BMET Registration Guide
BMET (Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training) registration is mandatory for every Bangladeshi citizen going abroad for work. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step.
- Online registration and Smart Card process
- Required documents and fees
- Emigration clearance steps
- Common mistakes to avoid
BMET Registration Guide
Everything you need to know about BMET registration, Smart Card, and emigration clearance
BMET Registration is Mandatory
You cannot legally leave Bangladesh for overseas employment without BMET registration and emigration clearance. Working abroad without emigration clearance is a criminal offense under the Overseas Employment and Migrants Act, 2013. Do not skip this step.
What is BMET?
The Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) is the government agency under the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment responsible for managing the overseas employment of Bangladeshi workers. It was established to protect workers going abroad and ensure they leave through legal, documented channels.
Why You Need BMET Registration
Legal Requirement
The Overseas Employment and Migrants Act, 2013 requires every Bangladeshi citizen going abroad for employment to register with BMET and obtain emigration clearance before departure.
Airport Check
Immigration officers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will check your emigration clearance. Without it, you will not be allowed to board your flight for employment purposes.
Government Protection
Registration creates an official record that links you to your employer, contract terms, and destination country. If you face problems abroad, the government can track and assist you.
Consular Services
Registered workers can access support from Bangladesh embassies and consulates abroad. Unregistered workers have very limited legal recourse.
Return & Re-employment
Your BMET record is needed for future overseas employment. It proves your work history and legal compliance.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Create Account on BMET Portal
Go to the BMET online registration portal. Click "New Registration" and fill in your personal details including full name (as on passport), father's and mother's names, date of birth, and NID number.
Website: smart.probashi.gov.bd
Tip: Use the exact name spelling from your passport. Any mismatch will cause problems later.
Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of the required documents. All scans should be clear, colored, and in JPG/PNG format. File sizes are typically limited to 200-300KB each.
Required Documents:
- ● Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
- ● National ID card (NID) — both sides
- ● Recent passport-size photo (white background)
- ● Educational certificates (SSC minimum)
- ● Work visa or demand letter from employer
- ● Employment contract (if available)
Pay Registration Fee
Pay the registration fee through designated mobile banking services or bank channels. Keep the payment receipt — you will need it for the next steps.
Visit BMET Office for Biometrics
After online registration, visit your nearest BMET district office or the central BMET office in Dhaka to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo). Bring all original documents for verification.
Central Office: BMET Bhaban, 71-72, Old Elephant Road, Eskaton, Dhaka-1000
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bring: Original passport, NID, educational certificates, payment receipt, printed registration form
Receive Your Smart Card
After biometric capture, your Smart Card will be processed. It typically takes 7-14 working days. You can track the status online using your registration ID. The card will be delivered to your registered address or can be collected from the BMET office.
Smart Card contains: Your photo, name, passport number, biometric data, and a unique registration number that links to all your employment records.
Obtain Emigration Clearance
This is the final and most critical step. After receiving your Smart Card and your work visa, apply for emigration clearance through the BMET portal. This links your employment contract, visa, and Smart Card together.
Required for clearance:
- ● Valid BMET Smart Card
- ● Work visa stamped in passport
- ● Signed employment contract
- ● Medical fitness certificate from BMET-approved hospital
- ● Pre-departure briefing completion certificate
- ● Flight ticket or booking confirmation
Pre-Departure Briefing (Mandatory)
Before receiving emigration clearance, you must attend a pre-departure orientation briefing at a BMET-approved center. This is a half-day session that covers your rights, responsibilities, and safety information for working abroad.
What You Will Learn
- Your legal rights as a migrant worker
- How to contact the Bangladesh embassy abroad
- Banking and remittance basics
- Health and safety awareness
- What to do in an emergency
- Cultural orientation for destination country
Briefing Details
Medical Examination
A medical fitness certificate from a BMET-approved hospital is required for emigration clearance. You must go to one of the government-approved medical centers — certificates from other hospitals are not accepted.
BMET-Approved Medical Centers in Dhaka
| Hospital | Location | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Medinova Medical Services | House 71/A, Road 5/A, Dhanmondi | 3,000-5,000 BDT |
| Al-Manar Hospital | House 12, Road 10, Sector 6, Uttara | 3,000-5,000 BDT |
| Khaas Medical Center | Mirpur 10, Dhaka | 3,000-4,500 BDT |
| Bangabandhu Medical University | Shahbag, Dhaka | 2,500-4,000 BDT |
| GCC Medical Center | Motijheel, Dhaka | 3,000-5,000 BDT |
Tests Included:
Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis), chest X-ray, urine analysis, physical examination, eye test, and drug screening. Results typically take 2-3 working days.
Complete Timeline
Plan for the full BMET process to take 3-6 weeks from start to emigration clearance. Start as soon as you receive your job offer or demand letter.
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|
| BMET Smart Card registration | 500 |
| Medical examination | 3,000 - 5,000 |
| Pre-departure briefing | Free |
| Emigration clearance | 500 - 1,000 |
| Travel to BMET office (varies) | 500 - 2,000 |
| Passport-size photos (if needed) | 100 - 200 |
| Estimated Total | 4,600 - 8,700 BDT |
These are official government-related costs only. If a broker or agent charges you more, they may be overcharging. You can complete the entire process yourself without any agent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Name Mismatch
Your name on the BMET registration must exactly match your passport. Even a small difference (like "Md." vs "Mohammad") will cause your emigration clearance to be rejected.
Expired Passport
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned departure date. If it is expiring soon, renew it BEFORE starting BMET registration.
Wrong Medical Center
Only BMET-approved hospitals can issue the medical fitness certificate. Going to your local hospital will waste time and money — the certificate will not be accepted.
Skipping Pre-Departure Briefing
Some workers skip this thinking it is optional. It is not — emigration clearance will not be issued without the briefing completion certificate.
Using Brokers for Registration
The online registration is simple and can be done from any smartphone. Paying a broker 5,000-10,000 BDT for something that costs 500 BDT officially is unnecessary. Do it yourself.
Late Start
Do not wait until the last minute. The full process takes 3-6 weeks. If your visa has a deadline, start BMET registration immediately after receiving your job offer.
Missing Documents at Biometric Visit
Bring ALL original documents plus the printed registration form and payment receipt. Missing even one document means another trip to the BMET office.
BMET Offices
BMET has offices in all 64 districts. You can visit any district office for biometric registration — you do not have to go to the Dhaka head office.
Head Office (Dhaka)
BMET Bhaban
71-72, Old Elephant Road, Eskaton
Dhaka-1000
Phone: +880-2-9348069
Hours: Sun-Thu, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Key Regional Offices
- Chittagong DEO — Station Road, Chittagong
- Sylhet DEO — Zindabazar, Sylhet
- Rajshahi DEO — Greater Road, Rajshahi
- Khulna DEO — KDA Avenue, Khulna
- Comilla DEO — Kandirpar, Comilla
- Barishal DEO — Sadar Road, Barishal
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The biometric capture (fingerprints and photo) must be done in person at a BMET office in Bangladesh. You can start the online registration from anywhere, but you must visit a BMET office to complete the process.
No. Your Smart Card is valid for multiple employments. However, you need a new emigration clearance for each overseas employment contract. Contact BMET to update your records with the new employer details.
No. Regardless of what your employer says, BMET registration and emigration clearance are required by Bangladeshi law for all overseas employment. Your employer may not be aware of Bangladesh exit requirements.
No. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) must be captured in person. No one can do this on your behalf. You must physically visit a BMET office.
If you fail, you will not receive emigration clearance until the medical issue is resolved. Some conditions can be treated and re-tested. Contact the medical center for specific guidance on your situation.
Visit the BMET portal (smart.probashi.gov.bd) and enter your registration ID. You can also call the BMET hotline at 16122 for status updates.
Pre-departure briefings are conducted at BMET offices and approved training centers across Bangladesh. Check the BMET website or call 16122 to find the nearest briefing schedule.
Some brokers and agents charge 10,000-50,000 BDT or more for BMET registration that officially costs only 500 BDT. The entire process can be done by yourself. Never pay anyone to "arrange" your Smart Card or emigration clearance. The official BMET website is smart.probashi.gov.bd — do not use any other website. If someone asks for your passport to "handle BMET", refuse. You should never hand over your passport to anyone.
Once your BMET registration and emigration clearance are complete, check our Pre-Departure Checklist to make sure you have everything ready before your flight. Also visit our Embassy & VFS Guide if you still need to apply for your visa.
