| Quick Answer: Bangladeshi passport holders require a pre-arranged visa to enter the UAE. Ensuring all documents are complete and accurate increases your chances of approval, as visa issuance resumed in mid-June 2025, with tourist visas costing AED 200-600 (approximately BDT 6,000-18,000) for 30-60 day stays. Applications are processed through UAE-based sponsors, travel agencies, or airlines. Processing takes 5-7 working days. Enhanced scrutiny applies to all Bangladeshi applications. Approximately 840,000 to 1 million Bangladeshis reside in the UAE, forming the third-largest expatriate community. |
| Important Notice (January 2026): UAE visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals has resumed following a temporary pause. However, approval rates remain lower than pre-2024 levels, and applications are subject to enhanced security screening. Family sponsorship and work permit categories face additional scrutiny. Applicants should ensure complete documentation and apply through authorized channels only. |
Overview: UAE Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens
The United Arab Emirates hosts approximately 840,000 to 1 million Bangladeshi nationals, representing 7-10% of the UAE’s total population. Bangladeshi expatriates form the third-largest expatriate community, after Indians and Pakistanis. The community is primarily employed in construction, domestic work, retail, and service sectors, with significant concentrations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
Bangladeshi passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE. All travelers must obtain a pre-arranged visa through authorized sponsors, such as UAE-based travel agencies, airlines, or family members, to ensure a smooth application process and peace of mind.
Following diplomatic discussions between the governments of Bangladesh and the UAE, visa processing resumed in mid-2025 after a temporary pause. The UAE Embassy in Dhaka has resumed issuing 30-50 visit visas daily, with priority given to skilled professionals and business travelers.
Types of UAE Visas for Bangladeshi Citizens
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose | Sponsor Required |
| Tourist Visa (Short) | 30 days | Tourism, short visits | Travel agency/Airline |
| Tourist Visa (Extended) | 60 days | Extended tourism | Travel agency/Airline |
| Tourist Visa (Long) | 90 days | Long-term visits | Travel agency/Host |
| Visit Visa | 90 days | Family/friend visits | UAE Resident |
| Transit Visa | 48-96 hours | Stopovers | Airline |
| Employment Visa | 2 years | Work and residence | UAE Employer |
| Green Visa | 5 years | Skilled professionals | Self-sponsored |
| Golden Visa | 5-10 years | Investors, talents | Self-sponsored |
General Document Requirements
All UAE visa applications from Bangladeshi citizens require the following documents:
- Valid Bangladeshi passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the travel date
- Recent passport-sized color photograph (white background, 35x45mm)
- Completed visa application form
- Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
- Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
- Travel insurance valid for the UAE
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
- National ID card (optional but recommended)
Additional Documents for Enhanced Approval
Due to enhanced scrutiny, Bangladeshi applicants may improve approval chances with:
- Previous travel history to GCC countries, USA, UK, Schengen, or Australia
- Bank statements showing stable income for the past 6 months
- Employment letter or business registration documents
- Property ownership documents in Bangladesh
- Invitation letter from the UAE host (for visit visas)
Tourist Visa: Requirements and Process
The tourist visa is the primary entry option for Bangladeshi leisure travelers to the UAE.
Visa Types and Duration
| Type | Stay Duration | Entry Validity | Extendable |
| 30-Day Single Entry | 30 days | 60 days from issue | Yes (twice, 30 days each) |
| 60-Day Single Entry | 60 days | 60 days from issue | Yes (30 days) |
| 90-Day Single Entry | 90 days | 60 days from issue | No |
| 90-Day Multiple Entry | 90 days total | 60 days from issue | No |
Where to Apply
- UAE-approved travel agencies in Bangladesh
- Emirates Airlines (through emirates.com after booking)
- Etihad Airways visa services
- FlyDubai and Air Arabia (airline-sponsored)
- UAE-based sponsors (hotels, tour operators)
- Ras Al Khaimah or Sharjah immigration (alternative processing)
Tourist Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Government Fee (AED) | Approx. BDT |
| 30-Day Single Entry | 200-250 + 5% VAT | 6,500 – 8,500 |
| 30-Day Multiple Entry | 690 + fees | 22,000 – 25,000 |
| 60-Day Single Entry | 300-500 + 5% VAT | 10,000 – 16,000 |
| 90-Day Single Entry | 600 + fees | 19,000 – 22,000 |
| 90-Day Multiple Entry | 1,740 + fees | 55,000 – 60,000 |
Note: Agency service fees (BDT 2,000-5,000) are additional. Exchange rate: approximately BDT 32 = AED 1. Rates fluctuate.
Visa Extension
Tourist visas can be extended within the UAE without leaving the country:
- First extension: 30 days — Fee: AED 850-1,000
- Second extension: 30 days — Fee: AED 850-1,000
- Apply through GDRFA Dubai or authorized typing centers before visa expiry
Employment Visa for Bangladeshi Workers
The UAE employment visa allows Bangladeshi nationals to live and work legally in the Emirates. Employment visas require sponsorship by a licensed UAE employer and involve multiple stages of approval.
Employment Visa Requirements
| Document | Requirement |
| Bangladeshi Passport | Minimum 6 months validity |
| Passport Photographs | Recently, passport-size, white background |
| Job Offer Letter | From a UAE-registered employer |
| Employment Contract | MOHRE-approved, in English and Arabic |
| Educational Certificates | Attested by the Bangladesh Ministry of Education and the UAE Embassy |
| Experience Certificates | Attested copies (if applicable) |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | Completed upon arrival at the UAE health center |
| Police Clearance | From Bangladesh Police (attested) |
| Emirates ID | Biometric enrollment upon arrival |
Document Attestation Process
All Bangladeshi documents must be attested before UAE visa processing:
- Obtain original documents from issuing institutions
- Attest educational certificates through the Ministry of Education, Bangladesh
- Attest through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh
- Submit for the UAE Embassy attestation in Dhaka
Employment Visa Process
- UAE employer applies for Employment Entry Permit through MOHRE
- Entry Permit issued and sent to employee (valid 60 days)
- Employee travels to the UAE on an Entry Permit
- Medical fitness test at an approved UAE health center
- Emirates ID biometric enrollment
- Residence visa stamping on passport (valid 2 years)
Employment Visa Costs
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Approx. BDT |
| Work Permit Fee | 200 + 5% VAT | 6,500 |
| Entry Permit | 100-200 | 3,200 – 6,500 |
| Medical Test | 150-350 | 4,800 – 11,000 |
| Emirates ID | 100-370 | 3,200 – 12,000 |
| Residence Visa Stamping | 500-700 | 16,000 – 22,500 |
| Total (approximate) | 3,000-5,000 | 96,000 – 160,000 |
Note: Employers typically cover all costs associated with employment visas. Employees should not pay for their own work visas.
Transit Visa (48 and 96 Hours)
Bangladeshi travelers transiting through UAE airports to a third destination may apply for a transit visa to exit the airport.
| Type | Fee | Duration | Sponsor |
| 48-Hour Transit | Free (airline) | 48 hours from arrival | UAE-based airline |
| 96-Hour Transit | AED 50 | 96 hours from arrival | UAE-based airline |
Transit Visa Requirements
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Confirmed onward flight ticket to the third destination
- Valid visa or entry permit for the destination country
- Application through Emirates, Etihad, or other UAE-based airlines
Note: Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible for the 96-hour transit visa through some airlines. Confirm eligibility before booking.
Green Visa: Self-Sponsored Residency
The UAE Green Visa offers 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors without requiring employer sponsorship.
Eligible Categories
| Category | Key Requirements |
| Skilled Employees | Bachelor’s degree, Level 1-3 occupation, AED 15,000+ monthly salary |
| Freelancers/Self-Employed | MOHRE permit, Bachelor’s degree, AED 360,000+ annual income |
| Investors | Valid business license, proof of investment, and regulatory approvals |
Green Visa Benefits
- 5-year renewable residency without employer sponsorship
- Sponsor spouse, children, and first-degree relatives
- 180-day grace period to remain in the UAE after visa cancellation
- Freedom to change employers without visa cancellation
Green Visa Costs
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) |
| Application Fee | 2,000 – 2,500 |
| Emirates ID Fee | 575 |
| Medical Services | 320 |
| Entry Permit (if outside the UAE) | 1,250 |
| Total (approximate) | 4,000 – 4,650 |
Golden Visa: Long-Term Residency
The UAE Golden Visa offers 5-10-year renewable residence permits without requiring a sponsor. Bangladeshi professionals, investors, and exceptional talents who meet the eligibility criteria can apply.
Eligible Categories for Bangladeshi Nationals
| Category | Duration | Key Requirements |
| Real Estate Investors | 10 years | Property valued AED 2 million+ (no loans) |
| Public Investors | 10 years | AED 2 million+ investment or AED 250,000+ annual tax |
| Skilled Professionals | 10 years | AED 30,000+ basic salary, Bachelor’s degree, Level 1-2 occupation |
| Scientists/Researchers | 10 years | UAE Scientists Council recommendation, proven research |
| Doctors | 10 years | Ministry of Health approval letter |
| Entrepreneurs | 5 years | Innovative project AED 500,000+, incubator approval |
| Outstanding Students | 5-10 years | GPA 3.8+ from top 100 universities |
Golden Visa Benefits
- 10-year renewable residency (5 years for some categories)
- No sponsor requirement (self-sponsored)
- Sponsor spouse, children (any age if unmarried), and parents
- Extended overseas stay permitted (beyond 6 months)
- Live, work, and study freely in the UAE
- Application cost: Approximately AED 10,400
Complete Visa Fee Structure
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (AED) | Approx. BDT |
| Tourist Visa | 30 days | 200-250 + VAT | 6,500 – 8,500 |
| Tourist Visa | 60 days | 300-500 + VAT | 10,000 – 16,000 |
| Tourist Visa | 90 days | 600 + fees | 19,000 – 22,000 |
| Transit Visa | 48 hours | Free | Free |
| Transit Visa | 96 hours | 50 | 1,600 |
| Employment Visa | 2 years | 3,000-5,000 (total) | 96,000 – 160,000 |
| Green Visa | 5 years | 4,000-4,650 | 128,000 – 150,000 |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | ~10,400 | ~335,000 |
Note: Exchange rate approximately BDT 32 = AED 1. Actual rates vary. Agency service fees are additional.
Step-by-Step Application Process
For Tourist Visa (via Travel Agency)
- Contact an authorized UAE visa agency in Bangladesh or the UAE
- Provide a passport scan, a photograph, and travel documents
- Submit bank statements and employment/business proof
- Pay visa fee and agency charges
- Agency applies to the UAE immigration (GDRFA/ICP)
- Receive an e-visa via email within 5-7 working days
- Print the visa and present it at the UAE immigration upon arrival
For Employment Visa
- Secure a job offer from a licensed UAE employer
- Complete document attestation (education, police clearance)
- Employer applies for Entry Permit through MOHRE
- Receive an Entry Permit and travel to the UAE within 60 days
- Complete a medical test at an approved health center
- Apply for Emirates ID (biometric enrollment)
- Residence visa stamping on the passport
Processing Times
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Express Processing |
| Tourist Visa | 5-7 working days | 2-3 working days |
| Transit Visa | 1-3 working days | 24 hours |
| Employment Visa | 10-20 working days | 7-14 working days |
| Green Visa | 2-4 weeks | N/A |
| Golden Visa | 2-6 weeks | N/A |
Processing excludes weekends and UAE/Bangladesh public holidays. Security checks may extend processing times for Bangladeshi nationals.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
| Reason | Prevention |
| Incomplete documentation | Double-check all required documents before submission |
| Passport validity < 6 months | Renew your passport before applying |
| Poor quality passport scan/photo | Submit clear, high-resolution copies |
| Insufficient funds proof | Maintain an adequate bank balance for 3-6 months |
| No travel history | Include any previous travel stamps; consider alternative Emirates |
| Previous overstay in the UAE/GCC | Clear any pending fines before reapplying |
| Application through an unauthorized agent | Use only UAE-approved sponsors and agencies |
| Inconsistent information | Ensure all documents match (name, dates, details) |
| Security screening flags | Provide additional documentation to verify travel purpose |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bangladeshi citizens get a visa-on-arrival in the UAE?
No. Bangladeshi passport holders must obtain a pre-arranged visa before traveling to the UAE. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-free facility.
Is there a UAE visa ban on Bangladeshi nationals?
There is no official blanket ban. However, visa processing was temporarily restricted in 2024-2025. As of mid-2025, visa issuance has resumed with enhanced scrutiny. Some visa categories (family sponsorship, work permits) face additional checks.
How much does a UAE visa cost for Bangladeshi citizens?
Tourist visas cost BDT 6,500-22,000 (AED 200-690) depending on duration. Work visas range from BDT 72,000 to BDT 160,000 (AED 3,000 to AED 5,000), including all processing fees.
Can I apply directly at the UAE Embassy in Dhaka?
The UAE Embassy in Dhaka primarily handles diplomatic and official visas. Tourist and work visas are processed through authorized travel agencies, airlines, or UAE-based sponsors.
What is the overstay penalty?
AED 50 per day (BDT 1,600) plus AED 200 (BDT 6,500) for exit pass. Extended overstays may result in fines, detention, and future entry bans.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and may result in fines, deportation, and an entry ban. Employment requires a proper work visa sponsored by a licensed employer.
How can I increase my chances of visa approval?
Apply through reputable agencies, provide complete documentation, include travel history, show strong financial ties to Bangladesh, and apply as a family group if traveling together.
Can existing UAE residents transfer their visa?
Currently, Bangladeshi residents in the UAE face restrictions on visa transfers between employers. Check with MOHRE for the current status and specific circumstances.
Official Sources and Contact Information
UAE Government Portals
| Authority | Website | Purpose |
| ICP | icp.gov.ae | Emirates ID, Golden Visa, Residency |
| GDRFA Dubai | gdrfad.gov.ae | Dubai Visa Services |
| UAE Government | u.ae | Comprehensive Visa Information |
| MOHRE | mohre.gov.ae | Employment Visas, Labor Permits |
Bangladesh Government Resources
| Office | Contact | Purpose |
| Bangladesh Consulate Dubai | bcgdubai.gov.bd | Consular services, assistance |
| UAE Embassy Dhaka | mofa.gov.ae/missions/dhaka | Visa attestation, diplomatic services |
| BMET (Overseas Employment) | bmet.gov.bd | Worker registration, recruitment |
Bangladesh Consulate General in Dubai
Address: Villa 3, Street 16A, Al Garhoud, Dubai, UAE
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed weekends)
Phone: +971-4-282-7227
Email: bcgdubai@mofa.gov.bd
UAE Embassy in Dhaka
Address: House No. NW(J) 4, Road No. 51, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Phone: +880-2-881-2220
Emergency Contacts in the UAE
| Service | Number |
| Police Emergency | 999 |
| Ambulance | 998 |
| ICP Hotline | 600522222 |
| GDRFA Dubai | 800-AMER (2637) |
| Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa regulations for Bangladeshi nationals are subject to frequent changes and enhanced scrutiny. Always verify current requirements through official UAE government portals (icp.gov.ae, gdrfad.gov.ae) and authorized agencies before applying. Visa fees, processing times, and approval criteria are subject to change without notice. This guide does not guarantee visa approval. |
Last Updated: January, 2026