Belarus boasts a wide range of industries and a growing economy, making it an excellent destination for business expansion.
If your company plans to expand into Belarus, you will need to assemble a talented team of employees. However, before they start working in the country, you must ensure they have the necessary legal visas and permits.
Types of Belarusian Work Visas
Citizens from other countries wishing to enter Belarus can do so after obtaining the relevant visa. The types of visas include:
B type transit visas, C type visas for short-term visits up to 90 days, and D type visas for long-term stays
During your company's expansion into Belarus, some employees may need a C type visa to conduct business. These visas cover short stays for business meetings, conferences, training, etc.
Employees planning to stay and work in Belarus long-term will need to obtain a D type visa.
International employees also need a work permit before they start working in Belarus, unless their role is listed in the government's unrestricted work category list.
This permit is officially known as the "Special Work Permit of the Republic of Belarus." For exempt employee categories that do not require a work permit, including residents of high-tech parks, EAEU nationals, and international individuals who have won in their professional field, employers still need to notify the appropriate office of citizenship and immigration within 3 working days of signing or terminating an employment contract with a non-national.
Requirements for Obtaining a Belarusian Work Visa
To obtain a work visa in Belarus, the following documents must be submitted:
Filled visa application form
Passport photo taken within the last 6 months
Passport with a photo, at least 2 blank pages, and must be valid for at least 90 days after the applicant intends to leave Belarus
Proof of medical insurance
Certified copy of the applicant's work permit
Proof of visa fee payment
Copy of company documents confirming local entity state registration
Employment contract
Guarantee letter
Application Process
In Belarus, the application process for a work permit is initiated by the employer. The employer should submit the filled application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, along with copies of the potential employee's passport and proof of payment for the processing fee.
The processing time for a work permit is about 5 weeks.
Once the work permit is approved, the potential employee can apply for a visa to enter Belarus. Work permits in Belarus are typically issued for one year. However, highly qualified employees may be eligible for a two-year validity period.
Other Important Considerations
Although Belarus is a European country, companies should note that it is currently not a member of the European Union (EU). Therefore, the country's work visa requirements apply to most nationals from other countries, including citizens of EU countries.
Nevertheless, Belarus does have special agreements with some countries - including the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia - allowing their citizens to work in the country without a permit.
