Work Permit in Belarus

For foreign nationals and stateless persons who wish to work in the Republic of Belarus, it is sometimes mandatory to obtain a work permit. A properly issued permit guarantees that employment in Belarus will comply with the state’s requirements and will not lead to legal consequences for the employer.

The process of obtaining a work permit in Belarus depends on the foreign national’s status, profession, type of activity, and the specifics of the employment contract. In 2023, changes were introduced that simplified the employment process for foreigners — highly qualified specialists and workers in high-demand industries.

In this article, we will take a closer look at:

• Which categories of foreign nationals can obtain a work permit in Belarus.
• What documents and steps are required to obtain a work permit.
• Which foreign workers do not need permits.
• Important considerations when employing foreign nationals in Belarus.

What is a Work Permit in Belarus?

A special work permit for foreigners in Belarus is an official authorization granted to employers who hire foreign nationals and stateless persons without residence permits in Belarus. This permit is valid for one year and is required for the legal employment of such individuals in Belarusian companies. The permit is mandatory for almost all foreign workers, with some exceptions for certain professions and categories defined by the Belarusian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection each year.

A work permit is required for employers who plan to hire foreign nationals for more than 90 days. The permit allows the worker to be employed by a specific employer and for a specific position. Employers who hire more than 10 foreign nationals must also obtain a permit for attracting foreign labor.

Who Can Obtain a Work Permit in Belarus?

In Belarus, a work permit is required for most foreign nationals and stateless persons who plan to work in the country. However, different categories of workers may have different procedures for obtaining a permit. It is important to understand who can apply for a work permit and what requirements must be met.

Foreign Nationals 

The main category of workers who need a work permit in Belarus are foreign nationals. They must go through the official process of obtaining a permit if they plan to work in Belarus for more than 90 days. The permit is issued for a specific employer and for a specific position.

A foreign national can be employed in Belarus when:

• They have an invitation from an employer for a specific profession.
• Immigration laws apply — such as having a visa or a temporary residence permit (for nationals of countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union or those without visa-free arrangements with Belarus).

To obtain a work permit, an application must be submitted to the local government agency for labor, employment, and social protection. Based on the conclusion of this agency, the migration service will issue the work permit.

Stateless Persons 

Stateless persons (apatrides) are also required to obtain a work permit in Belarus unless they are nationals of a country with which Belarus has a labor migration agreement or have a special status exempting them from this requirement.

The process for obtaining a permit for stateless persons is the same as for foreign nationals. However, it is important to note that additional documentation may be required to confirm their status, and there may be additional security measures for verifying their data.

Workers in Low-Skill Positions 

For workers in low-skill positions, obtaining a work permit may be more difficult. Belarusian legislation includes quotas for hiring foreign nationals for such jobs to protect the domestic labor market. Employers must prove that they cannot find a suitable candidate among Belarusian citizens.

When Employers Do Not Need to Obtain a Work Permit for Foreign Workers

According to the state requirements, a work permit is needed for foreign nationals and stateless persons who plan to work in Belarus for more than 90 days. However, there are certain categories of workers who do not need to obtain a special work permit:

1. Citizens of countries with which Belarus has a visa-free regime or a labor migration agreement. For example, citizens of the CIS countries, as well as countries in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU – Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia), can work in Belarus without needing to obtain a special permit.
2. Highly Qualified Specialists. Foreign nationals with high qualifications, such as IT specialists, scientists, or educators, may undergo an expedited procedure to obtain a work permit or may be exempt from this requirement. The list of professions for which no special work permit is needed is approved annually by the Belarusian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. For example, in 2025, positions like software engineers and various skilled labor jobs are on the list.
3. Executives who are founders of companies in Belarus. Foreign nationals who are primary owners and also executives of Belarusian legal entities are not required to obtain a work permit from the labor and employment authorities.
4. Workers on Civil Law Contracts. If a foreign national works in Belarus under a civil law contract (e.g., a contract with a company for specific tasks), they do not need a special work permit.
5. Foreign Nationals Seeking Refugee Status, Additional Protection, or Asylum in Belarus. Foreign nationals seeking refugee status, additional protection, or asylum, and those who have obtained such statuses, may work in Belarus without a work permit for the duration of their granted status.
6. Employees of High-Tech Park Resident Companies. Companies that are residents of the High-Tech Park in Belarus have special provisions for employing foreign nationals. These companies can hire foreign specialists without needing to obtain a work permit, simplifying the hiring process and reducing administrative barriers for attracting highly qualified professionals.
7. When Hiring Ukrainian Citizens.
8. When Inviting Foreigners for Employment for Up to 90 Days in Educational Institutions or for Equipment Installation/Training.
9. Foreign Nationals Who Completed Studies in Belarus and Are Employed in Their Field within One Year After Graduation.
10. Foreign Nationals with a Residence Permit or Permanent Residency in Belarus.

How an Employer Can Obtain a Special Work Permit

In cases where an employer needs to obtain a special work permit for a foreign worker, a specific process must be followed. Below is the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a special work permit.

Step 1: Preparing Documents.

The employer prepares documents that confirm the need for foreign labor. This includes:

• An application to the migration service.
• Copies of the foreign national’s documents: passport or refugee certificate, diplomas, and work experience documentation.
• Documents proving payment of the state fee (5 base amounts, 220 Belarusian rubles).

Step 2: Submitting Documents to the Migration Service 

To obtain a work permit, the employer must submit an application to the migration service at the location of the employer. The review of the application usually takes 10 days, but it may be faster in some cases. Permits are issued for one year, except for highly skilled workers, who may receive permits for up to two years.

Step 3: Submitting Documents to the Labor and Employment Authority 

The migration service will send the documents to the labor and employment authority for a conclusion on the possibility of employing a foreign worker (when such conclusion is required).

Step 4: Obtaining the Permit 

After submitting the documents and verifying compliance with the requirements, the relevant authorities will issue a work permit for the foreign worker.

Step 5: Signing the Employment Contract 

Once the permit is obtained, the employer can sign the contract with the foreign worker and proceed with employment.

Thus, the process involves submitting applications, confirming compliance with quotas, and obtaining official permission from labor authorities.

When Employers Will Not Be Issued a Special Work Permit

In 2025, Belarus established certain grounds for refusing to issue a special work permit to a foreign national. The main reasons for refusal include:

1. Failure to Post the Vacancy in the “National Vacancy Bank” 

The vacancy for which the foreign worker is being hired must be posted in the National Vacancy Bank for at least 15 working days. Failure to meet this requirement may result in refusal.

2. Failure to Provide Required Documents 

When submitting an application for a work permit, a complete set of required documents must be provided. Missing or incomplete documents may result in refusal.

3. The Employer Has Salary Arrears 

If the employer has salary arrears at the time of submitting the application to the migration service, the permit will not be issued.

4. The Employer Has Refused Employment to Belarusian Citizens Three or More Times for the Same Vacancy.

Conclusion 

The process of employing foreign nationals in Belarus requires careful attention from both employers and foreign workers. Complying with all state requirements and preparing the necessary documents not only helps avoid refusals to issue a work permit but also establishes an effective and legal framework for hiring specialists.

For companies working with foreign labor, it is important to monitor changes in legislation and ensure compliance with requirements such as posting vacancies and submitting a complete set of documents. Consulting with specialists in migration law can help speed up the process and avoid errors that could lead to refusals.

If you need consultation on hiring foreign workers or obtaining work permits, at Recruiting.by we are ready to provide professional assistance and support at every stage.