Bangladesh is a fastest growing countries in Asia with an impressive growth, strategic location giving access to major Asian economies. Bangladesh offers generous investment opportunities to foreign investors in private investments. In 2021, over $1 billion dollars poured into Bangladesh from foreign countries as per BIDA.
The citizenship by investment and golden visa programs in Bangladesh largely remain unknown and not widely promoted among international investors, worth a discovery. It remains a best kept secret in global citizenship market. The CBI/GV programs in Bangladesh are hidden gems, deserves global attention. We take a closer look below at the untapped potential of two programs.
Why Bangladesh
- Fastest growing economy high growth rate close to 8%;
- An open and diverse economy
- 100% foreign ownership in companies
- Liberal tax regime with tax holidays to foreigners.
- Double taxation treaties.
- Full repatriation of capital from abroad.
- Low-cost Young and skilled english speaking workforce;
- Economic and legislative environment globally favourable to business;
- Strategic geographic location as a gateway to countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Investment Immigration
Bangladesh has two very good investment immigration programs tailored to international investors who look to secure a permanent residency or citizenship by investing.
- Golden Visa (PR) – USD 75,000
- Citizenship by Investment – USD 500,000
Condition – It is important to note that the investment made is non-repatriable, however profits, dividends and salaries are repatriable overseas.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Bangladesh immigration and naturalisation act is to attract and increase foreign direct investment in Bangladesh to benefit the economy and job creation, a new criterion has been added to the conditions of citizenship by naturalisation. So far until 2016, Bangladeshi citizenship granted to only two foreigners for investments.
- A minimum of USD 500,000 or USD 1,000,000 to any recognized financial institution (non-repatriable).
- An amount of USD 5 million or its equivalent in an industrial or commercial project of Bangladesh
Golden Visa (PR)
People who invest in Bangladesh can acquire permanent residency status by investing a minimum of US$75,000 in non-repatriable funds. In addition to many other benefits, permanent residency allows a person to stay in Bangladesh for as long as they want, as well as enter and exit Bangladesh unlimited times without requiring a visa. It is now administered by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.
Bangladesh Passport
Bangladesh passport issued to foreign investors who acquire citizenship by investment. As of 2024, Bangladeshi citizens had visa free access to 40 countries. Bangladesh has a weak passport when it comes to visa free travel, but for some investment gurus, all is not about about passport and visa free travel.
Companies
Foreign investors can either form a fully/ partially owned subsidiary or setup branch or liaison office for operating in Bangladesh. The type of entity formed would depend on the investor’s medium and long-term strategy for penetrating the market. 100% ownership is allowed.
Double Taxation
Bangladesh has double taxation avoidance agreement with more than 30 major trading partner countries.
Dual Citizenship
Bangladesh has legalised dual citizenship for all citizens. It is now possible to hold dual nationality certificate with 100+ countries.
Tax Incentives
Bangladesh offers potential investors and entrepreneurs generous opportunities, tax exemptions and many other incentives for investment
• 5-10 years of Tax Holiday and reduced tax depending on areas.
• 100% tax exemption on income and capital gain for certain projects under Public Private Partnership (PPP) for 10 years.
• 100% tax exemption from software development, Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network or Information Technology Enabled Services.
• 50% of income derived from export is exempted from tax.
• Tax exemption on royalties, technical know-how and technical assistance fees and facilities for their repatriation.
• Tax exemption on interest paid on foreign loan.
