Navigating Bangladesh Work Visa and Immigration Policies

Foreign nationals seeking employment in Bangladesh must secure a valid work permit prior to commencing work. The country offers two primary categories: investment-based visas and employment-based visas, each with specific requirements and benefits.

Understanding Bangladesh Work Visa Categories

Bangladesh's immigration framework provides structured pathways for foreign workers and investors:

Private Investor (PI) Visa
Employment Visas (E2 and E3 categories)

Private Investor (PI) Visa

The PI visa facilitates foreign investors establishing wholly-owned or joint venture enterprises in industrial or commercial sectors. This multiple-entry visa initially valid for one year supports business activities contributing to Bangladesh's economic growth, with potential extensions up to five years.

Eligibility criteria include:

Foreign investors in non-governmental sectors
Joint venture participants
Prospective investors in fully foreign-owned commercial entities

Initial application requires:

Completed application form
Passport copy with minimum 180-day validity
Investment certification from BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA, Hi-Tech Park or relevant ministries
Detailed business plan covering proposed activities, investment amount, local job creation, and infrastructure development

Extension considerations:

Investments exceeding $5 million may qualify for visa-free privileges
Extensions require proof of ongoing investment and valid business registration

Employment Visa (E2 Category)

The E2 visa accommodates foreign employees in various organizations, offering six-month multiple-entry validity initially. Eligible candidates include:

Staff in international organizations, government entities, private enterprises, and representative offices
Contractors and subcontractors in government-supported projects

Application requirements mirror PI visa documentation, with additional emphasis on employer sponsorship and role-specific approvals.

Technical Support Visa (E3 Category)

Designed for technical specialists, the E3 visa permits six-month validity with 90-day maximum stays per entry. Covered activities include:

Equipment installation and maintenance
Project supervision and quality inspection
Research collaboration and technical assistance

Extension protocols align with E2 visa procedures, requiring updated work permits and compliance documentation.

Visa Validity and Extension Framework

Bangladesh's visa durations vary by category:

Visa Type	Initial Validity	Maximum Extension
PI Visa	1 year	5 years
E2 Visa	6 months	Work permit duration + 15 days
E3 Visa	6 months	Work permit duration + 15 days

Processing Timelines and Considerations

Standard processing requires 2-4 weeks, influenced by:

Document preparation accuracy
Approval timelines from BIDA, BEZA, or other authorities
Background verification complexity
Seasonal application volumes and public holidays

Financial Considerations

Fee structures for Chinese nationals demonstrate cost variability:

Service Type	Standard Processing	Express Processing
Single Entry	200 CNY	300 CNY
Double Entry	250 CNY	350 CNY
Multiple Entry	585 CNY	585 CNY

Professional guidance from providers like SailGlobal can streamline documentation and compliance processes, particularly for organizations managing multiple international assignments.

Bangladesh Work Visa Guide 2024: Requirements, Processing & Fees