Special work permit in Belarus 2025-2026

However, Belarusian law also provides exceptions for certain categories of foreigners who do not need a work permit. To fully understand the situation, it is important to look at who must obtain a work permit, who is exempt, and what exact steps are required to secure this document. In addition, one must also know how to apply for a work visa based on a permit and how to later obtain a residence permit (ВНЖ) in Belarus based on employment.
First, the key question is: who needs a special work permit in Belarus? According to Belarusian legislation, most foreign citizens who want to work in Belarus are required to obtain this permit before starting their employment. This applies to both skilled and unskilled workers. Whether a foreigner wants to work in construction, agriculture, IT, healthcare, logistics, or manufacturing, they need to have a valid work permit issued by the migration department. The employer in Belarus is the one who usually applies for the permit on behalf of the foreign worker, since the document is tied to the specific job and company. This means that a work permit is not a general license to work anywhere in Belarus but is instead linked to one particular employer and job position.

At the same time, the law clearly defines who does not need to obtain a special work permit in Belarus. Exemptions apply to several categories of foreign citizens. For example, citizens of the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan – countries that are members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) – are allowed to work in Belarus without needing a special permit. This is because of the free labor movement agreement within the EAEU. In addition, foreign citizens who hold permanent residence permits in Belarus, recognized refugees, and certain highly skilled specialists may also be exempt. Employees invited by international organizations or working under intergovernmental agreements may also be allowed to work without obtaining a work permit. These exemptions are important to understand because they simplify the process for certain categories of foreigners.
For all other foreign nationals, however, the procedure for obtaining a special work permit in Belarus must be followed. The process is step by step and requires careful preparation.

The main stages of obtaining a work permit are as follows:
Job Offer – The process starts with the foreign citizen securing a job offer from a Belarusian employer. Without an employer willing to hire, the permit cannot be issued.
Application by Employer – Once the agreement is reached, the employer in Belarus applies to the local migration office for a special work permit for the foreigner. The application must include details about the job, the foreigner’s qualifications, and supporting documents.
Submission of Documents – The employer must provide necessary documents, including a draft employment contract, proof that the position cannot be filled by a local worker, copies of the foreigner’s passport, and other relevant paperwork.
Review by Migration Authorities – The migration office reviews the application to ensure compliance with Belarusian labor and migration laws.
Issuance of Work Permit – If the application is successful, the foreign citizen is granted a special work permit valid for one year, with the possibility of extension. In certain cases, permits can be issued for up to two years.
Employment Contract – After obtaining the permit, the employer and the foreign worker sign an official employment contract registered with the labor authorities.This step-by-step process ensures that all foreign workers are legally employed and protected under Belarusian labor laws.
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Once the special work permit is issued, the next stage is applying for a Belarus work visa. Many people ask, how to get a work visa in Belarus on the basis of a work permit?
The process is quite structured. With the work permit in hand, the foreign worker applies for a long-term work visa at the Belarusian embassy or consulate in their home country.
The required documents usually include:
·      A valid passport.
·      Completed visa application form.
·      Passport-sized photographs.
·      Copy of the special work permit.
·      Medical insurance valid in Belarus.
·      Police clearance certificate confirming no criminal record.
·      Visa fee payment receipt.

Visa processing usually takes between 10 to 15 working days, though in some cases it can be expedited. The work visa is usually granted for the same period as the work permit and allows the foreign citizen to legally enter Belarus and start employment.
An important point for many foreigners is what happens after arriving in Belarus. Once in the country, the foreign worker must register with the local migration authorities and apply for a temporary residence permit based on their employment. This is an essential step because a visa only allows entry, but the residence permit ensures that the foreigner can live and work in Belarus for the duration of their contract.
The procedure for obtaining a residence permit (ВНЖ) in Belarus on the basis of a work visa is also clearly defined. The main steps include:
Submitting an application at the local citizenship and migration office.
Providing supporting documents such as the employment contract, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and police clearance certificate.
Showing evidence of financial stability (usually the salary from the employment contract).
Undergoing any required medical checks.
 
Waiting for approval by migration authorities, which usually takes about one month.
Once granted, the temporary residence permit allows the foreign worker to legally reside in Belarus and is usually valid for one year, renewable each year as long as the employment continues. After living in Belarus for several years with continuous residence permits, foreign citizens may even apply for permanent residence, which provides more rights and stability.
For many workers from outside the EAEU, such as citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, and African countries, this procedure is the only legal way to work in Belarus. The system is designed to protect the rights of both employees and employers and to regulate the labor market.
 
From an SEO perspective, many people search for answers to questions such as: What is a special work permit in Belarus? Who must obtain a work permit? Who is exempt from a work permit? How to apply for a work visa in Belarus based on a work permit? How to get a residence permit in Belarus through employment? Providing clear, detailed, and step-by-step information helps foreign workers better prepare for the process and avoid mistakes.
In conclusion, obtaining a special work permit in Belarus is the key to legal employment for most foreign nationals. Citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union countries do not need one, but for all others, the permit is essential. The process requires cooperation between the foreign worker and the Belarusian employer, submission of required documents, and approval from migration authorities. With the work permit, the foreign worker can then apply for a work visa, enter Belarus legally, and secure a residence permit based on employment. This pathway ensures legality, stability, and protection under Belarusian law, making Belarus an attractive destination for many international workers.
 
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