Eastern European nations offer a wealth of opportunities for expatriates and international companies, and Belarus is no exception. With a wide range of industries and a growing economy, the country is an excellent destination for business within the global marketplace.
If your company is planning a Belarusian expansion, you’ll need to put together a talented team of employees. Before they can begin working in the country, however, you’ll have to make sure they have the proper visas and permits to do so legally.
Types of Work Visas in Belarus
Foreign nationals who wish to enter Belarus may do so after obtaining the relevant visa. Types of visas in the country include:
- Type B visa for transit
- Type C visa for short-term visits up to 90 days
- Type D visa for long-term stays
Some of your employees may require Type C visas for business during your company’s Belarusian expansion. These visas cover short stays for business meetings, conferences, training, and more in Belarus.Employees who plan to remain in Belarus for employment on a long-term basis will need to obtain a Type D visa.
International employees will also need a work permit before beginningtheir employment in Belarus. This permit is officially known as a “Special work permit in the Republic of Belarus.”
Requirements to Obtain Belarus Work Visas
To obtain a visa to work in Belarus, international employees will need to submit the following documents:
- A completed visa application form
- A passport photo taken within the last six months
- A valid passport that contains a photo, has a minimum of two blank pages, and is valid for at least 90 days after the applicant intends to depart from Belarus
- Proof of medical insurance
- A certified copy of the applicant’s work permit
- Proof of payment for the visa fee
If the employee chooses to mail the application, they should include return postage. Some employees may also need to provide additional documentation:
- Applicants who are under 18 years old will need to provide a copy of their birth certificate along with copies of their parents’ or legal representatives’ passports.
- Applicants who have previously held citizenship in Belarus or the USSR must provide documentation certifying their loss of citizenship.
Application Process
In Belarus, it’s up to the employer to initiate the application process for a work permit. The employer should submit the completed application to theDepartment of Internal Affairs, along with a copy of the prospective employee’s passport and proof of payment for the processing fee.If the employer plans to hire more than 10 foreign workers, they’ll also need a permit from the Department of Nationality and Migration.
The processing time for a work permit is approximately 15 days. Upon approval of the work permit, prospective employees can apply for a visa to enter Belarus.
A work permit in Belarus is typically issued for one year. However, highly qualified employees may be eligible to receive one that’s valid for two years.
Other Important Considerations
While Belarus is a European country, your company should note that it’s not currently a member state of the European Union (EU). As a result, the country’s work visa requirements apply to the majority of foreign nationals, including those who are citizens of countries within the EU. That said,Belarus does have special agreements with certain countries —including the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia —that allow citizens to work in the country without a permit.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
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