Moving to the UK from Bangladesh: Complete Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Spouse and Family visas are the most common route for Bangladeshi nationals.
- •TB test is mandatory at an IOM-approved clinic in Dhaka.
- •MOFA attestation required for all official Bangladeshi documents.
- •VFS Global operates the visa application centre in Dhaka.
- •Document verification checks are common. Ensure complete accuracy.
- •Processing times for spouse visas from Bangladesh can be 12 to 30 weeks.
The British-Bangladeshi community is one of the largest and most established diaspora communities in the UK, with over 600,000 people of Bangladeshi heritage. Family reunion through the Spouse visa remains the dominant migration route. This guide covers the specific steps Bangladeshi applicants must follow, including document attestation, TB testing, English language requirements, and practical advice for settling in.
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Most Common Visa Routes
Spouse and Family Visa
The Spouse visa is the primary route for Bangladeshi nationals joining family in the UK. The established Sylheti and wider Bangladeshi community, concentrated in east London and other cities, means family reunion applications are consistently high. The UK sponsor must meet the financial requirement of £29,000 per year.
The Home Office scrutinises Bangladeshi spouse visa applications carefully. You must provide comprehensive relationship evidence, including:
- Evidence of how you met and the development of your relationship
- Communication records (call logs, messages, video call screenshots)
- Evidence of visits (flight bookings, passport stamps, photographs)
- Wedding photographs and documentation
- Statements from family members who attended the wedding
- Plans for your life together in the UK
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is growing in popularity for Bangladeshi IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer and must meet the salary threshold.
Student Visa
The Student visa is used by Bangladeshi applicants, particularly for postgraduate courses. After completing studies, the Graduate route allows 2 years of work without a sponsor.
Bangladeshi Document Requirements
MOFA Attestation
Bangladesh is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents must be attested through the traditional route:
- Educational certificates. Must first be attested by the relevant education board (e.g., Dhaka Board, National University) before MOFA attestation.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation. Submit documents to MOFA in Dhaka for official attestation. MOFA verifies the document is genuine and affixes its stamp.
- British High Commission legalisation. After MOFA attestation, some documents may require further legalisation by the British High Commission in Dhaka.
- Certified translation. Documents in Bangla must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Birth and Marriage Certificates
Bangladeshi birth certificates are issued by local government (Union Parishad or City Corporation). Ensure yours is the computerised version where possible, as older handwritten certificates may face additional scrutiny. Marriage certificates (Kabinnama for Muslim marriages) must be registered with the local Kazi office. Unregistered marriages create serious problems for visa applications.
Police Clearance Certificate
Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate through the Bangladesh Police Headquarters or the local Superintendent of Police. You need your passport, national ID, and photographs. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. The certificate is issued by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and confirms you have no criminal record.
Financial Documents
Key points for financial evidence from Bangladesh:
- Bank statements must be on official letterhead with the bank's seal. Electronic statements should be accompanied by a bank confirmation letter.
- The Home Office converts BDT to GBP at the OANDA rate. As of early 2026, £1 is approximately ৳150–160.
- If parents are sponsoring a student, provide a sponsorship letter, proof of the relationship, and the parent's bank statements and income evidence.
- Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) are accepted but must show funds have been held for the required period.
- Income from property or business should be supported by tax returns and audited accounts.
TB Test Requirement
Bangladesh is on the Home Office's mandatory TB testing list. You must obtain a certificate from an IOM-approved clinic in Dhaka before applying for any visa longer than 6 months. The test involves a chest X-ray and costs approximately ৳6,000–8,000. Results are usually available within 2 to 5 working days. The certificate is valid for 6 months.
English Language Requirement
Bangladesh is not a majority English-speaking country. You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT):
- Spouse visa (initial): CEFR A1
- Spouse visa (extension): CEFR A2
- ILR: CEFR B1
- Skilled Worker: CEFR B1
- Student: CEFR B2 (or university requirement)
IELTS for UKVI is available through the British Council in Dhaka and Chittagong. PTE Academic is also available in Dhaka. Degree holders from recognised English-taught institutions may be exempt.
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VFS Global in Bangladesh
After completing your online application on GOV.UK, book a biometric appointment at:
- Dhaka: The main (and currently only) UK visa application centre in Bangladesh, operated by VFS Global. All services including priority processing are available.
Appointments fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book as early as possible after submitting your online application.
Processing Times from Bangladesh
- Spouse visa: 12 to 30 weeks (standard). Bangladesh often experiences the longer end of processing times due to verification checks.
- Skilled Worker visa: 3 to 8 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority)
- Student visa: 3 to 6 weeks (standard)
- Visitor visa: 4 to 8 weeks
If the Home Office initiates document verification checks (which happens frequently with Bangladeshi applications), processing can take significantly longer. See our spouse visa processing time guide.
Costs in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Approximate costs as of early 2026 (£1 ≈ ৳155):
- Spouse visa fee: £1,846 (৳2,86,000)
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719–£1,420 (৳1,11,000–2,20,000)
- Student visa fee: £490 (৳76,000)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year (৳1,60,000/year)
- TB test: ৳6,000–8,000
- IELTS for UKVI: ৳25,000–28,000
- MOFA attestation: ৳500–2,000 per document
See our UK visa fees guide and IHS guide for full details.
Common Issues for Bangladeshi Applicants
- Document verification delays. The Home Office frequently requests verification of Bangladeshi documents through the British High Commission in Dhaka. This can add weeks or months to processing. Ensure every document is genuine and accurately reflects the facts.
- Relationship scrutiny. Spouse applications from Bangladesh face significant scrutiny, particularly where the marriage was arranged and the couple has limited in-person contact. Provide detailed evidence of your relationship history, communication, and visits.
- Name and date discrepancies. Bangla and English transliterations of names can vary, and dates on older documents may use the Bengali calendar. Provide an affidavit explaining any discrepancies and, where possible, get corrected documents from the issuing authority.
- Accommodation requirement. For spouse visas, the UK sponsor must show they have adequate accommodation that is not overcrowded. This is assessed under the 1985 Housing Act standards.
- English language barriers. Some applicants, particularly those from rural areas of Sylhet, find the English language requirement challenging. Start preparing for the SELT well in advance of your planned application date.
Practical Tips for Moving from Bangladesh
Flights
There are no direct flights from Dhaka to London as of 2026. Most routes connect via the Gulf (Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi) or via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Istanbul. Total journey time is typically 12 to 18 hours. Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates some routes via a Gulf stop.
Bangladeshi Community in the UK
The UK is home to over 600,000 people of Bangladeshi heritage, with the vast majority tracing roots to the Sylhet division. The largest concentrations are in east London (Tower Hamlets, particularly Brick Lane and Bethnal Green), Birmingham, Manchester, Luton, and Oldham. Tower Hamlets has the highest concentration of Bangladeshi-origin residents of any local authority in the UK. You will find established mosques, Bangladeshi grocery stores, restaurants, community centres, and support organisations throughout these areas.
First Steps After Arrival
- Collect your BRP or set up your eVisa.
- Apply for a National Insurance number.
- Register with a GP.
- Open a bank account.
- Enrol children in school if applicable.
Path to Settlement and Citizenship
The Spouse visa leads to ILR after 5 years. You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet B1 English. After ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Bangladesh permits dual nationality, so you can hold both British and Bangladeshi citizenship without restrictions.
Next Steps
Start by confirming your visa route and getting documents in order. MOFA attestation and police clearance can take several weeks, so begin early. For official information, visit GOV.UK.
Related guides:
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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