or breaches visa conditions, the appointing organisation is fined BDT 100,000 per person the first time and BDT 200,000 for any further violation.

Once the work permit is granted, the visa is extended for the duration of the work permit plus 15 days, and later in line with each renewed permit plus 15 days. Extension applications include the passport with visa and arrival stamps, the work permit, a TIN certificate for the first extension and income tax certificates for later ones.

Expatriates working on government, semi-government or autonomous projects need a police report obtained by the visa authority; others need a security clearance issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is valid for up to five years. If the SB or NSI does not report within 21 working days, the visa authority may decide on the assumption that there is no objection.

The spouse, children, adopted children and other dependants of E2 and E3 holders receive FE2 or FE3 visas for the same period as the principal. They need the form, their passports, a copy of the principal's passport and visa if they travel later, a registered marriage certificate for the spouse, birth certificates for children and a recommendation letter from the employer. Employment is prohibited for family members.