Living in Bangladesh: A Guide To Moving To Bangladesh As An Expat

One of the most densely populated countries in the world and also one of the poorest, Bangladesh isn’t the most obvious choice for expats moving overseas. However, with a fascinating history and exotic landscapes, expats willing to venture off the beaten track will be richly rewarded living in Bangladesh. From the vibrant streets of Dhaka to the serene landscapes beyond, moving to Bangladesh offers a unique and enriching expat experience – plus a low cost of living to go with it. 

If you are considering living in Bangladesh, this handy expat guide will help get you started. Discover all the basics of moving to Bangladesh, including the best places to live, how to set up a bank account and how to sort your family out with the best possible medical care.

This guide on living in Bangladesh covers

1. What to expect from living in Bangladesh as an expat
2. Cost of living in Bangladesh
3. Healthcare in Bangladesh
4. Jobs, visas and tax in Bangladesh
5. Your handy ‘moving to Bangladesh’ checklist

An aerial view of Dhake city skyline // GETTY IMAGES

Life in Bangladesh: What to expect from living in Bangladesh as an expat

What is life in Bangladesh like?

Beautiful natural landscapes, historic sites and exotic cuisine are just some of the hallmarks of life in Bangladesh. However, expats must be aware that Bangladesh is still a developing country with significant poverty in some areas.

Home to nearly 180 million people, Bangladesh is the eighth most populated country in the world, and the fifth most densely populated. Expats living in Bangladesh tend to settle in one of the larger cities of Chittagong or Dhaka, though should prepare themselves for culture shock, as life in these urban cities can be drastically different from the Western world.  

Culture in Bangladesh is shaped by the Islamic faith, with Muslims accounting for 91% of the population. There is also a modest Hindu community in Bangladesh, with 8% of Bangladeshis practising the faith. True to Islamic culture, Bangladesh is conservative and patriarchal, with age, authority and position in society being highly valued. Expats living in Bangladesh should also keep in mind that drinking alcohol is frowned upon and women in particular should keep their shoulders, arms and legs covered when out and about. 

Located in the South of Asia, Bangladesh has a tropical climate, characterised by heat and humidity. There is also a three-month rainy period between June and October, with some risk of tropical cyclones near the Bay of Bengal.

Looking for expat insurance for living in Bangladesh?

Find out more about our international insurance plans

Is Bangladesh safe for expats?

Expats in Bangladesh are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and to keep an eye out for updates from their local embassy. Violent crimes and terrorism are prevalent across the country, as are public demonstrations which have been known to escalate. Expats living in Bangladesh usually form close-knit expat communities or live in gated housing complexes for peace of mind. 

How is the political situation in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh operates as a parliamentary democracy with a multi-party system. The political landscape has been historically characterised by the dominance of two major parties: the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The country has experienced periods of political instability, marked by protests, strikes, and occasional violence, often tied to elections and power transitions.

Bangladesh also faces challenges such as corruption, human rights issues and economic gaps that can cause a general sense of unease.

Most recently, the Student-People’s Uprising of July 2024 deposed the authoritarian prime minister, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, but only after a bloody massacre. After fleeing to India without providing a contingency plan for her government, Wazed triggered a constitutional crisis that left the position of Prime Minister vacant. Bangladesh is thus currently governed by an interim government under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, until a constitutional arrangement can be reached.

Safety is one of the most important factors for expats

What are the safest countries in the world?

Language in Bangladesh

The official and most widely spoken language of Bangladesh is the native Bengali (also known as Bangla). Bengali is the first language for 98% of Bangladeshis and is used in all settings from education through to government. There are also around 38 regional languages spoken across the country including Chakma, Tangchangya, Jajong, Marma, Rohingya, Sylheti and Chittagonian. 

English is also widely spoken and taught in all schools in Bangladesh. However, for expats planning to live and work in Bangladesh it is highly advised to have lessons in Bengali. Having at least a basic proficiency in the Bengali language will help expats immensely in daily life, while also allowing them to appreciate the diverse culture and build relationships with locals.

Looking to learn a new language?

The 5 best languages to learn as an expat

Cost of living in Bangladesh

The low cost of living in Bangladesh makes it easy for expats and digital nomads to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. As of 2024, the cost of living in Sri Lanka is around 61.2% lower than in the United Kingdom, with monthly costs for a single person coming in at around US$366.98 before rent.

Of course, the cost of living in Bangladesh will fluctuate slightly depending on where in the country you choose to live, but we’ll focus on the country’s most expensive city, the capital Dhaka, to give you a general idea of daily costs. 

Expats moving to Bangladesh should also keep in mind any additional costs they may need to factor in, such as fees for independent schools, healthcare costs and international health insurance.

See the table below to see the average cost of day-to-day amenities living in Dhaka, Bangladesh:

Amenity

Average cost in Dhaka, Bangladesh (US$)*

Milk (1l)

$0.86

Loaf of bread

$0.71

Rice (1kg)

$0.69

12 eggs

$1.35

Local cheese (1kg)

$9.49

Chicken fillets (1kg)

$3.53

1.5 litre bottle of water

$0.30

Bottle of non-alcoholic wine

$6.85

Domestic non-alcoholic beer

$3.32

Imported non-alcoholic beer

$6.20

*As of January 2024, Numbeo

Household bills are reasonable across Bangladesh, especially compared to Western cities. These are the average costs of bills in the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka (not including rent):

Utilities (monthly)

Average cost in Dhaka, Bangladesh (US$)*

Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment

$30.75

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

$5.80

Monthly home internet bill

$15.75

*As of January 2024, Numbeo

The cost of eating out is also very inexpensive, inviting expats to indulge in all the country’s culinary delights. Here are some average costs for eating out in the capital city:

Restaurants

Average cost in Dhaka, Bangladesh (US$)*

Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant, three-course

$9.13

Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant

$5.48

Cappuccino

$2.19

*As of January 2024, Numbeo

Worried about moving abroad and the cost of living crisis?

Our cost of living guides explore the affects across the globe

How do I open a bank account in Bangladesh?

If you’re moving to Bangladesh to live, work or study, you’ll need to open a local bank account. This will usually mean visiting a bank branch in person, though there are some banks that allow expats to open accounts remotely so long as you can nominate a Bangladeshi to co-sign the account.

Bangladeshi banks offer various account options for non-residents, which can be used to add and hold funds in foreign currencies and then convert to BDT when needed. The most common types of bank account for expats are: 

• Non-resident – targeted at expats living and working in Bangladesh who do not have permanent residency status. The minimum deposit for non-resident accounts Is usually around US$1,000.
• Resident – expats with resident status will have a greater choice of options when it comes to opening a bank account in Bangladesh, though resident accounts will usually operate in BDT. 
• Student – most student accounts are limited to Bangladeshi citizens. However, if you can find a student account you are eligible for as a foreign citizen, you could enjoy much lower fees. 
• Savings – expats should be able to open savings accounts and fixed term accounts in both BDT and a range of foreign currencies. 

Whichever type of bank account you want to open, you will need to provide the following documents: 

• Passport – valid for at least 6 months
• Proof of address – such as a utility bill or signed rental agreement 
• Proof of income – a letter from your employer, bank statements or employee contract 
• Copy of your e-TIN certificate – this is your Tax Identification Number. You can get this through the Bangladesh National Board of Revenue

Got more questions about moving abroad?

Check out our guide for expats looking at moving overseas

A traditional wooden fishing boat in Bangladesh // GETTY IMAGES

Healthcare in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a public healthcare system with government-run hospitals and clinics providing medical services at subsidised rates. However, the quality of care in public facilities is not up to Western standards, and expats should expect long waiting times and a lack of access to certain treatments and facilities.

The private healthcare sector in Bangladesh is more developed, with numerous hospitals and clinics in major cities offering a higher standard of care. Some private healthcare facilities are well-equipped with modern technology and experienced medical professionals.

Do I need international health insurance in Bangladesh?

Expats living in Bangladesh are strongly advised to have comprehensive health insurance that covers both routine healthcare and emergencies. This insurance should also include medical evacuation cover in case of severe illness or injury that requires evacuation to a country with more advanced medical facilities.

What is medical evacuation insurance and why do expats need it?

Find out more about emergency medical evacuation or medevacs

Education in Bangladesh

Schools in Bangladesh 

Expat families in Bangladesh have a wide range of choices when it comes to schools. Local primary and secondary schools in Bangladesh are government funded and open for expats to send their children.

Expats should know that local schools in Bangladesh will teach primarily in Bengali, so children may struggle to keep up unless they are fluent in the language.

The other option for primary and secondary education in Bangladesh is international schools. There are several international schools in Dhaka and Chittagong, offering an international curriculum such as the Cambridge Assessment or the International Baccalaureate (IB). These schools often use English as the primary language.

Some international schools in Dhaka include: 

• International School Dhaka (ISD)
• Grace International School
• Springdale International School 
• American International School Dhaka (AISD)
• Canadian International School 

Some international schools in Chittagong include: 

• Chittagong Grammar School
• Presidency International School
• Crans-Montana International School (CMIS)
• Al-Hidaayah International School 

Universities in Bangladesh

Students considering studying in Bangladesh will find all the best universities in the capital, Dhaka. This includes University of Dhaka, established in 1921, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a wide range of subjects from arts and humanities, through to science and business.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is another notable university, specialising in engineering and architecture.

When deciding whether to study in Bangladesh, make sure to check what language your course will be taught in, as many are taught in the local language, Bengali.

Keen to get your kids a great education?

We rank the best countries in the world for education

Where to live in Bangladesh

As mentioned above, expats in Bangladesh tend to settle in one of the two main cities, Dhaka or Chittagong. Within these cities, there are designated expat communities, often gated and separate from the rest of the Bangladeshi population, where expats live together. These communities will usually include facilities such as grocery stores, gyms and parks for expat use. 

Living in Dhaka as an expat, the most popular regions include Gulshan, Banani and the most affluent area, Baridhara, usually designated for diplomats. 

For expats living in Chittagong, some popular residential areas include Khulshi, Nasirabad and GEC Circle.  

Can expats buy property in Bangladesh?

The rules around buying property in Bangladesh as an expat are murky. In general, foreigners are only allowed to purchase flats in Dhaka, strictly for residential purposes. They must also get approval from the Bangladesh Board of Investment and pay for the property in full in a foreign currency. 

For any other type of property, or to buy property in Bangladesh outside of Dhaka, expats will need to have dual citizenship, or to own a company that operates in Bangladesh under the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies (RJSC).

Want more expat content?
Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter!

• Enter your email address
• Name
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

A woman picking tea leaves on a plantation in Bangladesh // GETTY IMAGES

Jobs, visas and tax in Bangladesh

Jobs in Bangladesh for expats

Salaries in Bangladesh are incredibly low compared to Western standards, with the average salary coming in at BDT312,000/US$2,944.70 per year.   

The exact salary you can expect working in Bangladesh will depend on the industry and your experience, with skilled roles such as those in finance or engineering demanding higher pay. 

Some of the most common industries where expats can find work in Bangladesh include NGOs and development, information technology, telecommunications, engineering, banking and finance, and healthcare. 

How to get a visa to live and work in Bangladesh

Expats will need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Depending on nationality, you may be able to get a tourist visa on arrival which will last for 30 days. However, for all other types of visa, or to stay for a longer period of time, it’s advised that you apply for your visa online before arriving in Bangladesh. 

There are a number of different types of visa for Bangladesh, including the business visa, student visa, employment visa and investor visa. Which visa you choose will depend on your circumstances and reasons for wanting to live in Bangladesh. Any expat or digital nomad who wants to live in Bangladesh for longer than 1-2 months will also need to register their stay with the Immigrations & Passport Office in Dhaka. 

Family members of Bangladeshi citizens don’t need a visa. 

How much tax will I pay in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh follows a resident/non-resident tax system. Residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Bangladesh.
Individual income tax rates for residents are progressive from 0% to 25%, and non-residents are taxed at a flat rate of 30% on all Bangladeshi-sourced income.

Living and working outside of your home country?

Read our guide to paying taxes as an expat abroad

Your handy ‘moving to Bangladesh’ checklist

Before moving to Bangladesh, make sure you check the following:

Accommodation

• ☐ Have you researched places you’d like to live?
• ☐ Has your employer secured your accommodation?
• ☐ If you’ve found an apartment or house you’d like to rent, have you contacted the company offering the accommodation?
• ☐ If you’ve agreed a place to live, have you received your rental agreement?

Work

• ☐ Have you received a job offer from a suitable employer?
• ☐ Alternatively, do you have proof of income and your eligibility to work overseas from your existing employer?
• ☐ Have you started your application for your residency visa?
• ☐ Do you have the proof of income or proof of savings required to apply for a visa?

Healthcare

• ☐ Have you found your local public health service in Bangladesh, and are you aware of any costs of using that service?
• ☐ Have you taken out international health insurance before moving to Bangladesh?
• ☐ Have you looked into other forms of health insurance to support your life in Bangladesh, such as life insurance and income protection?
• ☐ Does your health insurance cover emergency evacuation to another country with better medical facilities?

Banking

• ☐ Do you have all the paperwork necessary to complete your application for a bank account?
• ☐ Do you have the minimum deposit available in cash?

Relocation

• ☐ Have you researched the cost of relocation? If you’re bringing your own furniture from home, have you received a reliable quote from a shipping company?
• ☐ Have you looked into schooling for your children? If you are relying on state education, you may need to contact schools to see if they have places available

Trust William Russell with your healthcare in Bangladesh

If you or your family get sick or injured while living in Bangladesh, count on us to be by your side. With over three decades of experience, William Russell has supported the health of thousands of expat families living abroad with international health insurance.

From everyday healthcare to medical evacuations, our expat health insurance can help give you peace of mind while you enjoy your new life in Bangladesh.

Speak to us today to learn more about how our expat health insurance can help you start your new life in Bangladesh with complete confidence.

Looking for expat health insurance before you move to Bangladesh?

Learn more about our plans

This article is part of our series of guides to expat life. It’s just for general information, and we don’t provide professional advice on moving abroad (we’re an expat insurance provider). We update this article regularly to keep it useful as possible, but if you want to know more – please seek independent advice.