Bangladesh

Employment taxes

• Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE): Employers withhold income tax monthly based on progressive slabs, 0% up to BDT 350K, rising to 25% over BDT 1.65M annually.
• Provident fund: Optional in many firms, but common, usually 10% from you, 10% from your employer.
• Gratuity & welfare funds: Lump-sum payout after years of service; also, employers may contribute to worker welfare or life insurance.

Leave policy

• Annual vacation: 20 working days per year (accrued monthly after probation).
• Public holidays: Bangladesh celebrates 20 national holidays over 24 days.
• Sick leave: Up to 14 paid days per year.
• Maternity leave: 16 weeks of paid leave, after 6 months’ tenure.
• Paternity/parental leave: Currently none mandated, though some companies offer a few days on their own.
• Public holidays: Around 20 national holiday days annually.

Employment termination

• No at-will firing, once past probation, dismissal must be for a valid cause.
• Notice periods: 60 days for monthly employees; up to 120 days for permanent staff.
• Severance: 1 month’s salary for each year worked, capped at 30 days per year.

Hiring and contracts

• Contracts must be written (English or bilingual); probation lasts 3–6 months.
• Contracts include role, salary, benefits, leave, termination steps, and dispute rules.

Payroll and salary payments

• Minimum wage: No national minimum wage, but minimums exist in specific sectors.
• Salaries are usually paid monthly via bank transfer.
• Overtime: Paid at double rate for hours exceeding 48/week, capped at 60/week.

Benefits

• Mandatory: Gratuity payments, festival bonuses (1 month’s salary for Eid, etc.), leave, and insurance as required.
• Optional: Health coverage, private medical, transport, mobile allowances, performance bonuses

Monthly living cost (Dhaka Edition)

• Room in shared flat: BDT 10,000–20,000 (~€85–170)
• Utilities + internet: BDT 5,000–8,000 (~€42–68)
• Transport (ride‑hail/tuk‑tuk): BDT 5,000–10,000 (~€42–85)
• Groceries + eating out: BDT 10,000–20,000 (~€85–170)
• Total: ~BDT 30,000–60,000 (~€255–510), friendly price tag for capital-living.

How to get a local ID number (NID)

• Tax ID (TIN): Needed to work legally; applied via National Board of Revenue with employer help and a few docs.
• NID (National ID Card): For residents, required for opening accounts, long-term stays, etc.

Social security registration

Employers must register employees for PF and gratuity; for larger firms, profit‑sharing (Workers’ Welfare Fund) may apply.

Banking

• To open an account, you’ll typically need a valid passport, a work visa or residence permit, a TIN (Tax ID Number), proof of address (e.g. utility bill or rental agreement), an employer's reference letter (optional but helpful).
• Popular banks: BRAC, Dutch‑Bangla Bank, Bank Asia, Eastern Bank CRC.
• Accounts support salary deposits, online/mobile banking, and easy bill payments.

Housing and rental process

• Rental steps: Agent or direct, security deposit (~1–2 months), signed lease.
• Tenant rights: Protected from sudden eviction; deposits must return per lease end.
• Written agreements are standard.

Healthcare system

• Public hospitals are low-cost but crowded.
• Private clinics offer better care and are popular among expats.
• Health insurance is increasingly common as employers begin offering it.

Driving and public transport

• Ride‑hailing: Uber, Pathao (cars + bikes) are everywhere.
• Public: Buses, CNG autorickshaws, river boats.
• Many expats own motorbikes for daily commutes.

Emergency and important contacts

• Fire/medical: 999
• Police: 100
• Ambulance: often via apps or 999

Work permit and visa requirements

• For foreigners: You need a visa + work permit from BIDA, usually sponsored by employer.
• EU vs non‑EU: Same process applies; EU nationality doesn’t grant extra visa benefits.
• Processing time: Several weeks to months; must renew on time to stay compliant.

Business culture and work norms

• Workweek: Sunday–Thursday, 8 hrs/day (48 hrs/wk).
• Meetings: Polite, respectful, hierarchical tone but increasingly open.
• Tea breaks are sacred (air‑pot chats = ideas, friendships, problem‑solving).
• Communication: English is common in offices and Bangla is awesome for daily life and bonding.