Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Chittagong

About Golden Visa Law in Chittagong, Bangladesh

As of 2025, Bangladesh does not operate a formal Golden Visa program that grants residency by investment. The government regulates entry, stay, and work for foreigners under standard visa categories and immigration rules. Residents of Chittagong who seek long-term stay typically pursue work, study, family sponsorship, or business ties within existing frameworks.

In practice, any residency option for foreigners in Chittagong relies on ordinary visa pathways and regulatory approvals rather than a dedicated Golden Visa framework. Prospective investors or firms may explore investment-related approvals through national authorities, but there is no public, nationwide Golden Visa track specifically for investment immigration. For accurate guidance, consult official government resources and a local solicitor or advocate who practices immigration law in Chittagong.

For official guidance on visa categories and stay rights, see the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) resources. These agencies determine eligibility, documentation, and processing steps for foreigners seeking longer stays or investment-related facilitation in Bangladesh.

Source notes: There is currently no formal Golden Visa program in Bangladesh; residency options for foreigners are handled through standard visa categories and regulatory approvals. See DIP and BIDA for the latest guidance on visas and investment facilitation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Work in Chittagong often involves complex regulatory requirements for foreigners. A lawyer can help ensure you meet all statutory conditions and avoid common pitfalls that delay or derail applications.

• A foreigner seeking an employment visa must coordinate with the employer, DIP, and possibly the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. A solicitor can prepare and review documents to minimize delays and ensure compliance.
• You plan to establish a Chittagong-based business with foreign ownership and need visa facilitation for staff replacements, managers, or technicians. An attorney can liaise with BIDA and relevant ministries for approvals.
• Family sponsorship or dependent visas require accurate documentation and clear pathways. A legal adviser can map eligibility and prepare robust submissions to avoid refusals.
• You've received a visa refusal or overstay notice. A qualified advocate can assess grounds for appeal, file necessary applications, and communicate with authorities.
• You are exploring investment in a local SEZ or industrial park and want streamlined, lawful pathways for your personnel. A solicitor can guide you through compliance and vendor documentation.
• You seek post-approval compliance, such as work-permit renewals, resident card updates, or changes in employer. A local lawyer can manage renewal timelines and required evidence.

Local Laws Overview

Bangladesh regulates foreigners through a framework of laws and implementing rules. While there is no dedicated Golden Visa statute, the following laws govern entry, stay, and residency for foreigners in Chittagong and nationwide.

• The Foreigners Act, 1946 - This foundational statute governs the entry, presence, and activities of non-citizens. It provides the general authority for permits and penalties for unauthorized stay and requires any prolonged residence to be under a valid authorization.
• The Passport Act, 1973 - This act regulates the issuance and use of passports for Bangladeshi citizens and for foreign nationals in relation to travel documents. It underpins documentation requirements for staying in Bangladesh and traveling in and out of the country.
• Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Act, 2010 - Establishes BIDA to promote investment and streamline approvals for foreign investors. While it does not create a separate Golden Visa, BIDA has programs and services intended to facilitate investment-related processes and approvals for eligible projects.

Recent changes tend to focus on making investment approvals more efficient and aligning visa facilitation with investment activity, rather than creating a new residency-by-investment program. Always verify the latest procedures with official agencies before planning extended stays in Chittagong.

Source notes: Official guidance on visas and investment facilitation is primarily provided by the DIP and BIDA. See dip.gov.bd and bida.gov.bd for current policies and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Golden Visa and does Bangladesh offer one?

Bangladesh does not currently offer a formal Golden Visa program. Residency options are handled under standard visa categories like work, business, or family sponsorship. Consultation with an immigration solicitor is advisable to pursue compliant pathways.

How do I apply for a foreigner visa in Chittagong?

You apply through the Department of Immigration and Passports with your employer or sponsor, along with the required documents. A local attorney can review submissions for accuracy and completeness.

Do I need a lawyer for a Bangladesh investor visa or business visa?

While not required by law, a solicitor can help prepare documentation, liaise with BIDA and DIP, and respond to any government queries efficiently. This often reduces processing time and risk of refusals.

Can a Chittagong employer sponsor my stay?

Yes, many foreign employees obtain sponsorship through their employer. The employer must initiate the process with DIP and ensure compliance with local labor and immigration laws.

How long does a work visa or business visa take to process?

Processing times vary widely by category and case load. Typical timelines range from 4 to 12 weeks, with additional time if documents require verification or if authorities request further information.

What documents are usually required for a Bangladesh work visa?

Common documents include a valid passport, employment contract or job offer, sponsorship letters, educational certificates, and health clearances. A lawyer can tailor the list to your specific case.

Do dependents get visas with a primary visa in Bangladesh?

Dependent visas may be possible where the primary visa holder has lawful status. Documentation generally includes marriage or birth certificates and proof of relationship, subject to government approval.

What is the difference between a Golden Visa and a standard work visa?

A Golden Visa implies residency tied to a significant investment in some jurisdictions. Bangladesh does not offer such a program, so a standard work visa or family sponsorship is the applicable path for long-term stays.

How much do visa applications typically cost in Bangladesh?

Costs vary by visa type and issuance authority. Fees may include application charges, service fees, and potential medical or document authentication costs. A solicitor can provide a precise estimate for your case.

Is there a fast-track visa option for investors?

Bangladesh does not publish a formal fast-track pathway for investor residency. Some approvals may be expedited if all documentation is complete and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Where can I find official guidance on visas for Bangladesh?

Official guidance comes from the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). These bodies publish forms, fees, and procedures for foreigners seeking long-term stays.

Should I hire a solicitor or attorney for Golden Visa matters in Chittagong?

Though not mandatory, hiring a solicitor with immigration experience in Chittagong can help ensure compliance, reduce delays, and improve the quality of submissions to DIP and BIDA.

Additional Resources

These official government resources provide authoritative information on visas, investment facilitation, and foreign worker programs in Bangladesh.

• Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) - Official portal for visas, passports, and stay permits.
• Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) - Investment policy, approvals, and one-stop services for investors.
• Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment (MOWE) - Regulations for overseas workers and recruitment.

Note: Use these official sources to verify current visa categories, fees, processing times, and eligibility rules before engaging counsel or submitting applications.

Next Steps

1. Clarify your objective and timeline for residency or long-term stay in Chittagong. Note whether your plan aligns with work, family sponsorship, or business investment.
2. Check with a Chittagong-based solicitor who specializes in immigration and corporate law to assess the best pathway and prepare a document checklist.
3. Request a preliminary consultation to review your profile, proposed timelines, and any local compliance considerations for your case.
4. Gather required documents in advance (passport, employment offer, business plans, or family documents) and have them translated if needed.
5. Have your lawyer submit or coordinate with DIP and BIDA for the relevant visa or permit, and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
6. Track the case progress with your attorney and prepare for possible requests for clarifications or interviews with authorities.
7. Once approved, ensure ongoing compliance with renewal deadlines, regulatory notifications, and any post-approval requirements (work permits, address registrations, etc.).