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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Bangladesh

BGD

Bangladesh is a densely populated South Asian nation bordered by India and Myanmar, with the Bay of Bengal to the south. Dhaka is one of the world's fastest-growing megacities and a hub of the global garment industry, which underpins much of the economy. The country permits dual nationality through its NRB (Non-Resident Bangladeshi) scheme, enabling the large diaspora — concentrated in the UK, USA, and Gulf states — to retain ties and invest without forfeiting foreign citizenship. The Bangladeshi passport offers limited visa-free access, making a second citizenship or residency abroad a priority for many nationals. Living costs are among the lowest in Asia, and Dhaka's tech sector is expanding, though infrastructure, air quality, and periodic political instability remain practical challenges for long-term residents.

→ If you hold a Bangladesh passport, see the Bangladesh nationality guide

Passport Rank

#100

Visa-Free

41

destinations

Country Details

Capital
Dhaka
Currency
Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Languages
Bengali
Population
172,954,319
Tax System
Residence Based
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Naturalisation
5 years
Schengen / EU
No
Climate
Tropical; mild winter from October to March; hot, humid summer from March to June; cool, rainy monsoon season from June to October
English Proficiency Rank
#99

Indices

Cost of Living

24

Safety

44

Healthcare

37

Quality of Life

35

Tax Summary

Tax System
Residence Based
Territorial Taxation
No — worldwide income taxed for residents
Naturalisation
5 years of legal residency
Dual Citizenship
Allowed

Cost of Living by City

← scroll the table →

Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
CityRent 1BR centreRent outsideGroceriesUtilitiesTransit pass
Dhaka$350$190$110$45$12
Chittagong$220$120$95$38$10
Sylhet$160$90$85$32$8

Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.

Climate

Dhaka

19°J
22°F
27°M
30°A
30°M
29°J
28°J
28°A
28°S
27°O
23°N
19°D

Rainfall range: 6380 mm/month · Daylight 11h (winter) to 13h (summer)

Visa Categories & Immigration Authority

Major Visa Categories

  • Tourist (T)
  • Business (B)
  • Work (E)
  • Investor (PI)
  • Student (S)
  • Family/Marriage (F)
  • Journalist (J)
Authority
Department of Immigration and Passports
Official Portal
www.dip.gov.bd
Phone
+880 2 9330031
Email
dip@dip.gov.bd

Naturalisation Details

Residence Years
5
Language Test
Yes (Bengali)
Civic Test
No
Oath Required
Yes
Dual Allowed
No
Fee
$30
Processing
~18 months

Safety

GPI Rank

#88

Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)

Common Risks

  • Rickshaw overcharging and meter refusal targeting foreigners in Dhaka
  • Fake charity or orphanage donation solicitations near tourist sites
  • CNG auto-rickshaw drivers taking circuitous routes and inflating fares

Examples of areas to avoid: Kamrangirchar (Dhaka) — densely overcrowded riverbank area with high petty crime, Karwanbazar (Dhaka) — chaotic wholesale market area prone to pickpocketing, Old Town port area of Chittagong after dark

Related Guides

Sources & last verified

  • Last verified 2026-06-15