Belarus Work Permit 2023 – Cost, Eligibility, Application form, Processing time, etc

What are the types of work visas in Belarus and how to get them? Do you want to know how to apply for a work permit in this country? Are you curious about the cost, eligibility, application form, processing time, and other details of the Belarus work permit 2023?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Belarus work permit 2023. We will also answer some of the frequently asked questions about this topic.

Belarus, with its rich history and unique blend of cultures, offers a fascinating experience for expatriates. But before you embark on your journey, it’s essential to be well-prepared and informed about the prerequisites for working in this country.

Belarus Work Permit

What are the types of work visas in Belarus and how to get them?

The types of Work Visas in Belarus are:

1. Type B Visa (Transit):

  • Valid for one year.
  • For travelers passing through Belarus.
  • Allows for single, double, or multiple entries, with a maximum stay of two days.
  • Required documents: Visa application form, recent passport photo, valid passport, medical insurance, work permit copy, and visa fee payment.

2. Type C Visa (Short-term, up to 90 days):

  • Valid for stays up to 90 days.
  • Suitable for short-term visits, such as meetings, tourism, and various other purposes.
  • Allows for single or multiple entries.
  • Required documents: Visa application form, passport photo, valid passport, medical insurance, work permit copy (if applicable), and visa fee payment.

3. Type D Visa (Long-term):

  • Valid for stays between 90 days and five years.
  • For employees planning longer stays in Belarus.
  • Allows multiple entries.
  • Required documents: Visa application form, passport photo, valid passport, medical insurance, work permit copy, and visa fee payment.

What are the benefits of working in Belarus as a foreign national?

Some of the benefits of working in Belarus as a foreign national are:

  1. Stable Economy: Belarus boasts a stable and growing economy, with a 3.1% GDP growth rate in 2021, driven by diverse industries like agriculture, manufacturing, IT, and services.
  2. High Quality of Life: Belarus offers a high quality of life with low living costs, good public services, and a rich cultural heritage. It has a temperate climate and beautiful natural landscapes.
  3. Educated and Multilingual Population: Belarusians are friendly, educated, and multilingual. While Belarusian and Russian are official languages, English, Polish, Ukrainian, and other languages are also commonly spoken.
  4. Visa Flexibility: Belarus has a visa-free regime for citizens of over 70 countries, allowing up to 30 days of entry via Minsk airport. Longer stays are possible with simplified visa procedures and various work visa options.
  5. Favorable Tax System: Belarus offers a favorable tax system for foreign workers, with low-income tax rates and social security contributions. The country has double taxation agreements with over 60 nations.

These advantages make Belarus an attractive destination for foreign workers

What are the new changes to the immigration rules in Belarus and how do they affect foreign workers?

The new changes to the immigration rules in Belarus are mainly aimed at restricting the rights and freedoms of Belarusian citizens, especially those who oppose the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko. However, they also have some implications for foreign workers who want to work or stay in Belarus.

  1. Passport Renewal: Belarusian citizens can now only renew or apply for passports within Belarus, limiting their ability to travel abroad. This might affect their opportunities to work or study in other countries.
  2. Notarization and Registration: Certain contracts and transactions involving Belarusian citizens must be notarized or registered within Belarus. This includes property-related agreements, potentially creating challenges for foreign investors and employers.
  3. Restrictions on Russian Citizens: Russian citizens face increased restrictions on obtaining or extending long-term visas or temporary residence permits in Belarus, with some exceptions. This is due to political and economic sanctions, potentially affecting the mobility and job prospects of Russian workers.
  4. Visa-Free Regime: Belarus has introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of over 70 countries, allowing up to 30 days of entry via Minsk airport. This eases short-term visits and projects for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs.
  5. Temporary Residence for Belarusian Workers in Latvia: Belarusian citizens granted the right to work in Latvia, and employed there for at least three months, can still apply for a new temporary residence permit in Belarus. This offers some relief for Belarusian workers seeking to return home.

These changes have varying impacts on both Belarusian citizens and foreign workers in Belarus

How long does it take to process a work permit in Belarus and what are the fees involved?

  • Processing Time: This takes approximately 15 days.
  • State Fee: Approximately USD 60.
  • Validity: Typically one year, extendable for another year for highly qualified employees.
  • Extension: After one year, a new work permit is required.
  • Visa Requirement: A Type D visa is needed for employment purposes.
  • Visa Fees: Vary by country of origin and number of entries (e.g., EUR 60 for single-entry, EUR 120 for multiple-entry Type D visa for most countries; lower fees for some countries with bilateral agreements)

What are the documents and requirements needed to apply for a work permit in Belarus?

Here’s a list of the documents and requirements needed to apply for a work permit in Belarus:

  1. Job Offer
  2. Work Contract
  3. Medical Certificate
  4. Valid Passport
  5. Visa
  6. Passport Photos
  7. Application Form
  8. Payment
  9. Supporting Documents (as required)
  10. Language Proficiency (if needed)
  11. Work Permit Approval

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How can employers hire foreign nationals in Belarus and what are their obligations?

Employers in Belarus seeking to hire foreign nationals must adhere to specific procedures and legal obligations outlined in Belarusian legislation regarding external labor migration and the stay of foreign citizens in the country. Here are the key steps and requirements:

1. Obtain a Permit to Engage Foreign Labor:

  • This permit is mandatory when the employer hires more than 10 foreigners or if the aggregate number of foreign workers exceeds 10. It is issued by the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Belarus.
  • The application should include details about the employer, the number and qualifications of foreign workers, the terms of their employment, and efforts made to recruit Belarusian workers for available positions.
  • The state fee for this permit is around USD 60, and processing usually takes about 15 days.
  • The permit is typically valid for one year but can be extended for an additional year if required.

2. Obtain a Special Permit to Engage in Labor Activity:

  • This permit is necessary for each foreign worker, except for specific categories exempt from this requirement (e.g., citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union, highly qualified employees, etc.).
  • It is also issued by the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs upon the employer’s application.
  • The application should include information about the employer, the foreign worker, the employment contract or agreement, and documents verifying the foreign worker’s qualifications, health condition, and identity.
  • The state fee for this permit is approximately USD 60, and processing time is typically 15 days.
  • Similar to the labor permit, this permit is usually valid for one year but can be extended for another year if necessary.

3. Apply for a Type D Visa:

  • This is a long-term visa for employment purposes, allowing foreign workers to stay in Belarus for more extended periods (more than 90 days, up to 5 years).
  • Type D visas are issued by the Belarusian embassy or consulate in the foreign worker’s home country upon the worker’s application.
  • Required documents usually include a completed visa application form, a passport photo, a valid passport, proof of medical insurance, a certified copy of the special permit to engage in labor activity, and payment for the visa fee.
  • The visa fee varies depending on the worker’s home country and the number of entries (single or multiple). The fee can be found on the official Belarusian embassy or consulate website.

4. Register with Local Authorities:

  • Upon entering Belarus with a Type D visa, foreign workers must register with local authorities within five working days at their place of residence or stay.
  • Registration can be done online or in person at the local citizenship and migration office.
  • The registration fee is approximately USD 10, and it is typically valid for up to one year, renewable if necessary.

Employers hiring foreign nationals in Belarus are also obliged to:

  • Provide foreign workers with suitable working and living conditions that comply with Belarusian labor and social standards.
  • Notify the local citizenship and migration office of any changes in the employment contract, such as termination, extension, or suspension, within three working days.
  • Report any violations committed by foreign workers that could lead to deportation or expulsion from Belarus to the local citizenship and migration office within three working days.
  • Ensure that foreign workers leave Belarus upon the expiration or termination of their employment contract or their special permit to engage in labor activity.

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