
How to Work in Belarus as a Foreign Citizen
If you are an organization looking to hire a foreign citizen, or you are a foreign citizen who wants to work in the Republic of Belarus, you will need to navigate local regulations and go through the procedure for obtaining a work permit. In this article, we will outline all the stages, exceptions, and specific features of employing foreign citizens in Belarus.
When a Work Permit Is Not Required
A work permit in Belarus is not required in the following cases:
- The foreigner holds a residence permit (permanent residence).
- Citizens of EAEU countries – Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.
- Individuals with refugee status or additional protection, as well as those applying for such status.
- Foreigners invited for up to 90 days for:
- Lecturing, teaching, or providing consultation at higher education institutions.
- Assembly, adjustment, maintenance of equipment, or training personnel to operate it.
- Students studying in Belarusian educational institutions and working part-time.
- Graduates of Belarusian educational institutions working in their field of study.
- Winners of international competitions working in their professional field.
- Specialists in certain professions, for example: drivers, concrete workers, painters, cooks, engineers, seamstresses, etc.
- Seasonal agricultural workers (up to 6 months).
- Individuals required to reimburse expenses for the maintenance of children in state care.
Important! The list of categories exempt from requiring a work permit will be updated by February 1, 2025.
Specific Features of Employing Ukrainian Citizens in Belarus
When employing Ukrainian citizens:
- Employers are exempt from paying the state duty for obtaining or renewing a special work permit.
- The decision to issue a permit is made within 5 working days.
- Recognition of Ukrainian educational documents is not required.
- If no educational documents are available, Ukrainian citizens are considered to have basic general education and can be employed with subsequent referral for training.
Procedure for Obtaining a Work Permit for a Foreign Citizen in Belarus
1. Posting a Vacancy for a Foreigner
- The vacancy must be submitted to the labor, employment, and social protection authorities.
- It must be posted on the State Employment Service website for a minimum of 15 working days.
2. Application for a Special Work Permit
- An application in the prescribed form must be submitted.
- The following documents are attached:
- A translated copy of the foreigner’s passport.
- Proof of payment of the state duty (5 base values, amounting to 210 BYN in 2025).
- Processing time: 10 calendar days.
3. Signing an Employment Contract with a Foreign Citizen
- Once the permit is obtained, an employment contract must be signed with the foreign citizen in either Russian or Belarusian.
- The contract must be signed within 6 months of obtaining the permit.
Work Visa for Foreigners in Belarus
If the foreign citizen is not in Belarus, obtaining a work visa may be required in addition to the special work permit.
We provide a full range of services for obtaining a work visa, ensuring you can legally enter the country and begin employment. For more details, please visit this page.
Annulment of a Foreign Citizen’s Work Permit
The work permit may be annulled in the following cases:
- The foreign citizen does not start work within 6 months.
- The employment contract is not signed within the required timeframe.
To obtain a special permit and ensure it is not subsequently revoked, read more here and contact us.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a work permit in Belarus involves numerous nuances that can impact the timeline and overall success of the procedure. If you need assistance with document preparation or consultation on any stage of the employment process, you can contact us. We also help obtain work visas and provide comprehensive support at every step.