Extending work permits for expatriates (commercial) involves prolonging authorization for foreign nationals to engage in business activities. This process, overseen by relevant authorities, ensures continued legal compliance and contribution to the commercial landscape while balancing the interests of both expatriates and the host country. The legal basis for this process is established through several key regulations, including the BIDA Act 2016, the BIDA Guideline 2023, and the VISA Policy-2006. These legal frameworks provide the necessary guidelines and requirements to ensure that the extension of work permits is conducted fairly and efficiently, maintaining a robust commercial environment.
Issuing authority:
AuthorityBangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)
Address: E-6/B, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
Email: service@bida.gov.bd
Required list of all documents:
- Board Resolution of Directors of the company/ partners of the firm regarding extension of employment of foreign national(s)
- Copy of the passport with E-Type visa for employees/PI-type visa for Investors
- Copy of the service contract/agreement and appointment letter (Mentioning with compensation and benefits)
- Income tax clearance certificate from the concerned tax circle for the previous working period
- Bangladesh Bank’s permission under section 18(A) in case of Branch/ Liaison/ Representative office
- Statement of the manpower showing list of local & expatriate personnel employed with designation, salary break-up, nationality and date of first appointment
- Up-to-date encashment certificate
- Up-to-date income tax clearance certificate for branch/ liaison/ representative office/ locally incorporated companies (Paid in full)
- Copy of the last work permit/extension
- Copy of office permission/Incorporation certificate
- Copy of the first work permit
- Attachment of company’s comments as per remarks (If any)
- Security clearance of the expatriate from Ministry of Home Affairs
[All documents shall have to be attested by the Chairman/ CEO/ Managing Director/ Country Manager/ Chief Executive of the Company/ firms]
Process Step:
Step 1 Submission of Documents and Processing by BIDA: Applicants sign up on the BIDA website, fill out the online form, and submit the required hard copy documents to the BIDA office. BIDA then processes the application, verifies the submitted documents, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
Step 2 Issuance of Work Permit: Upon successful processing and verification, BIDA issues the work permit, enabling the applicant to legally engage in commercial activities in Bangladesh.
Fee schedule
BDT 5000.00
Official time limit
4-15 days
Actual time limit
Maximum 15 day (Depends on the inter-ministerial Meeting)