The best countries for Bangladeshis to move to in 2026 are: 1) United Kingdom (large diaspora of 600,000+, Skilled Worker and Seasonal Worker visas), 2) Saudi Arabia (2.5 million workers, highest remittance source), 3) Canada (Express Entry, growing Bangladeshi community), 4) Malaysia (proximity, lower migration costs), and 5) Japan (SSW visa programme expanding). The UK offers the best long-term settlement prospects with ILR after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years. Saudi Arabia provides the highest volume of employment.
Top 5 Destinations for Bangladeshis in 2026
#1 United Kingdom — 7.8/10
Why: Largest Western Bangladeshi diaspora (600,000+), multiple visa routes, established community infrastructure in London/Birmingham/Bradford, PR pathway via ILR
Key visas: Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker, Seasonal Worker, Graduate, Global Talent
Cost: £298–1,220 • Processing: 3–8 weeks • Cost of living: €2,400/mo
PR pathway: ILR after 5 years, citizenship after 6
#2 Saudi Arabia — 7.5/10
Why: 2.5 million Bangladeshi workers, highest remittance corridor, established recruitment infrastructure, Vision 2030 expanding opportunities
Key visas: Employment Visa, Domestic Worker, Premium Residency
Cost: Employer-paid (agency BDT 200–600K) • Processing: 4–8 weeks • Cost of living: €700/mo
PR pathway: No standard PR (Premium Residency SAR 800K)
#3 Canada — 7.3/10
Why: Growing Bangladeshi community (100,000+), Express Entry with STEM bonus, Provincial Nominee Programs, citizenship in 3 years after PR
Key visas: Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, LMIA work permit
Cost: CAD $2,150 • Processing: 6–12 months • Cost of living: €2,100/mo
PR pathway: Direct PR via Express Entry
#4 Malaysia — 7.0/10
Why: Geographic and cultural proximity, lower migration costs, 600,000 Bangladeshi workers, manufacturing and plantation sectors, Muslim-majority country
Key visas: Foreign Worker Permit (sector-specific)
Cost: BDT 300–500K • Processing: 8–16 weeks • Cost of living: €600/mo
PR pathway: No PR pathway
#5 Japan — 6.8/10
Why: SSW visa expanding, 14 eligible sectors, relatively high wages, bilateral agreement with Bangladesh, growing community (20,000+)
Key visas: SSW Type 1 & 2, Technical Intern Training, Engineer visa
Cost: ¥40,000 ($270) + training • Processing: 3–6 months • Cost of living: €1,350/mo
PR pathway: Via SSW Type 2 or 10-year residency
Gulf Employment: Volume vs Settlement
Gulf states dominate Bangladeshi labour migration by volume but offer no path to permanent settlement. These destinations are best for short-term earnings and remittance accumulation.
| Country | Bangladeshi Workers | Avg Monthly Salary | Migration Cost (BDT) | Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 2,500,000+ | $400–1,067 | 200,000–600,000 | 0% |
| United Arab Emirates | 800,000+ | $410–1,360 | 200,000–500,000 | 0% |
| Qatar | 400,000+ | $275–900 | 150,000–400,000 | 0% |
| Oman | 350,000+ | $300–700 | 150,000–350,000 | 0% |
| Kuwait | 250,000+ | $300–800 | 150,000–400,000 | 0% |
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Get Your Free VerdictFrequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest country for Bangladeshis to move to?
Saudi Arabia and Malaysia offer the most accessible routes due to established recruitment channels and high demand. The UK Seasonal Worker visa is relatively easy with no English language requirement and employer-sponsored. Japan's SSW requires passing exams but has clear pathways.
Can Bangladeshis move to Europe?
Yes. Italy's Decreto Flussi (annual quota system) is popular among Bangladeshis, with a large community in Rome and northern Italy. The UK Skilled Worker visa is accessible for qualified professionals. Germany's Opportunity Card and Portugal's work permits are also viable.
How much can Bangladeshi workers earn abroad?
Gulf states: $400–1,500/month (0% tax). Malaysia: $320–640/month. UK: £1,500–3,000/month. Japan: $1,200–1,700/month. Canada: CAD $3,000–5,500/month. Compare with Bangladesh average salary of $150–200/month.
Is Italy a good destination for Bangladeshis?
Yes. Italy has approximately 170,000 documented Bangladeshi residents, primarily in Rome, Brescia, and Padova. The annual Decreto Flussi quota system offers seasonal and non-seasonal work permits. After 5 years of legal residence, long-term EU residence is available.
How do I send money home from abroad?
Use formal banking channels to receive the 2% government incentive on remittances. Popular options: bKash International Transfer, bank wire transfer, Wise (TransferWise), and exchange houses. Fees range from 1.5% to 5% depending on the corridor and method.
What are the risks of using unlicensed brokers (dalals)?
Unlicensed brokers charge 2–5x the legal rate, provide fake contracts, and sometimes strand workers abroad without valid documentation. Always verify the agency's BMET license number online. Maximum legal fees are set by destination country and enforced by BMET.
Can Bangladeshis get dual citizenship?
No. Bangladesh does not allow dual citizenship. Acquiring citizenship of another country means automatic loss of Bangladeshi citizenship. However, Bangladesh recognises persons of Bangladeshi origin with a No Visa Required (NVR) stamp, granting visa-free entry.
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified April 2026. Costs and processing times are indicative and should be confirmed with the relevant embassy or immigration authority.