BB allows bank accounts for foreign workers

Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Tuesday directed all scheduled banks to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for foreign nationals working in Bangladesh under Employment Visa categories, subject to fulfillment of applicable KYC requirements.

In a circular issued by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1, the central bank said foreign nationals working in Bangladesh under the ‘A3’ visa category, as well as other Employment Visa categories, can receive their salaries and allowances through bank accounts.

The circular said the Ministry of Home Affairs, through a circular issued on April 19, 2026, clarified that foreign nationals arriving in Bangladesh under the ‘A3’ visa category are required to obtain a work permit from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and renew the permit within its validity period.

According to the central bank, the terms and conditions of the work permit require payment of salaries and allowances through banks.

It also noted that foreign nationals working in Bangladesh under other Employment Visa categories are likewise required to receive their salaries and allowances through banks.

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh Bank instructed banks that, where foreign nationals under the A3 or other Employment Visa categories have valid work permits, necessary steps may be taken to open bank accounts for them, subject to compliance with the applicable KYC requirements.

The directive was issued under the authority vested upon Bangladesh Bank by Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991.

The circular was issued to managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks.