Investors of $100,000 in Bangladesh to receive visa-free travel facilities

The government has undertaken a major structural modernization of the immigration system to attract foreign direct investment, expand foreign trade, and facilitate the arrival of international business partners. Under the new policy, any foreign entrepreneur investing $ 100,000 will be able to travel with their family visa-free and without hassle for extended periods. In addition, the policy includes many other privileges for investors.

A review of the "Visa Policy 2026," published by the Immigration Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs, shows that compared to the revised 2016 regulations, the new policy makes the immigration process for businessmen, private investors, and foreign skilled professionals significantly clearer, more integrated, and rule-based.

The new policy not only facilitates the travel of international businesspeople to and from Bangladesh but also defines the specific scope of their activities. A 'B' (Business) category visa is being issued for those who primarily come to conduct investment feasibility studies, attend board meetings, participate in trade fairs, or inspect product quality and negotiate deals. This visa, valid for one year with multiple entries, allows businesspeople to stay in Bangladesh for a maximum of 90 days per visit. However, engaging in any locally paid employment is strictly prohibited under this visa.

On the other hand, the process for the 'PI' (Private Investor) visa for foreign nationals directly investing in the country's industrial and commercial sectors has been expedited. The lengthy administrative formalities previously required for renewal have been eliminated, and now, based on the validity of the work permit, visa validity can be extended for up to a maximum of 5 years at a time.

Furthermore, if a foreign entrepreneur invests at least $100,000 in heavy industry or long-term business in the country, subject to certification by the Bangladesh Bank and the investment authority, they and their family members will be eligible for a "No Visa Required" facility, allowing them hassle-free, long-term travel to and from Bangladesh.

Tourists and businesspeople from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, the European Union, and GCC member countries will be able to obtain a 30-day single-entry on-arrival visa directly at any international port of entry in the country.

The most significant positive change in the new policy is the provision for changing visa categories. Previously, it was nearly impossible to change a visa category once entering the country, and many were forced to return to their home countries to apply for a new visa. However, according to the 2026 policy, if someone enters Bangladesh on an on-arrival visa and later wishes to engage in trade or industrial activities, they can convert it directly into an Investor (PI) or Employment (E) category visa by paying a fee of $ 200, subject to recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs and either Investment Bangladesh or BEPZA.
Provisions have been made for strict punitive measures against the employing organization if any institution conceals information or violates visa conditions when hiring a foreign national. For a first-time violation, the institution will be subject to a fine of Tk 1 lakh, and for each subsequent offense, a fine of up to Tk 2 lakh.

A specific penalty structure has been put in place to curb illegal overstay after the visa expires. For overstays, a fine of Tk 1,000 per day will be applied for the first 15 days, Tk 2,000 per day for overstays ranging from 16 to 90 days, and Tk 3,000 per day for overstays exceeding 90 days. However, if someone is temporarily stranded due to unavoidable circumstances such as natural disasters, sudden accidents, or flight cancellations, that additional stay period will not be considered illegal. Furthermore, if foreign students overstay due to physical illness, there is a specific provision for waiving the fine upon submission of a certificate from a Civil Surgeon or a specialist doctor.

Aaccording to officials concerned, this new integrated policy of the Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to reduce bureaucratic red tape and make the arrival of international businesspeople and investors in Bangladesh more comfortable on one hand, while also playing a significant role in maintaining domestic security and upholding discipline in the employment sector on the other.