Living in Bangladesh
Advice for British people living in Bangladesh, including information on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more.
This guide sets out essential information for British nationals living in Bangladesh, including advice on health, education, benefits, entry and residence requirements and more. We are unable to provide any guidance on general lifestyle enquiries apart from the information and links listed below. See our information on what consulates can and cannot do.
Living in Bangladesh
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Bangladesh, including guidance on health, education, benefits, and more.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Bangladesh. Read about how our High Commission in Dhaka can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Bangladeshi authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British High Commission Dhaka on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Bangladesh for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
Check the entry requirements for Bangladesh in our travel advice and read the Bangladesh government’s visa page.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Bangladesh.
Check the Bangladesh travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Bangladesh
You should buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. Bangladesh has extremely limited free medical care and, whilst costs are generally lower than private treatment in the UK, they can rise steeply.
You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Medical facilities are generally good in major cities, but limited in rural areas. There are some endemic diseases in Bangladesh, including malaria and dengue. If you need emergency medical assistance, dial the National Emergency Helpdesk at 999 and ask for an ambulance. Immediate cash payment could be required for any medical service.
If you have any particular medical needs you should ensure that you have adequate supplies of your medicines for your stay in Bangladesh as the same medicines might not be available locally.
Bangladesh: list of medical facilities.
Travel insurance is not intended to cover healthcare costs if you live overseas.
NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Bangladesh. Certain medicines may not be available in Bangladesh (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Bangladesh to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the NHS guidance on travelling with medicines.
Working in Bangladesh
Foreign nationals seeking employment in Bangladesh must be in possession of a valid work permit.
Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) issues work permits for industrial enterprise, branch office and liaison office jobs in the private sector. Employment of foreigners in the export promotion zones are dealt by Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) is responsible for work in any non-governmental organization in Bangladesh.
More information and advice can be obtained from the nearest Bangladeshi High Commission
Studying in Bangladesh
If you plan to study in Bangladesh, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. Read the Bangladesh government’s visa page.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Bangladesh to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is the apex authority for tax administration in Bangladesh.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Bangladesh that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. You should get professional advice on paying tax in Bangladesh; find an English-speaking lawyer in Bangladesh.
Read guidance on:
- tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad
- paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Bangladesh, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible - Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
The local currency is Taka. Travellers’ cheques can be cashed at banks and at the airports. Take care when using credit cards as there’s the potential for fraud. ATMs are available in most urban areas. UK cards are accepted. There are commercial money transfer services available in Dhaka and in towns and cities across Bangladesh where you can receive money sent from the UK.
Accommodation and buying property
You should take legal advice before entering into any agreement over the ownership or use of property or other assets.
Disputes over property ownership are common in Bangladesh. However, these are civil matters and the British High Commission Dhaka cannot intervene in these matters. Consular staffs are not legally trained and cannot, therefore, offer legal advice. If you are unable to reach an amicable solution to the situation, you may wish to consider taking legal advice and engaging a local lawyer to act on your behalf. It may be necessary to take legal action through the courts in order to achieve a lasting resolution to the disagreement.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office or the British High Commission is unable investigate a crime or offer protection to British nationals travelling to Bangladesh as these are the responsibilities of the local authorities. In case of any emergency, you can dial the Bangladesh National Emergency Hotline - 999 from your mobile/telephone for any assistance whilst in Bangladesh.
Please check our Travel Advice for Bangladesh for additional information.
Driving in Bangladesh
Driving abroad https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA)
Guidance for travelling by road in Bangladesh, see: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bangladesh/safety-and-security#road-travel.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see: https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk
Holders of UK driving licences will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bangladesh. An IDP is valid for 12 months following arrival in the country. The IDP must be accompanied by your UK driving licence. After 12 months you will need to obtain a Bangladeshi driving licence issued by the Bangladesh Roads Transport Authority (BRTA).
Bangladesh drives on the left. Road conditions and driving standards in Bangladesh can be challenging. Vehicles are often in poor condition and can be found driving on the wrong side of the road, reversing on main roads, not signalling their intentions and making U-turns unexpectedly. Many drivers are unlicensed and uninsured. Many roads in both urban and rural areas are in extremely poor condition. Care and patience is required to navigate safely.
The number of vehicles on the roads is increasing and heavy congestion is common. Lack of discipline and the numerous cycle-rickshaws plying the streets cause much of the chaos on Bangladesh roads.
At the scene of an accident, crowds can gather quickly and tempers can fray, potentially leading to violent confrontation, even it is not your fault. If you are involved in an accident, call the police immediately and remain calm.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Bangladesh, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Bangladesh you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Bangladesh read our guidance on:
What to do if someone dies abroad
Bereavement guidance for Bangladesh
English-speaking funeral directors in Bangladesh
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad
Pets
If you’re moving to Bangladesh with your pet, read the guidance and ensure you comply with the regulations:
To visit other countries with your pet, check the rules for the country you’re travelling to. Contact your vet to get the travel documents your pet needs.
Read guidance on:
- bringing your pet to Great Britain. Check that your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date. Vets in Great Britain cannot enter rabies vaccination details in non-UK issued pet passports
- travelling to Ireland with your pet
Emergencies
Dial the Bangladesh Emergency Helpline 999 for the police, ambulance, fire brigade, or to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Bangladesh, read the guidance on what to do and where to get support in cases of rape and sexual assault. See also:
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/victim-of-rape-and-sexual-assault-abroad
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bangladesh-list-of-lawyers
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Dhaka
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Last updated 9 August 2023 + show all updates
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