A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is a service provider that acts as a co-employer for your Belarus team. This means the PEO assumes the legal responsibilities of an employer, handling tasks like payroll processing, tax filings, social security contributions, and employee benefits administration. You, the business owner, maintain control over day-to-day operations and strategic direction for your team. PEOs offer a comprehensive solution to streamline HR tasks and ensure compliance with Belarus labor laws, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Here’s a breakdown of what a PEO typically doesn’t cover, focusing on clarity and targeting the Belarus market:

• Day-to-Day Management: While a PEO handles administrative aspects of HR, you retain control over employee supervision, performance management, and setting strategic direction for your team.
• Training & Development: The PEO focuses on onboarding and legal compliance. Training and development programs for your Belarus team might require additional investment or internal planning.
• Work Location & Equipment: You’re responsible for determining your employees’ work location (office, remote, etc.) and providing any necessary equipment for their job duties.
• Termination Decisions: The PEO doesn’t make hiring or firing decisions. You, as the business owner, maintain the authority to terminate employment based on your internal policies.
• Specific Benefits: Some specialized benefits, like company cars or stock options, might require additional setup outside the PEO’s standard offerings.

Additionally, in Belarus:

• Certain Regulated Professions: Some professions with specific licensing requirements (e.g., doctors, lawyers) might have limitations when working through a PEO.

It’s always best to discuss your specific needs with a PEO provider to ensure their services align with your Belarus expansion goals.

PEOs can significantly boost your business in Belarus, but some companies benefit more than others. Here’s who thrives with a PEO by their side:

• Startup Streamliners: Launching a business? Don’t waste time building an HR department. PEOs handle payroll, taxes, and compliance, letting you focus on growing your business quickly.
• Global Expansion Experts: Entering the Belarus market? A PEO acts as your HR guide, explaining local regulations and ensuring you follow the rules.
• Resource-Conscious Businesses: Small team, big ambitions? PEOs become your virtual HR team, freeing up your internal staff for strategic planning and projects.
• Remote Workforce Managers: Managing a team spread across Belarus? PEOs ensure consistent HR processes and compliance for all employees, no matter their location.
• Staffing Flexibility Seekers: Does your team size change throughout the year? PEOs adjust their services accordingly, eliminating the burden of managing HR for temporary staff.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between PEOs and employee leasing companies in Belarus:

• Control & Responsibility: PEO (Professional Employer Organization) acts as a co-employer with you. You retain control over hiring, firing, and employee supervision, while the PEO handles payroll, taxes, benefits administration, and compliance. Employee Leasing Company leases employees directly to your company. You gain control over the employee’s work, but the leasing company remains the legal employer, handling all HR tasks and responsibilities.
• Employee Relationship: With PEO your employees have a legal relationship with both you and the PEO. This allows for a more integrated team dynamic. With an Employee Leasing Company they are considered leased personnel, solely linked to the leasing company. This can create a separation between your company and the leased workers.
• Flexibility & Duration: PEO offers more flexibility. You can easily add or remove employees from your PEO plan as needed. Contracts are typically less restrictive. Leasing arrangements may have specific terms and durations, impacting your ability to quickly adjust staffing levels.
• Cost Structure: PEO fees are typically based on a percentage of your payroll. Employee Leasing Company’s costs can include a base rate per employee, plus additional fees for benefits and other services.
• Suitability: PEOis ideal for businesses seeking streamlined HR, compliance support, and control over their team. Employee Leasing Company may be suitable for short-term staffing needs or situations where the leasing company holds specific industry expertise.

There Are numerous types of taxes in Belarus:

• Flat Income Tax: Both residents and non-residents pay a flat income tax rate of 13% on their Belarus-sourced income.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): The standard VAT rate in Belarus is 20%. Some goods and services may have a lower or even zero VAT rate.
• Social Security Contributions: Employers and employees each contribute a percentage of their salary to social security. This typically covers pensions, healthcare, and other social benefits.

They may seem complicated, but PEO can be help:

• They take the weight off your shoulders by handling payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments to the Belarus tax authorities. They ensure you meet all deadlines and avoid penalties.
• PEOs have a team of experts well-versed in the ever-changing Belarus tax landscape. They stay updated on new regulations and deductions, maximizing your potential tax benefits.
• They also automate many tax-related tasks, reducing the risk of errors and saving you valuable time. No more scrambling to meet deadlines or decipher complex tax forms.
• Managing payroll taxes in-house can require additional staff or software. PEOs offer a cost-effective solution, especially for smaller businesses.
• Besides, PEOs can also help with social security contributions, ensuring both you and your employees fulfill your obligations.

Belarus has a distinct set of employment laws that can be tricky for newcomers. 

The Highlights:

• Standard Workweek: 40 hours per week, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is permitted but regulated.
• Minimum Wage: Belarus sets a minimum wage that’s regularly adjusted. Your PEO can ensure you comply with this requirement.
• Paid Time Off: Employees are entitled to paid vacation days, sick leave, and other forms of leave. A PEO helps manage these processes and ensure legal compliance.
• Termination: Both employers and employees have specific rights regarding termination of employment. Your PEO can guide you through the legal steps and paperwork involved.

Think of a PEO as your legal compass for Belarus employment law. They help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline HR processes, and ensure a smooth working relationship with your Belarusian employees. This allows you to focus on building a successful team and achieving your business goals.

Foreign employees typically require work permits to be legally employed in Belarus. The process involves approvals from various government agencies. Depending on nationality and the length of stay, foreign workers may need visas to enter and work in Belarus. Obtaining work permits and visas involves specific documents and adhering to complex regulations.

PEOs have a deep understanding of Belarus immigration laws and procedures. They guide you through the process, saving you time and ensuring you meet all requirements. They can help gather and prepare the necessary documentation, streamlining the application process for work permits and visas. They help you navigate the complexities, avoid delays, and ensure your foreign talent can legally join your team. This allows you to focus on building a diverse and skilled workforce to drive your business forward.

Employment contracts are the foundation of your relationship with your Belarusian employees. They must be in writing and can be bilingual (Russian and Belarusian). You need to specify job details, salary, benefits, working hours, vacation days, and termination clauses. Ensure your contract aligns with Belarus labor laws to avoid legal issues.

PEOs provide expertise in drafting compliant employment contracts that protect your business interests while adhering to Belarusian employee rights. The experts understand the intricacies of Belarus employment law and ensure your contracts reflect the latest regulations and best practices. They can ensure accurate translations that avoid misunderstandings. Some PEOs can even offer guidance during contract negotiations with potential employees.

The cost can vary depending on the number of employees, services, location, PEO provider, etc.

To give you a general idea, expect EOR services in Belarus to typically fall within the range of $100 – $200 USD monthly fee per employee.