Dhaka: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Dhaka in 2026

Dhaka is one of the world's most densely populated cities and a business centre for the garment industry, energy and international organisations. People move here mainly for work: specialists of international companies, foundations and embassies, as well as entrepreneurs in manufacturing and trade. The city is cheap by local standards, but foreigners usually live in diplomatic districts where rents are many times the average, and put up with traffic, heat and polluted air.

What it costs to live in Dhaka

Prices come from two independent 2026 price databases, with taka converted at the Bangladesh Bank mid rate of 5 October 2026, 122.93 taka per dollar. These are city averages: flats for foreigners in Gulshan and Banani with security and a generator cost many times more. A square metre in the centre costs about $1,250-1,640.

Where to live in Dhaka: districts

• Gulshan - the diplomatic and business district with restaurants, international schools and most foreigners.
• Banani - next to Gulshan, offices, cafés and slightly cheaper flats.
• Baridhara - a quiet, guarded embassy district.
• Dhanmondi - a green residential district by a lake with universities and hospitals.
• Uttara - the north near the airport, new buildings and the metro to the centre.
• Old Dhaka - the historic centre with markets and mosques, colourful but very crowded.

Visas and residence

Russian citizens can get a visa on arrival for up to 30 days for tourism, business or investment; a return ticket and about $500 in cash or on a card are requested on entry. Work requires a work visa and a work permit through an employer, and entrepreneurs can use an investor visa. Permanent residence is granted for a non-repatriable investment of at least $75,000, and citizenship for an investment from $500,000 or a non-repatriable transfer of $1,000,000 to a recognised financial institution in the country.

Taxes in Bangladesh

From the 2025/26 tax year the tax-free income for most taxpayers is 375,000 taka a year, about $3,060, and 425,000 for women and people over 65. Above that the scale is 10% up to 675,000 taka, 15% up to 1,075,000, 20% up to 1,575,000, 25% up to 3,575,000, about $29,090, and 30% above. The standard VAT rate is 15%. For a foreign specialist on contract, tax is usually withheld by the employer.

Work and business

The main employers of foreigners are garment factories and global brands' sourcing offices, energy and infrastructure projects, international organisations and foundations, and IT outsourcing. Local salaries are very low, about $240-250 a month, so foreigners work on international contracts with housing and security allowances. Foreign-owned companies are registered through the state investment agency, which also approves work permits.

Climate, transport and everyday life

The climate is hot and humid, with monsoon rains and flooding from June to October; the most pleasant time is November to February. Traffic is among the worst in the world, so people live near the office and school, and the new metro line helps commuters from the north. Air quality in winter is very poor, and many families use air purifiers. The state language is Bengali, and English is spoken in business. Foreign children attend international schools in Gulshan and Baridhara, and newcomers use private hospitals.

How to arrange work in Bangladesh

The employer applies for the work permit: for foreign-owned companies through the state investment agency, for non-governmental organisations through their supervising authority. The foreigner first obtains a work visa at a consulate, and in the first weeks after arrival the employer files the permit application. Usually a passport, contract, diploma, photos and company registration certificate are needed. The permit is issued for the contract term with renewal, and the family receives dependent visas.

Money, connectivity and safety

Daily life runs on cash taka and mobile wallets, and cards are accepted at large shops and restaurants in foreigners' districts. Mobile and internet services are cheap and work across the city. Foreigners usually live in guarded buildings and travel by car with a driver in the evenings. During political protests and strikes traffic can come to a halt, so it is worth following the news.

Pitfalls

• Heavy traffic and polluted air.
• Rents in foreigners' districts are many times the city average.
• Monsoons and summer flooding.
• Without an employer's contract, long-term stays are difficult.
• Investments for residence and citizenship cannot be taken out of the country.

Murblz specialists check the employment contract and visa documents, and if you need residence without an employer, they suggest other Asian countries.