Moving to Bangladesh

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Bangladesh depends significantly on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. For citizens of the European Union, the requirements and available visa categories might differ from those for non-EU citizens. Common routes for obtaining a visa include work visas (sponsored by an employer in Bangladesh), family visas (for spouses or dependents of Bangladeshi nationals or residents), study visas (for enrollment in educational institutions), or business visas. For longer stays, a residence permit is typically required after entering on an appropriate visa. It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the nearest Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission in your home country, as regulations can change. Always consult official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Bangladesh can be achieved through various channels. Online property portals, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth are common methods. For expatriates, gated communities or apartments in secure buildings are often preferred, especially in major cities like Dhaka or Chittagong. The typical rental process usually involves signing a lease agreement, often for a period of one year, which can then be renewed. A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard and is refundable upon the satisfactory conclusion of the lease. It's advisable to conduct a thorough inventory check before moving in. For initial arrivals, temporary accommodation such as serviced apartments or hotels might be necessary while you search for a long-term rental. Be prepared for negotiations on rent and terms, as this is a common practice.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Bangladesh is influenced by several key factors. The volume of goods you intend to move significantly impacts shipping costs; more items mean higher costs. The distance of the move, from your origin country to Bangladesh, is another major determinant. The season in which you move can also play a role, with peak seasons sometimes leading to higher demand and prices. Accessibility at both your current residence and your new home in Bangladesh (e.g., stairs, narrow roads, elevator availability) can affect labor and equipment needs. Lastly, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for delicate items, will add to the overall expense. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A relocation timeline of 4-8 weeks is generally recommended to ensure a smooth move. Here’s a checklist-style guide:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Begin decluttering: Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This reduces shipping volume.
  • Research visa and residence requirements thoroughly.
  • Start gathering important documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational degrees, medical records, etc. Ensure they are valid and easily accessible.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Contact utility companies (electricity, water, internet, gas) to schedule disconnection dates for your current home.
  • Notify relevant institutions (banks, insurance providers, postal service) of your upcoming move.
  • Begin sourcing packing materials if you plan to self-pack.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Arrange for pet relocation if applicable.
  • Confirm travel arrangements to Bangladesh.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Pack essential items you'll need immediately upon arrival in a separate "first-night" box.
  • Confirm all utility disconnections and final readings.
  • Prepare an inventory of all items being shipped.
• 1 Week Out:
  • Confirm arrangements with your moving service.
  • Clean your old residence.
  • Ensure all important documents are in your carry-on luggage.

For a personalized moving plan and cost estimate, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Bangladesh: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Bangladesh involves navigating specific customs regulations for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth import process for your household goods and other items.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Non-Privileged Shipment)

If you are moving to Bangladesh and do not hold diplomatic or privileged status, you are permitted to import household goods. Customs duties and taxes will be applied to all items. Bangladeshi nationals who have resided abroad for at least two years may qualify for transfer of residence benefits on a reasonable quantity of old and used household goods. Foreign nationals without privileged status are not eligible for these benefits.

What you'll need

• Original Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (B/L)
• Your original passport
• An itemized list of your belongings (invoice)
• A Baggage Declaration Form "A"
• A "Transfer of Residence form" (for eligible Bangladeshi nationals)
• For foreign nationals, a work permit from the Board of Investment and other relevant ministries

Good to know

• Only one shipment (either by air or sea) is allowed per calendar year.
• Bangladeshi nationals seeking maximum tax benefits should obtain a transfer of residence certificate from a Bangladesh High Commission abroad.
• Baggage Declaration Form "A" is available at the Dhaka customs airfreight unit and must be obtained and endorsed by customs officials upon arrival.
• Your household goods should not arrive before your own arrival in Bangladesh.

If you have privileged status

This category applies to expatriates and employees of UN Agencies, foreign-aided projects, and development partners in Bangladesh. You are permitted to import personal and household goods duty-free.

What you'll need

• Your original passport
• Original Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)
• An itemized list of contents with values (invoice)
• An inventory list
• A Privileged Person Customs Pass Book

Good to know

• Duty-free import is granted against a customs passbook.
• The National Board of Revenue & Bond Commissioner issues the passbook after your arrival in Bangladesh.
• All goods, including one motor vehicle, must be imported within six months from your first arrival date in Bangladesh.
• Your household goods should not arrive before your own arrival.

If you're a diplomat

Diplomatic missions, non-diplomatic members of diplomatic missions, High Commissions, High Commissioners, and Resident Representatives of privileged organizations with diplomatic status are eligible for duty-free import.

What you'll need

• An exemption certificate issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
• For the exemption certificate, the Ministry requires: AWB/original B/L, list of items with value (invoice), inventory list, vessel name with B/L number and date, and flight details with AWB number and date.

Good to know

• Duty-free import is permitted.
• Your household goods should not arrive prior to your own arrival.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles is subject to specific regulations and duties. Customs duty and taxes, including advance trade VAT, will be charged on the assessable value of the vehicle unless you have diplomatic or privileged status.

What you'll need

• The same documents as for personal effects.
• An invoice for the vehicle.
• For used automobiles, a previous registration or ownership certificate, or a certificate of de-registration, is required to determine the vehicle's age.

Good to know

• Vehicles more than five years old are generally not permitted for import.
• Motorbikes/motorcycles more than three years old are generally not permitted for import.
• Non-privileged foreigners may import a vehicle with prior No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Commerce and import permission from the Chief Controller of Import and Export, upon payment of applicable duties and taxes.
• Vehicles can be imported under transfer of residence benefits if applicable.
• ATA Carnet is not allowed in Bangladesh.

Pets

Importation of domestic pets like dogs and cats is permitted, but requires careful planning.

What you'll need

• Veterinary/Health certificate.
• Rabies vaccination certificate.
• Prior permission from the Director of Livestock, Government of Bangladesh.
• Photograph of your pet.
• Microchip details.
• Flight itinerary of the pet's owner.
• Original passport of the pet's owner.

Good to know

• A health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate from the country of origin are required to obtain a "No Objection Certificate" from the Department of Livestock in Bangladesh prior to the pets' arrival.
• Duty applicability depends on the consignee's status.
• Live Animal Regulations (LAR) must be maintained.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are strictly prohibited from import into Bangladesh.

• Drugs and narcotics
• Gold bullion
• Obscene and subversive literature, CDs, DVDs
• Firearms and ammunition
• Black stone sculptors

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be in Bangladesh for my shipment to clear customs?
Yes, the owner of the goods must arrive in Bangladesh before customs clearance can begin.

What information is crucial on my shipping documents?
Your Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (B/L) must clearly show your full name (as per your passport) in both the consignee's and notify's columns. This serves as proof of ownership for customs.

What happens if my name isn't correctly listed on the AWB/B/L?
If your name is not shown as the consignee, it will lead to delays in clearance.

Is there a time limit for submitting my baggage declaration?
Your baggage declaration must be endorsed by customs officials within thirty days of your arrival in Bangladesh. You should have copies of your AWB/B/L and packing list available.

What if I miss the 30-day window for baggage declaration?
A subsequent baggage declaration may be endorsed by customs once your AWB/B/L and packing list are available, but customs may impose a fine for late submission.

How soon after I arrive should my shipment be booked?
Your shipment should be booked within the shortest possible time after your arrival in Bangladesh.

For personalized assistance with your move to Bangladesh, please contact relocation123.com.

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