Passport

An individual willing to relocate to Bangladesh should have a valid passport with a clear photograph on it. It is the mandatory document required from an individual's side, along with the packing and moving of personal belongings.

Passbook of Customs Issues from the National Board of Revenue (NBR)

For the duty-free import of goods to Bangladesh, the Custom Passbook has to be obtained from the owner of the goods. Privileged persons (diplomats, employees of foreign companies on a contractual basis with the Bangladesh government, some NGO employees, employees of UN agencies) must have this document with them.

Detailed Inventory

This document explains the list of household items that you need to pack and move to Bangladesh. It consists of detailed information on every product along with the prices. You should carry this list. Most importantly, the inventory list must not contain such items that are prohibited from carrying, such as dangerous goods, alcohol, firearms, plants, perishable items, etc.

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

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 an express situation where no negotiation is done between the shipper and the consignee; basically, issued for the Sea Way Bill of Lading.

Pro-forma Invoice

This document is one of the types of invoices or contracts for sales that is used for the creation of sales. It is issued by the seller to the buyer only on request before the order is placed. For custom purposes, these preliminary invoices are used with a quotation for importing or exporting your goods to Bangladesh. Even if you are in business, you must have 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)

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 being carried are also mentioned in this form.

Letter of Employment (Foreigners)

Most of the professionals relocating to the country for work must require this paper, which is of their utmost use and is proof of their existence in the country. A letter from their reputed and verified employer, signed by an authorised representative of the prospective employee. This letter consists of basic information about the employment, salary structure, job profile, labour laws, etc.

Work Permit (Foreigners)

This document is important for seeking employment in Bangladesh. There are basically 3 government authorities that issue work permits in this country:

1. For the 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 a Foreign National employed in the NGO- NGO Affairs Bureau.

Transfer of Residence Certificate (returning Bangladeshi)

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

Tax Exemption Certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

A Tax Exemption Certificate is mandatory for 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. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has the authority to make any kind of exceptions in this regard, whereas you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, to obtain this certificate.