Getting help with living in Bangladesh
Help from the Bangladeshi government
For any questions about moving to or living in Bangladesh, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British High Commission in Dhaka cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Bangladesh.
Professional help in Bangladesh
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Bangladesh, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Bangladesh to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Bangladesh. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Bangladesh before you travel.
Visas
Check which Bangladeshi visa you need to live in Bangladesh.
You can get a visa to:
- work
- study
- invest or do business
- do research
- live with family
For more information, including how to apply for or extend your visa, read the entry requirements for Bangladesh.
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to register your address in Bangladesh if you plan to stay for more than 90 days. You must do this within 7 days of your arrival. Read the Bangladesh Immigration Police’s guidance on foreigner registration rules.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your address, contact:
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Bangladesh.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, contact the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
Citizenship
Bangladesh recognises dual citizenship for UK citizens of Bangladeshi origin. Depending on your circumstances, you may or may not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Bangladeshi citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Bangladeshi citizenship:
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British High Commission in Dhaka cannot help with Bangladeshi visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Healthcare in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Bangladesh does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK.
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance from Bangladeshi or international providers, or through your employer.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
Working in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Bangladesh, you need a work permit or employment visa.
Work permits are issued by the:
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Bangladesh, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised. Read guidance on foreign degree equivalence (in Bengali and English) from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
Driving in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
You can drive in Bangladesh for up to 12 months using an international driving permit alongside your valid UK driving licence.
To continue driving after 12 months, you must apply for a Bangladeshi driving licence from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) (in Bengali and English).
Read about road travel in Bangladesh, in safety and security in the travel advice for Bangladesh.
BRTA provides information on driving in Bangladesh, including how to:
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Bangladesh so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Bangladesh National Board of Revenue for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Bangladesh. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Bangladeshi pension
Only Bangladeshi citizens or dual citizens can claim a Bangladeshi pension. Contact the Bangladesh National Pension Authority (in Bengali and English) to find out whether you can claim.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
Claiming Bangladeshi benefits
Only Bangladeshi citizens or dual citizens can claim social benefits in Bangladesh.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim, contact the Bangladesh Department of Social Services (in Bengali and English).
Buying and renting property in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh if you’re considering buying property or land.
Property disputes
Disputes over property ownership are common in Bangladesh. These are civil matters, and the British High Commission in Dhaka cannot intervene or assist. Consular staff also cannot offer legal advice.
If you’re unable to resolve the property dispute, consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh. You may need to go to court to resolve the issue.
If you have been the victim of a crime related to a property dispute:
The UK government and the British High Commission in Dhaka cannot investigate crimes or offer protection to British nationals in Bangladesh.
Voting in Bangladesh
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Bangladeshi elections
You cannot vote in Bangladeshi elections unless you hold Bangladeshi citizenship.
Studying in Bangladesh
If you plan to study in Bangladesh, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
For more information:
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The Bangladesh Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (in Bengali and English) and the Bangladesh Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (in Bengali and English) provide information about the school system in Bangladesh.
All children aged 6 to 10 must attend school in Bangladesh.
For more information, including how to enrol your child, visit your local school.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Bangladesh, register the birth with the Bangladeshi authorities. Read guidance from the Bangladesh Office of the Registrar General, Birth and Death Registration (in Bengali and English).
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Bangladesh, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
Same sex marriages and civil partnerships are not legally recognised in Bangladesh. For information about LGBT+ rights in Bangladesh, read guidance on safety and security in the travel advice for Bangladesh.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
If you plan to divorce in Bangladesh, consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh.
Documents for British people in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Bangladesh, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Bangladesh, read guidance on taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to a non-EU country.
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Bangladeshi authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Getting help with living in Bangladesh
Help from the Bangladeshi government
For any questions about moving to or living in Bangladesh, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British High Commission in Dhaka cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Bangladesh.
Professional help in Bangladesh
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Bangladesh, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Bangladesh to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Bangladesh. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Bangladesh before you travel.
Visas
Check which Bangladeshi visa you need to live in Bangladesh.
You can get a visa to:
- work
- study
- invest or do business
- do research
- live with family
For more information, including how to apply for or extend your visa, read the entry requirements for Bangladesh.
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to register your address in Bangladesh if you plan to stay for more than 90 days. You must do this within 7 days of your arrival. Read the Bangladesh Immigration Police’s guidance on foreigner registration rules.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your address, contact:
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Bangladesh.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, contact the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
Citizenship
Bangladesh recognises dual citizenship for UK citizens of Bangladeshi origin. Depending on your circumstances, you may or may not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Bangladeshi citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Bangladeshi citizenship:
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British High Commission in Dhaka cannot help with Bangladeshi visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Healthcare in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Bangladesh does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK.
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance from Bangladeshi or international providers, or through your employer.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
Working in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Bangladesh, you need a work permit or employment visa.
Work permits are issued by the:
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Bangladesh, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised. Read guidance on foreign degree equivalence (in Bengali and English) from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
Driving in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
You can drive in Bangladesh for up to 12 months using an international driving permit alongside your valid UK driving licence.
To continue driving after 12 months, you must apply for a Bangladeshi driving licence from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) (in Bengali and English).
Read about road travel in Bangladesh, in safety and security in the travel advice for Bangladesh.
BRTA provides information on driving in Bangladesh, including how to:
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Bangladesh so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Bangladesh National Board of Revenue for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Bangladesh. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Bangladeshi pension
Only Bangladeshi citizens or dual citizens can claim a Bangladeshi pension. Contact the Bangladesh National Pension Authority (in Bengali and English) to find out whether you can claim.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
Claiming Bangladeshi benefits
Only Bangladeshi citizens or dual citizens can claim social benefits in Bangladesh.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim, contact the Bangladesh Department of Social Services (in Bengali and English).
Buying and renting property in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh if you’re considering buying property or land.
Property disputes
Disputes over property ownership are common in Bangladesh. These are civil matters, and the British High Commission in Dhaka cannot intervene or assist. Consular staff also cannot offer legal advice.
If you’re unable to resolve the property dispute, consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh. You may need to go to court to resolve the issue.
If you have been the victim of a crime related to a property dispute:
The UK government and the British High Commission in Dhaka cannot investigate crimes or offer protection to British nationals in Bangladesh.
Voting in Bangladesh
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Bangladeshi elections
You cannot vote in Bangladeshi elections unless you hold Bangladeshi citizenship.
Studying in Bangladesh
If you plan to study in Bangladesh, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
For more information:
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The Bangladesh Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (in Bengali and English) and the Bangladesh Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (in Bengali and English) provide information about the school system in Bangladesh.
All children aged 6 to 10 must attend school in Bangladesh.
For more information, including how to enrol your child, visit your local school.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Bangladesh, register the birth with the Bangladeshi authorities. Read guidance from the Bangladesh Office of the Registrar General, Birth and Death Registration (in Bengali and English).
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Bangladesh, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
Same sex marriages and civil partnerships are not legally recognised in Bangladesh. For information about LGBT+ rights in Bangladesh, read guidance on safety and security in the travel advice for Bangladesh.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
If you plan to divorce in Bangladesh, consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh.
Documents for British people in Bangladesh
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Bangladesh, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Bangladesh, read guidance on taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to a non-EU country.
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Bangladeshi authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
This article was originally published on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-bangladesh. It is shared here under a Creative Commons license.
