Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments, behind only China. According to the World Trade Organization, the country exported approximately $38.5 billion in apparel in 2023. Beyond garments, the economy has expanded into agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information and communication technology (ICT), and light manufacturing, according to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority and the United States Department of State. These industries have been prioritized for investment and are supported by a growing middle class and a workforce increasingly connected to the internet and mobile broadband, as documented by the World Bank and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
For business owners in these and other sectors, the E-2 Treaty Investor visa offers a legal path to enter and operate a business in the U.S. This visa category is available to Bangladeshi citizens under the Bilateral Investment Treaty between the U.S. and Bangladesh. The treaty provides legal protections for Bangladeshi investors, including fair treatment and access to international dispute resolution.
To qualify for an E-2 visa, an applicant must be a citizen of Bangladesh and must make a substantial investment in a U.S. business. The investment must be sufficient to make the enterprise operational and capable of generating income. While there is no fixed minimum, the amount must be significant relative to the type of business. The funds must be fully committed and “at risk,” meaning there is a possibility of loss. Loans secured by business assets do not meet this requirement.
The applicant must either own at least 50 percent of the business or hold a position of control, such as an executive or managing director. The business must be real, active, and for-profit. Passive investments like undeveloped land or stock portfolios do not qualify. The investor must demonstrate an intent to develop and direct the business.
Applications are processed through the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. Required forms include Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and Form DS-156E (for treaty investors). Supporting documentation includes a passport, proof of investment, evidence of business operations, legal source of funds, and a detailed business plan. As of July 2025, the visa application fee is $315.
Sources
- World Trade Organization – World Trade Statistical Review 2024: https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/wts2024_e/wts2024_e.pdf
- Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh – RMG Export Data: http://epb.gov.bd/site/view/epb_export_data
- Bangladesh Investment Development Authority – Sector Priorities: https://bida.gov.bd/sector
- U.S. Department of State – 2022 Investment Climate Statement: Bangladesh: https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-investment-climate-statements/bangladesh
- World Bank – Bangladesh Overview: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/bangladesh/overview
- Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission – Internet Subscribers Report: http://www.btrc.gov.bd
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – E-2 Treaty Investor: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors
- U.S. Embassy Dhaka – Nonimmigrant Visa Information: https://bd.usembassy.gov/visas