Belarus Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Belarus?

In Belarus, foreign nationals wishing to work must obtain a work permit unless they fall under specific exemptions. Typically, this applies to all employees who are not citizens of Belarus, including those from the European Union or other countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Employers must ensure that any non-citizen employee has the necessary work permit before starting employment. This includes highly skilled professionals, skilled workers, and temporary workers. For employers looking to hire international staff, understanding who needs a work permit is the first step in the recruitment process.

Types of Work Visas in Belarus

Belarus offers several work visa types based on the employee’s role, duration of stay, and nationality. Foreign nationals may need different types of visas, depending on whether they are coming for short-term employment or more extended assignments.

The main types of work visas available in Belarus include:

Work Permit Application Process in Belarus (Step-by-step)

In Belarus, hiring a foreign employee typically involves securing a work permit from the internal affairs authorities and, in many cases, supporting a long-term work visa (type D) and Temporary Residence Permit. The employer usually leads the process inside Belarus, while the employee completes consular and travel formalities abroad.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that hiring a foreign national is justified. In some cases, authorities may expect evidence that the position cannot be filled from the local labor market or that the role requires specific skills.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation. This may include the company’s registration certificate, charter documents, tax registration, and proof that the business is active and compliant with Belarusian law.
• Step 3: The employer prepares the draft employment contract or offer letter for the foreign candidate. The contract should set out position, salary, working conditions, and duration, and it must comply with Belarusian labor law, including minimum wage and social security obligations.
• Step 4: The employer files the work permit application with the competent Department of Citizenship and Migration or local internal affairs office. The application typically includes company documents, the draft employment contract, the foreign worker’s passport details, qualifications, and proof of payment of state fees.
• Step 5: Authorities review the application and may request clarifications or additional documents. During this stage, they assess whether the employer is compliant, whether the role is genuine, and whether the foreign worker’s qualifications match the position.
• Step 6: Once the work permit is approved, the employer sends the permit or invitation details to the foreign employee. The employee then applies for the appropriate Belarusian visa (often a long-term work visa, type D) at a Belarusian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
• Step 7: After receiving the visa, the employee travels to Belarus and registers their stay within the required timeframe. For longer assignments, the employee usually applies for a Temporary Residence Permit based on employment, which allows them to live and work in Belarus for the duration of the permit.
• Step 8: The employer and employee maintain ongoing compliance, including proper payroll, tax and social security contributions, and timely renewals of the work permit, visa, and any Temporary Residence Permit. Any changes in role, employer, or location should be reported to the authorities as required.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a work permit in Belarus depends on both the employer’s status and the foreign worker’s qualifications and role. Authorities focus on the genuineness of the job, compliance with labor standards, and the absence of risks to public order or security.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid corporate status and good standing of the employer. The company must be properly registered in Belarus, actively operating, and compliant with tax and labor obligations, which reassures authorities that the employment is legitimate.
• A genuine job offer and compliant employment contract. The position should be clearly defined, with duties, salary, and working conditions that meet or exceed Belarusian labor law requirements and any applicable collective agreements.
• Relevant qualifications and experience of the foreign worker. Authorities may request diplomas, professional certificates, and evidence of experience to ensure the candidate is suitably qualified for the role.
• Valid travel document and clean immigration history. The foreign national must hold a valid passport and should not be subject to entry bans or previous serious immigration violations in Belarus.
• Compliance with quota or labor market rules, where applicable. In some sectors or regions, authorities may apply quotas or additional justification requirements to protect the local labor market.
• Proof of accommodation and medical insurance for the foreign worker. For longer stays and Temporary Residence Permits, evidence of a registered address in Belarus and valid health insurance is typically required.
• Payment of state fees and submission of complete documentation. Applications are usually processed only after all required fees are paid and the file is complete, so missing documents can delay or jeopardize approval.

Work Permit Processing Time in Belarus

Processing times in Belarus can vary depending on the region, the specific authority handling the case, and whether the file is complete at first submission. Seasonal peaks and security checks can also affect timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Belarus can vary depending on the type of permit, the applicant’s nationality, and whether additional checks are required. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often processed in approximately 1 to 3 months after all required documents are submitted and fees are paid, though complex cases or requests for additional information can extend this period.
• Permanent Residence: May take 6 to 12 months or longer, reflecting more extensive background checks, verification of long-term residence grounds, and stricter documentation requirements.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Commonly issued within 2 to 4 weeks by Belarusian consulates once the invitation or supporting documents are in order, especially for short business trips, meetings, or brief technical assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

From an operational standpoint, it helps to map out the process by weeks so you can plan start dates and onboarding. The exact timing will depend on how quickly both the employer and employee gather documents and respond to any authority requests.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, gathers corporate documents, and aligns on the employment terms with the foreign candidate.
• Week 2: Employer prepares and submits the work permit application to the competent Belarusian authority, paying any applicable state fees.
• Week 3–6: Authorities review the application, may request clarifications, and issue the work permit or decision; timing can be shorter or longer depending on workload and completeness.
• Week 5–8: Employee applies for the appropriate Belarusian visa at the embassy or consulate, attends any required appointment, and waits for visa issuance.
• Week 7–10: Employee travels to Belarus, registers their stay, and, where required, submits an application for a Temporary Residence Permit based on employment.
• Week 10–14: Temporary Residence Permit is processed, while the employee begins work under the conditions allowed by their visa and local rules, subject to any restrictions.
• Ongoing: Employer and employee monitor permit and visa expiry dates and prepare for renewals several months before expiration.

Who Does What During Belarus Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, ensuring it complies with Belarusian labor law, preparing and submitting the work permit application, paying state fees, and maintaining compliance with tax, labor, and immigration rules. They must also track expiry dates, initiate renewals, and notify authorities of any significant changes in employment conditions.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal data, qualifications, and supporting documents, as well as applying for the Belarusian visa at the consulate and attending any required interviews. They must also maintain a valid passport and health insurance, register their address, and comply with the specific terms of their work permit and residence status.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Belarus

Work permits and related residence permits in Belarus are typically granted for a limited period linked to the employment contract, often up to one year or several years for certain categories, with the possibility of renewal. Renewal applications usually need to be filed before the current permit expires, and authorities may require updated corporate documents, a valid employment contract, proof of continued compliance, and confirmation of tax and social security payments.

Practice may vary by region and over time, so your company should start renewal planning several months in advance and confirm current rules with the local Department of Citizenship and Migration or trusted local counsel. Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete renewal files can result in gaps in status, fines, or the need for the employee to leave Belarus and reapply.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Belarus?

The fees for obtaining work permits and visas in Belarus depend on the type of visa or work permit applied for and the processing times involved.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Belarus

Belarus does not currently have a specific visa tailored for digital nomads. However, employees working remotely for foreign companies may be eligible for a standard work visa if they meet the general criteria. Employers looking to hire remote workers must ensure that their employees have the appropriate visa and permit before they begin working from Belarus.

• Proof of Remote Employment: Digital nomads must provide evidence that they are employed remotely, either through a contract or other documentation.
• Income Requirements: There may be minimum income thresholds that must be met for a digital nomad to obtain a visa.
• Health Insurance: Foreign workers, including digital nomads, must show proof of valid health insurance coverage during their stay in Belarus.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Belarus

When hiring foreign workers in Belarus, employers may face several challenges, from navigating visa and work permit processes to ensuring legal compliance.

• Language Barriers: While many Belarusians speak Russian, employers may face language barriers when dealing with official documentation.
• Complex Paperwork: The work permit application process can involve extensive paperwork, requiring close attention to detail.
• Approval Delays: Processing times may vary, and employers should factor in potential delays in securing work permits and visas for foreign employees.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.