Passport

An expat who is willing to relocate from his/her current country to Bangladesh should have valid passport with clear photograph on it. It is the mandatory document required from an individual side along with packing and moving of personal belongings.

Passbook of customs issued from National Board of Revenue (NBR)

For duty free import of goods to Bangladesh, the Custom Passbook has to be obtained from the owner of the goods’ employer who has to apply for the same upon the owner of good’s arrival. It is compulsory for privileged persons (diplomats, employees of foreign company on contractual basis with Bangladesh government, some NGO employees, employees of UN agency) to have this document with them.

Detailed Packing list /Detailed Inventory

This document explains the list of household items that you need to pack and move to Bangladesh. It consists of detailed information of every product along with the prices. Even this accurate list of packing household goods should be available with the individual who is relocating to this country for any purpose. Most importantly the inventory list must not contain such items that are prohibited from carrying such as- dangerous goods, alcohol/beverages, firearms, plants, perishable items etc.

Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)/ Express Release

In case of movement of commercial goods, the cargo and freight shipment to Bangladesh is done through air or sea respectively. Therefore, the receipt or bill for the same has to be submitted when exporting or importing such products in bulk. Original Bill of Lading (OBL) is documentation/contract between you and your supplier for transportation of commercial goods in bulk through sea whereas if you use air freight then an Air Way Bill is issued to you for goods movement. Express Release is used in express situation where no negotiation is done between shipper and consignee; basically issued for Sea Way Bill of Lading. You must carry either of these documents while moving.

Pro-forma Invoice

Generally this document is the one of the type of invoice or contract for sales that is used for creation of sales. It is issued by the seller to buyer only on request before the order is placed. For the custom purposes, these preliminary invoices are used with quotation for importing or exporting your goods to Bangladesh.  Even if you are into business then you must have to obtain this document from your buyer to carry along with you at the time of movement.

Baggage Declaration Form, completed at arrival and signed by customs

As it is known that every country follows its own custom regulations which give permission to carry some specific items only when you move in and out of that particular country. Similarly, while relocating to Bangladesh you must have a duly signed form by custom officer indicating the declared items to be carried along with duty taxes. In fact, all the products that are prohibited from carrying are also mentioned in this form.

Letter of Employment (Foreigners)

Most of the professionals who wish to travel to Bangladesh for longer duration for working must require another paper that is of their utmost use and is a proof of their existence in the country. A letter from their reputed and verified employer signed by authorized representative of a prospective employee. This letter consists of basic information about the employment, salary structure, job profile, labour laws and etc. A signed document should be preserved by yourself at the time of your movement.

Work Permit (Foreigners)

Work Permit is important for every foreign national who is seeking employment in Bangladesh. There are basically 3 government authorities who issue work permit in this country-

1. For private sector, industrial enterprise, branch or liaison office, outside the Export Processing Zone- Board of Investment (BOI)
2. For Foreign National employed in EPZ- Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA)
3. For Foreign National employed in NGO- NGO Affairs Bureau

Transfer of Residence Certificate (returning Bangladeshi)

Transfer of Residence is a facility that is provided to the people who are intended to transfer their residence to Bangladesh after they have stayed abroad for at least 2 years. It gives permission to import personal and household articles exempted from duty tax whereas some other items on payment of duty taxes after deducting depreciation allowances. This document is mandatory for such individuals who are returning back to Bangladesh.

Tax Exemption Certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Tax Exemption Certificate is mandatory for each and every person who is exempted from having the tax clearance for any purpose of the journey or specified journeys. They do not have to pay taxes of any kind while relocating to Bangladesh. Therefore, this document must be preserved by such individuals. National Board of Revenue (NBR) has the authority to make any kind of exceptions in this regard whereas you can contact Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bangladesh to obtain this certificate.