The National ID card (NID) is needed in Bangladesh for almost everything: bank accounts, property, SIM cards, inheritance and, since 2026, voting from abroad. The Bangladesh Election Commission offers the service to citizens living abroad in several countries, including Italy, through its diplomatic missions.
Who can apply
Bangladeshi citizens aged 18 or over with a valid Bangladeshi passport and a birth certificate, who do not already have an NID or a pending application.
The steps
- Apply online or at the mission, with passport, birth certificate (details must match the passport), a recent colour photo and the NID numbers of two close relatives in Bangladesh.
- Documents in Bangladesh: a family member submits your education certificate, your parents’ NIDs and a citizenship certificate to the upazila election office.
- Verification and biometrics: after the upazila check, fingerprints and photo are taken; you then receive a message and can download and print the card online. The smart card later arrives at the mission, which announces it on its website and Facebook.
Tips
- Fix any differences between your birth certificate and passport first.
- Avoid anyone offering a paid “fast NID”: the service only goes through official channels.
- Follow announcements from the Bangladesh Embassy in Rome and the Consulate in Milan for updated dates and procedures.
