The government and the banks together offer expatriate Bangladeshis a number of benefits — foreign-currency accounts, tax-free bonds, collateral-free loans, and a legal quota for buying dollars. The problem is that they are never explained in one place, so most people simply do not know they exist.
This guide brings four of them together: who qualifies, what it costs, what paperwork is needed, and where to go.
Four major banking and government benefits for expatriate Bangladeshis
1. NFCD account — keep your savings in foreign currency
An NFCD (Non-Resident Foreign Currency Deposit) is a term deposit held in foreign currency. Because it is not converted into taka, a depreciation of the taka does not erode the value of your savings.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can open one | Bangladeshi nationals living and earning abroad. It can also be opened within six months of returning to Bangladesh. |
| Minimum deposit | USD 1,000, or GBP 500, or the equivalent in euro |
| Foreign nationals and firms | Minimum USD 25,000 or equivalent |
| Interest | Paid in the foreign currency itself |
| Tax | Interest is exempt from income tax |
| Repatriation | Both principal and interest can be freely sent abroad |
Do not confuse it with RFCD. An RFCD (Resident Foreign Currency Deposit) is for people living in Bangladesh, opened with foreign currency physically brought back from travel. The only difference is where you currently live.
2. Wage Earner's Development Bond — the highest return
A government bond issued against remittance income. For expatriates it is arguably the most profitable legal investment available.
- Tenure: 5 years
- Return: 9% to 12% depending on the amount
- Maximum investment: BDT 10 million (1 crore)
- Tax: both the investment and the profit are tax-exempt
- Death risk benefit: 30% to 50% of the investment
- Repatriation: the principal can be taken back in foreign currency
One useful detail: the cut in savings-certificate profit rates that took effect on 1 January 2026 did not apply to the Wage Earner's Development Bond. Its rates remain unchanged.
There is one condition — the money must arrive through a legal channel. You cannot buy this bond with hundi money. For why that matters, see our guide to legal channels and the remittance incentive.
3. Probashi Kalyan Bank loans — before you leave and after you return
Probashi Kalyan Bank was established specifically for migrant workers. Its interest rates are considerably lower than those of ordinary commercial banks — between 4% and 9% depending on the scheme.
| Loan type | Who it is for | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Migration loan | Someone preparing to go abroad | Available without collateral at 9% interest. A visa and job offer are required. |
| Rehabilitation loan | A returnee starting a business or trade | Up to BDT 5 million, tenure up to 10 years |
| Special rehabilitation loan | Someone who had to return involuntarily | Comparatively easier terms |
The practical picture should be mentioned too: press reports have documented cases where loans took a long time to come through. Keep your documentation complete and take a written acknowledgement of receipt from the branch when you apply.
4. Buying dollars legally — the travel and medical quotas
If you need dollars when travelling abroad from Bangladesh, you can buy them from a bank rather than the open market. This is the lawful route and it is endorsed on your passport.
Travel quota
- USD 12,000 per adult per calendar year — with no restriction by country or region
- Half that amount for children under 12
- A maximum of USD 5,000 in physical cash notes — the rest by card
- Unused quota does not carry over to the next year
- Authorised dealer banks may now endorse multiple years at once, depending on passport validity
Medical quota
- Up to USD 15,000 per trip for treatment abroad (the earlier limit was USD 10,000)
- Up to USD 10,000 can be remitted on the recommendation of a specialist or a medical board in Bangladesh
- Additional funds can be sent against the foreign hospital's official estimate
- Maximum USD 5,000 in cash; the balance by credit, debit or prepaid card
The bank will sell you dollars at the BC Selling rate, which is higher than the TT Clean rate used for remittances. For why that gap exists, see how bank dollar rates are set.
Documents you will need
- A valid passport (the endorsement goes here)
- A valid visa
- A confirmed ticket
- For medical cases — the doctor's recommendation and the foreign hospital's estimate
- National ID card
Which benefit fits your situation
| Your situation | What to use |
|---|---|
| Living abroad, want savings held in dollars | NFCD account |
| Living abroad, want the highest return | Wage Earner's Development Bond |
| Preparing to go abroad | Kalyan Bank migration loan |
| Returning home to start something | Kalyan Bank rehabilitation loan |
| Back home with foreign currency in hand | RFCD account |
| Travelling abroad or seeking treatment | Travel and medical quota |
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to come to Bangladesh to open an NFCD?
Most banks allow the application to be completed from abroad. The exact process differs by bank — contact your bank's NRB desk.
Can a Wage Earner Bond be bought in a family member's name?
The bond is issued against remittance income and there are rules covering nomination and beneficiaries. Confirm the current terms with the issuing bank.
What happens if I do not spend the travel quota?
The unused portion can be surrendered and the endorsement cancelled. However, unused quota does not carry into the following calendar year.
Does a Kalyan Bank loan require collateral?
Migration loans are generally granted without collateral. Larger rehabilitation loans may require security or a guarantor.
Sources
- Bangladesh Bank — Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Transactions (Travel chapter) and Foreign Exchange Policy Department circulars
- Bangladesh Bank — Wage Earner's Development Bond information
- NFCD and RFCD terms published by commercial banks
- Probashi Kalyan Bank — loan scheme information and press reporting
Limits, interest rates and conditions can change by government circular. Verify the latest terms with the relevant bank before opening an account, buying a bond or applying for a loan.