Bangladesh business visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

Foreign nationals who plan to visit Bangladesh for business require a Bangladesh business visa issued by the government of Bangladesh through any of its foreign missions and embassies. A business visa is a special purpose visa that grants clearance to the holder to visit Bangladesh to conduct business activities.

The business person may visit for the purpose of commerce, trade or investment as long as they can provide documentary evidence to provide their visit.

How Long Does A Bangladesh Business Visa Last?

A Bangladeshi business visa is valid for one year, but the holder can only stay in the country for a maximum period of 60 days per visit. This means that the foreign nationals must depart Bangladesh on or before the 60th day; otherwise, they will have violated their visa. Business visas are of different types, namely single, double, and multiple entry visas.

A single entry business visa allows the holder to enter Bangladesh only once, after which it expires. Single entry visas may or may not be valid for 1 year. Double entry business visas allow the holder to visit Bangladesh twice before their visa expires. As for multiple entry business visas, the holder can visit Bangladesh as many times as they wish.

Bangladesh Business Visa Extension

The government of Bangladesh allows holders of business visas to extend their visas even if it has not expired yet. But to do so, they must provide a police clearance certificate showing their good conduct during their stay in the country. The letter must be directed to the Department of Immigration and Passport for approval.

Successful applicants may have their business visas extended for three more years and be allowed to stay in Bangladesh for up to six months per visit.

A single entry business visa allows the holder to enter Bangladesh only once, after which it expires. Single entry visas may or may not be valid for 1 year. Double entry business visas allow the holder to visit Bangladesh twice before their visa expires. As for multiple entry business visas, the holder can visit Bangladesh as many times as they wish.

Bangladesh Business Visa Requirements

All Bangladesh business visa applicants must provide the following to obtain the visa.

Online Application Form

A duly completed visa application form signed by the applicant showing their correct details where appropriate.

Colored photo

Two copies of a recent passport-sized colored photo showing the face of the applicant. The photos should be on white background only. The applicant must not wear glasses, head covering, or any jewelry that will distort their physical features.

Passport

An original passport belonging to the applicant is valid for at least six months. A photocopy of the bio page is also required.

Letter of Invitation

An invitation letter issued by the Bangladeshi organization in the applicant’s name. The letter must clearly state the duration and purpose of the visit. The letter should be addressed to the Bangladeshi embassy in the applicant’s home country.

Letter of Concern

A letter of concern issued to the applicant introducing their name, employment status, and the position the applicant is taking up in the organization. The letter should also state the purpose of the visit.

Processing Time

The Bangladesh business visa takes at least 7 working days to process from the day the application is submitted. Applicants are advised to submit their application form and relevant documents at least two weeks before their planned date for the trip in case of delays. Furthermore, applicants are advised not to buy their flight tickets until their visa and passport are returned.

Note: Embassy business visa applications require interviews. The Bangladesh embassy in your country will schedule an interview with you which you must honor. Bring along the original and photocopies of all your documents on the set date.

Bangladesh Business Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a Bangladesh business visa, you need the following.

Genuine Intentions

Only visitors with genuine intentions to visit the country for business will be offered a business visa. If the authorities determine that your intentions are not genuine, you will not be issued the visa, or a visa already issued will be revoked.

Expenses

You must prove beyond any reasonable doubt that you or your sponsor can bear your expenses throughout your stay in Bangladesh.

Home Ties

You must prove that you up have strong ties with your home country that will make you want to return home. Strong ties may be your family or investments.

Good character

You must have a clean record with a police clearance certificate to back it up. The certificate must be included in your set of documents.

Good health

Only applicants with good health with medical certificates to back it up will have their application approved.

Lastly, it is important to note that your Bangladesh business visa is valid from the day it is issued to you and starts counting down to its expiration date.