Belarus Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

If you're an employer looking to hire international talent or relocate employees to Belarus, understanding the work permit and visa processes is crucial for ensuring compliance and smooth operations. This guide outlines the requirements, processes, and options for obtaining work permits and visas in Belarus, helping you navigate the complexities of employing foreign workers in the country.

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:

Requirements For a Work Permit in Belarus

To obtain a work permit in Belarus, the employer and employee must meet specific requirements. The process is typically straightforward but requires careful attention to legal and administrative details.

In general, the requirements for a Belarusian work permit include:

• A valid employment contract or offer of employment.
• A medical certificate proving the employee is fit to work in Belarus.
• Proof that no qualified Belarusian citizen is available for the position (for certain roles).
• A document confirming the foreign employee’s qualifications, skills, or experience for the job.

Belarus Work Permit Application Process

The application process for a work permit in Belarus involves several steps, both for the employer and the foreign employee. Below are the steps involved:

1. The employer must submit a request to the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs or the local executive committee for permission to hire a foreign national.
2. The employer must provide a copy of the employee's work contract, medical certificate, and other necessary documents.
3. The Ministry will review the application, and if approved, will issue the work permit.
4. Once the work permit is granted, the employee must apply for a visa if they are not already in Belarus.
5. The employee enters Belarus, where they must register their residence within 5 business days.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In Belarus

Visa sponsorship in Belarus is required for employers who want to hire foreign workers. The process involves the employer submitting necessary documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs or local authority, along with proof of the employee's qualifications and job offer. The employer must also provide evidence that the position cannot be filled by a Belarusian citizen, except for specific cases where exceptions apply (such as highly skilled or managerial roles). The employer's active participation ensures that the visa and work permit process progresses smoothly.

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.

Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Belarus

The processing time for work permits and visas in Belarus typically takes between 15 to 30 business days, depending on the type of visa and the completeness of the application. Shorter processing times may be available for expedited requests, but these are generally subject to additional fees.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Belarus

Work permits in Belarus are generally valid for up to one year, though some permits may be issued for shorter periods, especially for temporary assignments. Renewals are possible if the foreign employee continues to meet all the requirements. Employers should begin the renewal process well in advance to ensure uninterrupted employment for their foreign staff.

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.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring 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.