Who needs it?
Any company or office in Bangladesh (outside EPZ/EZ) that employs a foreign national.
Government fees
Government fees only — paid to the authority. Our professional fee is quoted separately, in writing. Each line shows how it was verified and when.
| Item | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New work permit | Paid online after approval (card, bKash or Sonali Bank) — amount confirmed on OSSSource: bidaquickserv.org | Confirm with our office |
| Extension | Tk 5,000 per year of extension (as read from OSS attachment list)Source: BIDA OSS attachment list | Official document — reconfirmChecked 30 Sept 2026 |
| Amendment | Tk 1,000Source: BIDA OSS attachment list | Official document — reconfirmChecked 30 Sept 2026 |
| Cancellation | No feeSource: BIDA OSS attachment list | Official document — reconfirmChecked 30 Sept 2026 |
Required documents
New work permit
- Branch/liaison permission letter, or MoA/AoA and incorporation certificate
- Board resolution naming the expatriate (name, nationality, passport no.)
- BIDA visa recommendation letter
- Academic and experience certificates
- Appointment letter / service contract
- Passport with arrival seal
- Manpower statement (local and foreign staff)
- Inward remittance encashment certificate of at least US$ 50,000 (branch/liaison/JV/foreign company)
- Up-to-date income tax clearance of the organisation
Extension
- First and last work permits
- Home Ministry security clearance
- Board resolution for extension
- Tax clearance of previous period
- Passport with visa and arrival stamps
Step-by-step process
- 1
Get the BIDA visa recommendation and E/E1 visa.
- 2
Apply for the work permit on OSS within the visa period.
- 3
Inter-Ministerial committee review.
- 4
Pay the fee online after approval.
- 5
Download the work permit; register the employee for tax.
- 6
Apply for extension well before expiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner start work before the permit is issued?
No. Working without approval risks penalties and, under the Income Tax Act 2023, extra tax for the employer.
Who issues work permits in EPZs?
BEPZA (for EPZs) and BEZA (for economic zones) issue their own permits.
Legal basis & official sources
- BIDA Act 2016
- Income Tax Act 2023, section 19 (extra tax for employing foreigners without approval)
- Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)
- BIDA One Stop Service (Quick Serv)
Last reviewed 22 Oct 2026 by Legal Zone Business Licence Desk. Fees and rules change — we reconfirm every figure before you pay.